broseyh

Hello. I am traveling with my family this June to Colorado. We are spending the first weekend in Estes Park, leaving to Grand Lake on Monday morning. When I try to see the what the travel time on GPS would be, it detours me around route 34 (which is a four hour trip). I am assuming this is because the road is closed in the winter? Can anyone tell me how long it would take to get from Estes Park to Grand Lake and if I should be able to count on it being open the first week of June. Thanks so much in advance!

Nelson

Yes, your GPS probably rerouting due to winter closure.

If you just drove without stopping and there is light traffic it would take about 90 minutes. But you'll want to stop so I'd plan for the fours hours minimum.

First week of June is hard to predict. Usually it's OK, but one never knows. Keep an eye on it, starting around mid-May, they'll have a better idea by then:
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvis...status.htm#trr

Be aware it can close temporarily at any time due to weather.

Also, note that 34 is currently closed between Loveland and Estes, if you are coming that way. It's supposed to open by the end of May, but if not you'll have to go through Lyons instead.

michelhuebeli

I think 90 minutes is optimistic, I'd count on 2 hrs if traffic is "normal". But you should budget on more, for reasons stated below.

It goes over Trail Ridge Road at 12,000 feet. Give it some time, for two reasons:

1) It's high up there, and you may feel it.

2) It's gorgeous up there and you may want to stop, look, and take pictures.

If you're used to rushing up to high altitudes, you may know that you're not going to feel it. What about the others in your car?

Consider stopping a few times on the way up. For example, as you start climbing after you pass Hidden Valley, you'll come across a look-out ramp on the left, in a curve, Many-Parks Curve, after which there is a parking area. Stop, walk back, look out, take pictures (Long's Peak across the valley etc.), and have a cup of tea from your thermos, or some water.

The trip interruption and the leg stretch will prevent feeling bad later on.

The next pull-out is Rainbow Curve - there are toilets, and different views compared to Many-Parks. Get out of the car, walk around, spend 15 minutes or so.

Now proceed, and when you get to the top, you should be alright, or at least not as woozy and queasy as many people feel if they drive straight up without taking the time to adjust.

There are toilets on top also, and a Visitor Center, just past what's called Rock Cut - you'll know it when you see it.

Tabernash2

When you get to Grand Lake, be sure to visit the Grand Lake Lodge for lunch or dinner, on the patio overlooking the lake. It's spectacular.

michelhuebeli

And when you come out of the park having descended from Trail Ridge Road, while approaching Grand Lake eventually, be on the lookout for moose. In June you could even see young ones - fingers crossed.

fmpden

You SHOULD be able to count on Trail Ridge Road being open by the first weekend in June (3rd). The target to open Trail Ridge is always Memorial Day week. Majority of the time that target is meet. However there had been times when it does not. This year could be one. At the moment we are having record snow fall in that area. So a late Spring with late snow storms could impact the ability to get the road open. On the upper third of the road the scenery will be limited because of the snow cover and many times huge cuts through snow banks. And at that time of year any late snow or high winds can quick close the road so be sure to have some winter gear - boots, coats, etc., with you.

Drink lots of water and take it easy but there is really no way to adjust to the altitude while driving the road. Your body will routine adjust about 1000 feet per day that you are at altitude. No way to rush it.