I remember reading a post that had a suggested driving route to Estes Park. I searched but couldn't find it. I also remember reading about toll roads and rental cars. As I remember, it was recommended that rental cars not take that route. I will ask at the rental desk.

What would you recommend as a scenic drive into Rocky Mountain National Park. We are arriving at about noon and will be driving to the YMCA in Estes.

Is it recommended to drive part of the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway?

Peak to Peak Highway is certainly more scenic--though may take a little longer. If you don't want to take the tollway in a rental car, take Pena Blvd from the airport to I-70 west. Then take I 270 to highway 36 to Boulder. Go left on Canyon Blvd in Boulder-which is also Colorado 119 up Boulder Canyon to Nederland. In Nederland, take the Peak to Peak highway--I think it's highway 72.

Do not take the tollway in a rental car. My parents were in a rental car (though not from DIA) and were charged $25 in fees and tolls. The actual toll charges should have been less than $10, which is still ridiculous, but then the rental company added on their own fees. You can use the following link for more info.

http://www.expresstoll.com/Default.a...%20Information

We usually stop at the Boulder Tea House www.boulderteahouse.com for breakfast before heading to Estes Park via the Peak to Peak Highway. It might be an interesting spot as it is very unique if you are looking for a brunch or lunch stop.

Thanks. We were in Denver 3 years ago, stayed in Boulder and Breckenridge and don't remember any issues with toll roads. From the information on the link, it looks like all the rental cars companies charge additional fees on top of the tolls. Why does that not surprise me?

Now there is news you can use about rental cars and the toll road! Big WOW.

Hi Linda, when you were here 3 years ago there were manned toll booths so you could actually pay the toll along the way. In the past year there are no longer real people to collect the toll and there is no way to pay it along the way. If you don't have a transponder a bill is sent to your home or billed through your car rental company.

Gretchen, I'm not sure I understand your comment.

You could also take I25 to Loveland and then hwy 34 up the Big Thompson canyon. If you're lucky, you can spot bighorn sheep along the road

Driving from Estes to Winter Park--I printed out directions and notice several of the roads are listed (portions toll)
Are there unmanned toll booths on those roads too?

Interesting...I know of no toll roads along that drive. What highways are listed as having tolls? Maybe the directions are including the fee for entering Rocky Mountain National Park as a toll?