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MNawman's avatar
MNawman
Explorer
May 05, 2021

Estes Park to Loveland

I’m planning a trip from Estes Park Co to the Black Hills SD. I ll be driving a 43 ft class A with Jeep in tow. Can I take US 34? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Mark
  • MNawman wrote:
    Great. Thank you!

    Mark


    And if you don't know already, get north as fast as you can. Denver has gotten to be horrible... We were going to Estes as long as 35 years ago and have friends (natives) who can no longer afford to live there even though their parents left multiple kids a couple hundred K each after estate settlements. That's bad... We now live in MT and the "last best place" is starting to head down that path itself...

    We don't even go to Estes anymore and I hear Rocky Mountain is going to have "reserved" access this year... Amazing. We were going to retire there but now have land in Custer in the Black Hills. Custer is a good place to base out of for the Black Hills.

    Big Pine and Fort Welicat are good sites that can take your unit and are NOT parking lots. Good luck getting a reservation. Hit the "purple pie" place and the little restaurant downtown for breakfast... In the park, hit the Game lodge, get an adult beverage and sit on the porch... Best time to hit the wildlife loop is early and late for animals. But anytime is good. Day trips to Badlands easy, Iron Mountain road and needles are a must... Sylvan lake lodge is very nice also for an easy hike around the lake or hard if you want and do dinner at the lodge there and sit outside. Ask for one of the local maps by most every cash register in the Black Hills... Looks like this https://www.blackhillsvacations.com/plan-your-visit/black-hills-maps
  • craig7h wrote:
    Should not be a problem, good road with turns but not to sharp.


    ^^^^^ This.

    After the 2013 Flood, much of the roadway, especially below Drake, was rebuilt. It was raised in places, and straightened out in places. Very good road surface.

    If you have the time, 2 places to check out: The Cherry Pie place just before you enter the Narrows on the eastbound side, has great cherry cider, pies, and jellies; and the Dam Store as you exit the Narrows and canyon, has a great view of a waterfall there and a gift shop.
  • Should not be a problem, good road with turns but not to sharp.