Thom02099 wrote:vroberts26 wrote:
We are planning an August - October trip from Estes Park to see RMNP - then to great Basin National Park in Nevada - and then the Utah national parks. We are kind of leary about driving through the Rocky Mountains on route 34 (Trail Ridge Road). We have a 41 foot 5th wheel. Any advice on this, or suggestions for alternate routes? Thanks!
RV's are not prohibited on Trail Ridge Road. As stated, tour buses and modified Jeep Jitney type vehicles are up there frequently. So are the occasional Motor Home/Travel Trailer/5th wheel. But there's a reason why there are not a bunch of them up there.
On the east side you climb through forest to about the 2 mile up level, and once you get to Rainbow Curve, you'll be above tree line for about 11 miles. Part of that is a narrow shelf road with no shoulders, no guard rails, and steep drop offs. And on the west side descent there's 5 hairpin curves that are very tight. Yes, buses do it; they are also professional drivers who've done it before. It ain't their first rodeo. If it's your "first rodeo", there are alternatives.
Leave Estes Park on CO 7 and head to Allenspark. Just past Allenspark, CO 72 splits off from CO7. These 2 roads are part of the Peak to Peak Highway which is a great drive. CO 7 to Allenspark is a bit rough and narrow, but no drop offs; you're in the forest. Once on CO 72, the road is generally good with shoulders. Yes there are curves and hills but nothing overly challenging. You'll take CO 72 to Nederland where you'll pick up CO 119, still the Peak to Peak Highway. That will take you to Black Hawk/Central City. You can continue on CO 119 down to I-70 (follow the signs) and then just take I-70 westbound to your next destination.
