We will be staying in Estes Park and going to RMNP for a couple of days. We will have one full day of travel as we are going back to Denver to fly out. We don't mind driving out of the way for a scenic route. Would it be worth it to go to Breckenridge and then over? Would welcome suggestions. Our trip so far is flying in late to Denver...then over to Boulder for a day and night...then on to Estes Park. Thanks for any ideas.

I like the drive down 72 and 119 then onto 70. Easy drive. Casinos and Nederland on the way. Nederland has a few decent shops, including a rock shop and a good little jewelry place... others too. I like Nederland.
You could take the Oh My God road from Central to Idaho Springs. It is one of my favorite drives.
Just please go very slow...

There really isn't a scenic way to Denver from Estes Park. Estes is barely on the edge of mountains. You could go over Trail Ridge Road and take 34 and 40 past Winter Park and back to Denver. Or swing by Georgetown just a few minutes west on I-70 from the 40I-70 junction. Take the Georgetown Loop Railroad. It is a fun and scenic ride and old mining tunnel is worth the visit. Georgetown is about an hour from the airport. Don't think there is any advantage to going on to Breckenridge.

Don't know what you mean by "go to Breckenridge and then over." Over what ??? Breckenridge is basicly a 90 mile drive due west into the mountains.

If you don't want to go by Winter Park. 72 out of Estes Park down to Nederland and then to Boulder via Boulder canyon is pretty scenic and would only add a couple hours back to Denver.

Also wondering a bit about this,
as we're contemplating a late arrival into Denver Airport...and wondering where to stay.

Arriving 10pm, it looks like...too far to drive all the way to Estes Park? Any hazards at night, like animals likely, or just go for it??

Thinking of staying in Boulder maybe. (halfway there) Figure by time we get rental car & luggage, it will be 11pm before even leaving Denver.
Or, maybe Longmount makes more sense?

I thought I also read there was a more 'scenic' way into Estes Park...via Boulder perhaps? Is that 7? For our OP here, I think she's saying he has extra time, so could really go 'off the beaten path' if something worthwhile on way back from RMNP...or not even on exact way back!

Another area that intrigues *me* for a stay is Allenspark. Would that make sense late at night coming from Denver Airport? Or just stay Boulder? Or hit Estes Park?
Thanks for any help from others...I think we'll do a 2nd night in the area...probably Estes Park, so can hike one day at that end of the park. Thanks!

Daydreamer, don't know where you are coming from but I would stay around the airport. It is late and there is a wide selection of hotels near the airport.

I kind of interested is the perception you might have of driving to Estes. It is just barely past the foothills. As a local I don't think that any of the Estes approaches are very scenic. Although I know it is popular with out of state tourists -- and for that we are thankful -- it is not high on the places that I visit.

If you have a place to stay in Estes, it's an easy drive on 470 to I25 to 34 (Loveland); but about 12/ to 2 hours.

Thanks, guys!
No place to stay yet, but was thinking some might have 2 night min since this will be a wknd, so if it's doable to reach the night we arrive, might consider it. Not sure if Baldpate or Allenspark would be quicker or
LESS quick than Estes Park proper from the Denver Airport?

Also, if we do end up doing Boulder...
about how much time to there?
Exactly halfway between airport & Estes Park.

As far as scenery, I've been before but 20 yrs ago, so have no recollection at all of Estes Park. Don't believe we lodged there, but then, have to wonder as not many other places to! ;-) Anyway, it was some book that mentioned 7 being perhaps a bit more scenic, but seeing that Estes Park is still so far from the mtns,
who knows? Sounds like it's not particularly striking in its scenery, I guess, from postings here. Thanks again!