Boulder To/From RMNP

Thom is my reliable source for the area to keep current on things. We lived in Estes Park 1995-2003 so I know the basics, but things change over time. You got good advice IMHO.

Thanks to everyone for the great comments. I really appreciate it and I'll try to get as many of the routes in as I can. And yes, as a special concession to my friends here on rv.net, I'll refrain from my normal driving practice, which is to clog up traffic for miles and then when people finally manage to zoom by me, give 'em the finger! :B

Nothing to add either - except to ask you to keep an eye open for traffic buildup behind you and be willing to pull over to let us by. :)

Thom02099 wrote:

Kaz wrote:
On a trip from Georgia, up to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, etc., next Summer, we'll be stopping to see friends in Boulder, then up to Rocky Mountain National Park (Moraine Campground) for a few days, then back down and on our way. My trip planning software is routing me up to RMNP on US-36 and back down on US-34. Any issues for our teeny Class A on either road? It's only a gasser V-10; think I'll be able to pull the toad, or should I plan on having the wifey-poo drive it instead? If it matters, I'm not a very experienced mountain road driver. Thanks for the help.

No issues at all, either one of those routes are very doable and easy drives. Keep in mind that, in both cases, you're in a canyon, following a river, so there's really no excessively steep areas to deal with. Some twisties, yes, but not steep. Both drives are very scenic for different reasons. Should not be an issue for your Class A pulling the toad, no need to disconnect and have it travel up separately.

If you have the time and inclination, there's a very scenic alternative route. Take CO 119 up from Boulder through Boulder Canyon to Nederland, and then take CO 72/CO7 (the Peak-to-Peak Highway) to Estes Park and RMNP. It's a beautiful drive, is not difficult at all, and you'll get to see even more of our beautiful Colorado. You'll be driving in the shadows of Long's Peak and Mount Meeker, 2 of the iconic peak views from out east, and a different perspective up close.

Thom, as usual has the correct reply, only thing I might add is to try to drive all three routes as they are all different and Beautiful and Interesting drives, when we are visiting I often will just go on one of these routes to just Feel Good.

Great advice,

Kaz wrote:
On a trip from Georgia, up to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, etc., next Summer, we'll be stopping to see friends in Boulder, then up to Rocky Mountain National Park (Moraine Campground) for a few days, then back down and on our way. My trip planning software is routing me up to RMNP on US-36 and back down on US-34. Any issues for our teeny Class A on either road? It's only a gasser V-10; think I'll be able to pull the toad, or should I plan on having the wifey-poo drive it instead? If it matters, I'm not a very experienced mountain road driver. Thanks for the help.

No issues at all, either one of those routes are very doable and easy drives. Keep in mind that, in both cases, you're in a canyon, following a river, so there's really no excessively steep areas to deal with. Some twisties, yes, but not steep. Both drives are very scenic for different reasons. Should not be an issue for your Class A pulling the toad, no need to disconnect and have it travel up separately.

If you have the time and inclination, there's a very scenic alternative route. Take CO 119 up from Boulder through Boulder Canyon to Nederland, and then take CO 72/CO7 (the Peak-to-Peak Highway) to Estes Park and RMNP. It's a beautiful drive, is not difficult at all, and you'll get to see even more of our beautiful Colorado. You'll be driving in the shadows of Long's Peak and Mount Meeker, 2 of the iconic peak views from out east, and a different perspective up close.