Decb

I am from the gulf coast and I feel uneasy about driving winding mountain roads, especially ones with no guard rails. We are thinking about driving to Estes Park from Denver. Can anyone tell me what the roads are like driving up to Estes, say using Hwy 36? Thanks. Decb

debjones

Hi,
I live in Fort Collins, about 50 miles north of Denver and just down the canyon from Estes Park. I think you will find it a much easier drive than you are anticipating from Denver to Estes. Many people drive to Lyons and then up to Estes. The road is easy, can be congested during the summer. Just be sure the driver keeps their eyes on the road, rather than the scenery. Best to pull over and stop for the driver to take a look. Really, though, not a hairy drive at all. Enjoy! If you get feeling pretty comfortable you might try taking the Big Thompson Canyon, Hwy 34, down out of Estes - it's truly beautiful drive, especially in the early AM - can often see deer, big horn sheep, and if you're really lucky, sometimes a black bear! Let me know if I can give you any other info. You'll have a great time!

Cats_Do_Dance

It's been a few years since my family has driven to Estes Park and I'm terrible about remembering the names of roads. That being said, I never felt afraid of the drive to Estes Park from Denver and we did it once in the midst of a driving rain. Relax, look straight ahead and you should be fine.

jasper

decb...i was in estes park years ago. i stayed at the stanley hotel. it was wonderful! i had the best nachos at 'su casa'! i wouldn't worry to much about the roads. they are perfectly safe, and well worth just the views and the mountains!! although little brother did get car sick! wonderful memories of that trip to colorado. enjoy!

yale

The drive to Estes is a piece of cake. Hwy 36 is a highway. You'll be aok. You might get a little nervous on Trail Ridge Road into RMNP, but everyone drives so slow on that road anyway that you have nothing to fear.

Gretchen

You are basically not yet in the mountains from Boulder to Estes Park. It's a superhighway.
The Trail Ridge Road through the Park is up there however. Beautiful.

Decb

Thanks to everyone so far for the info. It sounds like we might try it. Any other replies are always welcomed. We are also thinking about including a few days in Colorado Springs, to see Pikes Peak etc. What is the drive like from Denver there? I always like to know ahead of time what to expect, especially when driving. If I can help anyone with tips about the gulf coast feel free to ask. Thanks. Decb

Gretchen

The drive to CoSprings from Denver is on a major interstate--25. Very crowded.

chitowngirl

Hi. Last summer we flew into Denver and drove to Estes Park then on to Colorado Springs and back into Denver. The drive was not bad and we are from Illinois where things are relatively flat. However that being said, the Trail Ridge road (from Estes to Grand Lake) was a horse of a different color. We did get nervous, but since we were staying on the Estes side we only did a potion of the drive once. For those of us not used to driving in these types of areas tend to drive slower, therefore I am sure, driving the locals crazy, but there were plenty of turnoffs that you could pull aside, let people pass and continue on.
Take your time and you will be fine.

yale

I-25 to Colorado Springs is only really bad during rush hour - morning, lunchtime and evening. Try to hit it in between.

Decb

Thanks for all the info. We will be driving to Estes Park. Does anyone know if the road into the park to the lot where you get the shuttle to Bear Lake is "scary"? (curving with drop offs)

debjones

Hi,
Road to Bear lake is NOT scary at all. Was up there last week - since we have had a relatively cool summer, you may see lots of elk and/or deer on the way just after you enter the Park! HAVE FUN - this is realoly not scary driving - just take it slow if you do Trail Ridge Road - the driver needs to keep their eyes ont he road - do frequent turnouts so the driver gets to gawk also!