Chyenne Mountain State Park to RMNP
Hi ! Hubby and I are trying to figure out best route from Colorado Springs to RMNP. We have reservation at moraine in late July. Would like to avoid heavy traffic and go a scenic way. Suggestions ple...
Forum Discussion
There's something of a compromise route. As others have stated, take I-25 north out of the Springs up to Denver, and at CO-470 head WEST. You don't want to go EAST, as that's a toll road.
Take CO-470 around the western side of the Metro and as you approach I-70 outside of Golden, follow the signs for US 6. Take US 6 WEST out of Golden through Clear Creek Canyon and at the intersection with CO-119, take that up through Black Hawk.
I'll elaborate on the Peak-to-Peak as mentioned in the post above.
When you're on CO-119 you'll be on the beginnings of the Peak-to-Peak Highway (there's blue signs the entire way); stay on CO-119 through Rollinsville (or explore there -- the East Portal is there, it's cool to watch trains coming out of the tunnel), and on to Nederland.
There, you will pick up CO-72 and continue north through Ward and on to the junction with CO-7. Turn left and continue on CO-7 through Allenspark and Meeker Park, it will take you directly in to Estes Park.
Be aware that the last 7-10 miles the road is in need of attention and is rough and narrow. There is also a long decline into Estes Park, so gear down.
The Peak-to-Peak is a beautiful drive, there's lots of places to explore and hike if you're so inclined. There's the Camp St. Malo shrine outside of Allenspark that is a wonderful photo op. It's the place where Pope John Paul II spent time when he visited Colorado. Though severely damaged by flooding a few years back, they are working to restore the area there. Still beautiful.
Also in Ward, there's a side trip you can take to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Brainard Lake/Pawnee CG area. That is a photo op that should not be missed, it is incredibly beautiful, and if you arrive there on a week day, plan to stay overnight at Pawnee. It's first come/first served and you won't regret it. You'll be at 10,600 feet so it WILL get chilly even in July, but it's an experience of a lifetime. There's incredible hiking there as well, and lots of wildlife. Great chance to see moose and elk.
This is just the tip of an viewing iceberg that can't be missed.
Take CO-470 around the western side of the Metro and as you approach I-70 outside of Golden, follow the signs for US 6. Take US 6 WEST out of Golden through Clear Creek Canyon and at the intersection with CO-119, take that up through Black Hawk.
I'll elaborate on the Peak-to-Peak as mentioned in the post above.
When you're on CO-119 you'll be on the beginnings of the Peak-to-Peak Highway (there's blue signs the entire way); stay on CO-119 through Rollinsville (or explore there -- the East Portal is there, it's cool to watch trains coming out of the tunnel), and on to Nederland.
There, you will pick up CO-72 and continue north through Ward and on to the junction with CO-7. Turn left and continue on CO-7 through Allenspark and Meeker Park, it will take you directly in to Estes Park.
Be aware that the last 7-10 miles the road is in need of attention and is rough and narrow. There is also a long decline into Estes Park, so gear down.
The Peak-to-Peak is a beautiful drive, there's lots of places to explore and hike if you're so inclined. There's the Camp St. Malo shrine outside of Allenspark that is a wonderful photo op. It's the place where Pope John Paul II spent time when he visited Colorado. Though severely damaged by flooding a few years back, they are working to restore the area there. Still beautiful.
Also in Ward, there's a side trip you can take to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Brainard Lake/Pawnee CG area. That is a photo op that should not be missed, it is incredibly beautiful, and if you arrive there on a week day, plan to stay overnight at Pawnee. It's first come/first served and you won't regret it. You'll be at 10,600 feet so it WILL get chilly even in July, but it's an experience of a lifetime. There's incredible hiking there as well, and lots of wildlife. Great chance to see moose and elk.
This is just the tip of an viewing iceberg that can't be missed.
