Leadville, CO to Rocky Mtn NP
After exploring much of CO south of I70, we plan to head to RMNP from the Leadville area. (summer of 2015). A few questions: (1) any advantage to staying on the west side of the park? If so, route t...
Forum Discussion
In my opinion the visit to Estes Park and Eastern RMNP is far to be prefered to the Western side at Grand Lake. We always like to take a day trip over the Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake from Estes Park, but that's a different story. We have never TOWED over the Trail Ridge Road but I don't think we'd have any problem doing so. Our trip has never taken us that way.
Now, IF you go from Leadville to Estes Park I can tell you the route we take. It is not the fast route, but it is one we enjoy. It is called the "Peak to Peak Highway." The route numbers make it seem more complicated than it really is, but here they are.
CO 91 to I-70 East; I-70 to US 6 (near Central City); CO 119 which merges up around Nederland with CO 72; then take CO 7 on into Estes Park. It is a winding, very hilly route. I call it one of the "crookest" roads in the country. There are hardly any straight and level sections in the entire route. BUT . . . we always enjoy it and we are towing a 34' fifth-wheel.
I'm not recommending this as the route you would prefer, but just sharing our preference.
Now, IF you go from Leadville to Estes Park I can tell you the route we take. It is not the fast route, but it is one we enjoy. It is called the "Peak to Peak Highway." The route numbers make it seem more complicated than it really is, but here they are.
CO 91 to I-70 East; I-70 to US 6 (near Central City); CO 119 which merges up around Nederland with CO 72; then take CO 7 on into Estes Park. It is a winding, very hilly route. I call it one of the "crookest" roads in the country. There are hardly any straight and level sections in the entire route. BUT . . . we always enjoy it and we are towing a 34' fifth-wheel.
I'm not recommending this as the route you would prefer, but just sharing our preference.
