eduardo

Dont bother with Estes or RMNP unless you want to be with a ton of people fighting crowds standing inline and looking for parking places. Big mistake. For a real taste of Colorado drive to Leadville and over Independence Pass to Aspen. You can make a loop and stop at Glenwood Spgs Hot Springs on your way back.

StanKase

We are already booked at Romantic River Song Inn for Aug. 12-15 in a B&B suite from which they say even in Aug. because of this years snow we will see snow capted mountains and the remains of a few glaciers. Are we getting a "sales-pitch" or is it likely to be true.

Also, how bad will the traffic be on a Sunday afternoon and all day Monday 8/14 to travel through RMNP? I am from the NY area and hate 30mph traffic.

TheWeasel

There are some permanent snowfields and glaciers in RMNP, although the glaciers are pretty small compared to other places (such as Alaska). So, you will see snow in places, and I suppose snow-capped mountains of a sort. It certainly won't look like the classic snow-capped mountains.

I doubt you'll like the traffic. The roads are fairly winding, and you're lucky to get above 45-50 for any length of time. The road (Trail Ridge Road) through the park will average about 30 mph probably - you're going around some tight curves, lots of people drive slow because sections are on the edge of a steep drop-off, and of course with all the scenery, everyone's looking around. There are a few sections where you can go faster, but the slow spots average it out. Slower drivers are supposed to pull over and let faster ones go by, but lots of them don't, so if you get stuck behind a long line, just enjoy the scenery, and pull over yourself if it gets too annoying.

Donna1185

Are there guard rails on these steep drop offs on Trail Ridge? :0)
Were taking Independence pass from Aspen to Grand Lake and I hear in some spots there aren't guard rails there.

TheWeasel

Not usually. I think the only place you can count on guardrails is on the curves, and even then some of them are no more than low stone walls (and I mean maybe a foot or so high in some spots). But, as others have said, if you're driving around a curve on a normal road, it's not like you're bumping into the guardrails, so it's really not an issue, except for the fear factor.

There are places with steep drop offs and nothing to catch you but maybe a few trees. That's part of the reason the speed limit is low.

Donna1185

Were going to try and get onto Trail Ridge Rd around 8:00am from Grand Lake, hopefully we won't hit that much traffic. We want to go to Bear Lake on the way to Estes, is that doable in the one day?

TheWeasel

Absolutely. I'd give yourself at least until noon to get to Bear Lake. Even though the drive won't take that long, for your first trip over TRR you're going to want to stop along the way at various points. Plus, that's still relatively early in the morning, so it might be a good time to look for moose on the west side (Coyote Valley, Beaver Ponds, etc.).

Traffic won't be much until you get to the Alpine Visitor Center. After that, I would expect more traffic, but really, the majority of traffic is in the afternoon all over. I would guess though that by the time you get to the Bear Lake area most trailhead lots may be full or nearly so, so consider parking in the Park 'n' Ride lot and using the shuttle to get up there.

lenleigh

We were there on a Sat/Sun and while there is traffic, I don't think it is as bad as people are saying it is. There was about two times when someone wanted to go faster than us and we were doing the limit. I never understand why someone wants to speed through the park though. We pulled over in a parking lot to watch some elk cross the road. Two cars stopped to let them pass and some jerk in a truck comes up and honks (which made the elk run away) and then he drives past the other two cars on the wrong side of the road.

And yes, there are no guard rails towards the top on Trail Ridge. I hate it when I'm not the one driving but the worst parts you'll get through somewhat quickly. There are also parts up at the top where there is quite a large amount of land and it's relatively level. That's where we spotted more Elk.

Donna1185

Where is the best place to get driving directions? Mapquest doesn't go thru Independence Pass on the way back from Aspen to Grand Lake?

starrsville

A map?

starrsville

Have you tried the different options on Mapquest, such as "shortest distance" or "avoid highways"?

Donna1185

Yeah, did all that... I'll see if I can go to AAA of NY and see if they have any Maps.....
Whats the weather like in July? Is there alot of rain?

yale

July will be pleasant in the mountains. You'll probably experience the typical afternoon thunder shower. But those clear up.

furledleader

Try breaking up your request on mapquest into smaler sections, For instance, get directions from Aspen to Leadvile first, then ask for directions from Leadvile to Silverthorne, then Silverthorne to Kremmling, then Kremling to Grand Lake, etc.

starrsville

furledleader, that's the exact route Mapquest comes up with when you choose the "shortest distance" option.

That's why I can't understand why the OP is having so much trouble with this.

Donna1185

Got it, Thanks!

ecpirate

Lots of helpful information on Estes Park and Aspen! We will be going this year the last week in September. What is the weather like that time of year? How cold will it get at night? Is it still possible to go rafting that late in the year or is it too cold? We have a place to stay in Aspen but thought we'd spend the last 2 nights in Estes Park to see some of RMNP and be closer to fly out of Denver. How long will it take to get to the Denver airport for an 11 a.m. flight? Any suggestions for places to stay near Estes Park, there are 2 couples. We would like to play golf in both places. Any recommendations? Thanks so much, personal advice is so much better than the guidebooks.

tekwriter

<<What is the weather like that time of year? How cold will it get at night?>> Weather can range from sunny and warm to snow, but at that time of year is usually excellent, clear fall weather. Be prepared for both warm and cold - temps could be below freezing at night or in 70s in the day.

<<Is it still possible to go rafting that late in the year or is it too cold?>> No rafting - rivers are too low and staff have gone on to their winter jobs.

<<How long will it take to get to the Denver airport for an 11 a.m. flight?>> 90 minute drive without traffic, but allow two hours minimum esp. if you're returning a rental car

>>Any suggestions for places to stay near Estes Park, there are 2 couples.>> Romantic Riversong is a upscale, romantic B&B if you want to impress the wives. If you want a 2-BR place w/kitchen, fireplace, deck, best place is Woodlands on Fall River, or Boulder Brook next door. Anyplace on Fall River Road is generally a good bet.

<<We would like to play golf in both places.>> Estes has a public course by Estes Lake. Elk wandering on the course is a normal hazard.