Moab, Ut to Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain.

TNRIVERSIDE wrote:
Planing one leg of our summer trip. Going from Moab to Moraine campground in the Rocky Mountain NP. It looks like I-70 to Central City Pkwy to 119 to 72 to 36. I have a couple of questions. It's this the best route? It looks like it is near 400 miles. We try to keep it to 300 unless it is all interstate then 400 miles is our comfort zone.
Hoping someone can tell me how bad the last stretch of this drive is. It looks like a lot or slow driving. Posiably in the dark.
Also if we make it a two day drive are there any good campgrounds in the Idaho Springs area? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

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.

Regarding the mileage, there's really no need or reason (or good CG) to stop in Idaho Springs, unless you really want to, to see the sights and perhaps take in the Mount Evans area and the road to the summit of Mount Evans. Driving straight through, you're on I-70, to the Central City Parkway, which is 3-4 lane all the way. CO 119/CO72 and most of CO7 are good mountain roads. There are curves and ups/downs, but it's not a bad drive. The last 7-10 miles on CO7, the roadway is a bit rough/torn up, and is sorely in need of repair. Not to say it's not driveable, but just rough, so take it slower. It's also a long downhill into Estes Park, so drop down to a lower gear right about the Larimer County line (clearly marked) just prior to going downhill.