CaptainNemo wrote:
Hi all,
We're planning a trip to Colorado in September. Our route will take us from Breckenridge to Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake. One of the routing options has us traveling north from I70 on CO 119 to CO 72 and CO 7. From what I see on the map, this appears to be a very curvy road that may be slow and tiring while driving a big rig.
Another option is to take I70 to CO 93 then to US 36. It's slightly longer but looks like it could be a better option for big rigs. On the other hand, we have some pretty steep downhill runs on I70 that the first route allows us to avoid. That said, we do have an engine brake and know how to use it.
Can anyone offer any advice based on your knowledge of the area?
Thanks in advance!
The first route is what is known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway...and justifiably so. Yes, there are curves, but nothing that will be any more strenuous than what you'll already encounter in getting to Breck. There's nothing too tight for the rig you have, and it's all state highway.
The portion from Nederland to the intersection of CO 72/CO 7, in particular is a great drive. Again, there are curves, but not a lot of significant up/down and the road is pretty good. There's a bit of a climb from the CO 72/CO 7 intersection up to Allenspark and Meeker Park, but lots of rigs do it regularly...mine included.
Of note, the roadway surface on CO 7 from Allenspark to Estes Park is in need of attention. The past couple of winters and the flood of 2013 have not been kind to the roadway. The last 7-10 miles are rough and narrow, and there's a long decline in to Estes Park, but only a couple of curves as you approach the populated area.
I-70 to CO 93 (as well as the first route to the Central City Parkway, where you can get off and go to CO 119), you'll have to go up to the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnel, then drop down to Georgetown. From there to Idaho Springs, fairly easy drive, not a lot of elevation change. Outside of Idaho Springs, you can pick up US 6 and take that to Golden, where you pick up CO 93. CO 93 not a bad drive, some ups/downs, not a lot of significant curves, but there is a caveat -- very prone to windy conditions. CO 93 takes you in to Boulder and you'll have urban traffic there, which is to say count on about 30 minutes to get through town depending on when you go through. And US 36 north of Boulder can also be prone to winds. Once you get to Lyons, it's not difficult at all, as US 36 has been significantly rebuilt after the '13 flood.
My preference is the first route, on the Peak to Peak. It's just a more pleasant drive, IMHO. When you're coming in to Estes Park, watch for the turn off on the left for Mary's Lake Road; you'll see the Mary's Lake Lodge and Condos there, and the sign points to RMNP. Take that left and go around Mary's Lake, that will take you directly to the campground.
ETA: If you do take the CO 93/US 36 route, as you come in to Estes Park, you'll see the fairgrounds across from Lake Estes and signs for the Estes Park Senior Center at 4th Street. You can make a left onto 4th St, and take it 3 blocks to the intersection with S. St Vrain Ave, which is also CO 7. Make a left, heading AWAY from town and up hill. You want to stay on CO 7 to Peak View Dr. There's a church on that corner and a blue "trailer" sign for the campground. Make a right and that takes you right to the CG.
