How To Get There
Click links located on map for detailed maps and pictures
|
_____ Fastest Route from Airport From the airport or the east via I-70, the fastest route is to take the new
I-470 toll road. As the name implies, it will cost you - $3.50 from the airport or $5.25 from I-70. It is well
worth it to skip the drive through Denver proper. From I-470, take I-25 north, Highway 66 to Lyons, then
Highway 36 to Estes Park. Distance from airport - 75.2 miles
_____ Most Scenery/Historical Sites If you have plenty of time, this is the route to take. From the east or
the airport, take I-70 through Denver to Highway 6 and Golden, home of the Coors Brewery. Past Golden, 6
takes you through scenic Clear Creek Canyon. This is a very popular recreational area, so weekend traffic
may be heavy. (If this is a concern, bypass it by staying on I-70 until exit 244.) Turn north on Higway 119,
which takes you close to Black Hawk and Central City. These former mining towns are now highly developed
as casino sites. Central City in particular is still interesting enough to warrant a visit. Continuing north on
119, you will come to Nederland, where you will switch to Highway 72. Eventually, 72 will dead end; turn left
onto Highway 7. You will then be driving along the eastern border of Rocky Mountain National Park to Estes
Park. Distance from airport - 119.7 miles
_____ Boulder Alternate If the green route is a little too long for you, but you want off the interstate
sooner, take Highway 36 to Boulder. You can then either continue on 36 to Lyons and the red route (82.3
miles total) or take 119 west through Boulder Canyon to the northern part of the green route (105.5 miles
total).
_____ From the North From I-25, take Highway 34 through Loveland. This route takes you through the Big
Thompson Canyon. (Distance from I-25 to Estes Park - 33.4 miles)
_____ From the west Take exit 232 from I-70 and drive north on Highway 40 over Berthoud Pass. You will
then go through Winter Park, a popular ski destination. At Granby, turn onto Highway 34, which will take
you to Grand Lake and the west Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. (Distance from exit 232 to Grand
Lake - 61.3 miles)
- - - - - Trail Ridge Road The distance from Grand Lake to Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park
is 39.9 miles. Don't let that fool you. It is through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you will
ever find. Plan to take your time!
Notes: If you are coming from the south, take I-25 to any of the routes listed. If you are coming from
Denver but staying in Grand Lake, you can either take one of the eastern routes and go through the Park or
stay on I-70 to exit 232 and take the turquoise route. From the west to Estes Park, you could alternately
stay on I-70 to exit 244 and take the remainder of the green route.
Driving times are longer than you think they are. Sooner or later, every one of these roads takes you over
mountains or through canyons, which will slow you down. Many also have 2 lane sections where passing may
not be an option. You may also find yourself stopping frequently to enjoy the view. These are not roads to
be in a hurry on. Plan for this and enjoy the many sites of interest along the way.
For variety, you can always go one way and come back another. For instance, I usually fly in and out, so I
take the green route going and the red route coming back. Also, the green and turquoise routes can be
done as a loop, but expect it to take all day, and a long one at that.
Additional side trips include the road up Mount Evans, the "Oh My God" Road and either end of the Rollins
Pass Road. Georgetown, which is right off I-70, is also worth a visit. Click on the links located on the map
above for more detailed information and pictures.
MountainDrama
Rocky Mountain National Park
|
