slay wrote:
We are leaving next week on a 6-week trip to the Pacific Northwest. I am considering in the return leg traveling from Salt Lake City via U.S. Rt. 40 to Dinosaur Nat. Monument and then on to Rocky Mt. National Park. I am assuming it is a severe climb over the mountains but just how bad is it. I can handle long uphills and downhills but can do without narrow roads and harrowing hairpin turns.
Rt 40 is an easy drive to RMNP - the question of the mountains will depend on you, I would guess by the time you are heading Back you will know exactly what your comfort level is.
Rt 40 is IMHO, easy only real pass is Rabbit Ears, which I have driven in my last two rigs in both the summer and the winter/snow with no problem. Coming into Estes from the west will require you to go over Trail Ridge - some feel this might be a tough drive, but again many have no issue with it. (I LOVE it) Also along the way you will pass some really nice
Colorado State Parks Yampa and Stagecoach are usually not crowded and with the water give the Kids something to do.
Plan on spending some time on the West side of RMNP - not as crowded as Estes and fun. If you decide not to take Trail Ridge Rt 40 over to I-70 is a little steep with some switch backs but again a easy drive and just Beautiful (the option out is Rt 9 to Silverthorne.
Short answer NO PROBLEM - and the kids will love Dinosaur NM.
BOL,
