Estes Park to Moab

25 south to I-70 west, to 191 south
Just did the I70 -191 2 days ago.

Does Google show the route as west on US 34 or through Denver. Both routes meet I-70 at either Silverthorne or Denver. US 34 is 12,000' high Trail Ridge Road, which is NOT recommended for motorhomes driven by less than VERY experienced mountain drivers. If the route is through Denver, you need to leave Estes Park very early (like 4:00 am) to beat the rush hour traffic.

Personally, I would recommend going south from Estes on CO 72/119/US 6 to meet I-70 just east of Idaho Springs. That way you avoid both Trail Ridge and Denver.

cccfarm wrote:

Was wondering what the best route to Moab from Estes Park is.

I have a 36’ gas pulling a Jeep and hoping to do it in just one day.

Google maps says it’s just under seven hours and that is taking I70.

I usually add on about 20% more time than what google maps says.

I just want to figure out how early I should depart Estes and expect to get into Moab.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Map of Route Estes to Moab.

I'd get up early - Peak to Peak - I-70 - Might stop to stare at the Colorado River just before Glenwood Springs - Beautiful - then Exit 214 in Utah to follow RT 128 and Colorado River, into Moab - Best drive ever.

All the roads are fine - just getting to I-70 is not fast - then the Tunnel requires Patience up and Down - same with Vail Pass - so figure maybe 45 if you are lucky so everybit of 10 + hours.

Think best gas prices would be Idaho Springs and Grand Junction - none of it Cheap - 400 miles so you will need to get gas somewhere.

Hope this helps - Best of Luck,

We just drove that route in late March. Going thru the mountains be prepared and have everything secured. That road, especially the Vail area will knock the fillings out of your teeth. The lanes in some places were narrow and ROUGH. It took a lot longer than planned through there.
I am not a nervous driver through the mountains the road was just plan nasty.

Great drive; just did it last weekend. Semis can only climb 30-40 mph on those two passes, and speed limit is 45 mph for them for a significant portion just west of Denver. Stay to the right, downshift, and take it easy and enjoy the view! Allow extra time.

fanrgs wrote:
Personally, I would recommend going south from Estes on CO 72/119/US 6 to meet I-70 just east of Idaho Springs. That way you avoid both Trail Ridge and Denver.

To get to CO 72, leave Estes Park on CO7. It's a bit of a climb out of the Estes Valley, but there are some beautiful views. The roadway is narrow and in poor condition from Estes Park to near the Larimer/Boulder County line, so take it easy. The intersection of CO7 and CO72 is south of Allenspark; watch for the signage. Make a right and enjoy the drive.