Moab, Ut to Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain.

Thom02099 wrote:

TNRIVERSIDE wrote:
Yes, this is a good route. There are only a few ways of getting there, and this is the best route. One minor correction, though; it's 119 to 72 to 7 (CO 7) which takes you right in to Estes Park. CO 72 T intersects at CO 7, make a left, go past Allenspark and then in to Estes Park.

Thanks. What are the roads like heading north from I-70?

The Central City Parkway is a relative new road,and in close proximity to Idaho Springs. Built by Central City to get gamblers up to there rather than going to Black Hawk (big rivalry between the two towns-subject of a different discussion!). It's a lot of uphill but it's also 3-4 lanes all the way to town. It's not overly steep, RVers and tour busses do it all the time. And as stated in another post, there's an excellent KOA there, which is also new. The KOA used to be just outside of Black Hawk, but moved several years ago to their current location.

CO 119 from Black Hawk to Nederland is a pretty drive, good road surface. There are some spots with hairpin curves, but nothing overly stressful. Again, RVers do it all the time. And there's far more areas that aren't as curvy or up/down. Downhill into Nederland, where you'll pick up CO 72.

CO 72 takes you from Nederland to just shy of Allenspark, and goes past the funky 60s hippy town of Ward CO. Good roadway again, wide shoulders, guardrails, the whole nine yards! Yes there are curves, and yes it goes up and down. But it is not difficult. One thing to watch for -- motorcycles. They LOVE the Peak-to-Peak, so be aware of them, coming at you or passing you.

CO 72 intersects with CO 7 just outside of Allenspark. CO 7 at this point is not bad, it's been resurfaced for most of it, heading north toward Estes. Past Meeker Park and as you enter Larimer County, the roadway narrows considerably, minimal shoulders. Steep, long downhill into Estes Park, but there are some shoulders and guardrails. Road surface is rough and has been patched...many times.

Besides the KOA mentioned, the old location outside of Black Hawk is now called Dory Hill Campground. It's seen better days, but has FHU. It's been years since I've stayed there, so can't really comment further. There's also access past Dory Hill to Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and specifically Reverend's Ridge CG inside the park. HIGHLY recommend it. Electric only at sites, but paved roads/pads and nicely spaced between sites. A very good value and very popular, so make reservations if this interests you. There are also 3-4 USFS CG between Black Hawk and Nederland, and then there's 3-4 more between Nederland and Estes Park. All are also very popular. If these interest you, PM me and I can give you some specific info. None have hookups.

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Really Good info as usual from Thom

Night time drive, as Lauren says is a no, no - just too pretty to miss seeing - Golden Gate would be an Excellent stop if you can get there before dark - might stay for a day or two, giving you the chance to explore in the TV.

Enjoy the Drive,