RMNP Highway 34 or 36?

Both are pretty easy.

What direction are you coming from?

Will wait to see what Thom says about the construction on the 34. I used to live in Estes and would recommend the 34 for sure. The 36 takes you thru Boulder.

However, a real good alternate to the 36 all the way is go up to the 66 and take it over the Lyons for the 36 there. That used to be a very good way to do it.

But, let's see what Thom says as it has been a long time since I was there.

we will be coming in from Colorado Springs

caysea7254 wrote:
Wondering what route to take into Estes Park,CO from I-25. Is highway 34 or 36 better for 36ft 5th wheel? Thanks

IMHO the easiest way would be to just come up I-25 to RT 36 go through Boulder (Takes 5 minutes usually) - then come up to RMNP on 36. When you leave take RT 34 out -it's a beautiful drive and You will enjoy it, but 36 is again Beautiful but different.

If you are really up for adventure try RT 6 out of Golden to Peak to Peak all the way to Estes - Beautiful and Fun (at least for ME)

Many options all depends on YOU, and what you are after.

Best of Luck,

Hey, busskipper, I don't want to be in Boulder when you come thru on 36 in 5 minutes. It can be a real cluster!

It would be my third choice of the three unless things have changed immensely.

Lauren wrote:
Hey, busskipper, I don't want to be in Boulder when you come thru on 36 in 5 minutes. It can be a real cluster!

It would be my third choice of the three unless things have changed immensely.

Lauren,

Boulder is easy, they have completely redone the Highway - We drove through over Memorial Weekend and had no Problem - Sorry but the Granddaughters live just outside and we are there/in Boulder 8-10 times a year - sure there are a few lights but it's nothing compared to Estes - Traffic, try Estes, that is a "Real CLuster".

Remember the OP is coming through Denver, headed to Estes, on I-25, so Boulder will be EASY.

You guys from Colorado, want to see traffic - come out to the East Coast - we have traffic, Bad Roads, Construction, and Drivers who got their Licence from Wal*Mart - on sale.

Boulder a piece of Cake - JMHO,

Note: I didn't take them up Boulder Canyon Road Rt 119 to Nederland and on up to Estes on Peak to Peak - driving to 119 through Boulder then up the Canyon that would/could be a Challenge, not for the faint of Heart. Out of all the roads I've driven, in almost every state, Colorado - yes even Estes - is always just GREAT - Just love to drive and be able to look/see those Mountains, and they never let you down, with new adventures around every turn. (Trail Ridge was CLOSED on Memorial Day Weekend) so we went through Boulder and drove up to Brainard Lake - I was able to Hike in the Snow with all six of My Granddaughters - Love those Mountains - Love Colorado.

caysea7254 wrote:
Wondering what route to take into Estes Park,CO from I-25. Is highway 34 or 36 better for 36ft 5th wheel? Thanks

Either way will work, though given your information that you're coming from Colorado Springs, I'd recommend US 36, but not through Boulder. As Lauren recommended, take I-25 up to CO 66 for Longmont, exit 243. CO 66 will take you to Lyons, and you then just follow US 36 up to Estes Park. This is an easy drive, some nice scenery.

US 34 is also doable, albeit with some minor roughness in the construction zone (currently shut down for the summer season) between MP 77 and MP 81. There's still a lot of construction to be done, but it has halted for the summer season, with some construction going on that does not impact the roadway or traffic.

Traffic problems will be an issue in Estes Park, particularly downtown. It is and has been a nightmare so far this season, with the popularity of RMNP still growing. At current visitation rates, the park will surpass the 4.5 million visitors from 2016, probably by October. If you advise where in Estes Park you'll be staying I can perhaps give you some short cuts to getting around...or not. Depends on where you're staying.

Thom02099 wrote:

caysea7254 wrote:
Wondering what route to take into Estes Park,CO from I-25. Is highway 34 or 36 better for 36ft 5th wheel? Thanks

Either way will work, though given your information that you're coming from Colorado Springs, I'd recommend US 36, but not through Boulder. As Lauren recommended, take I-25 up to CO 66 for Longmont, exit 243. CO 66 will take you to Lyons, and you then just follow US 36 up to Estes Park. This is an easy drive, some nice scenery.

US 34 is also doable, albeit with some minor roughness in the construction zone (currently shut down for the summer season) between MP 77 and MP 81. There's still a lot of construction to be done, but it has halted for the summer season, with some construction going on that does not impact the roadway or traffic.

Traffic problems will be an issue in Estes Park, particularly downtown. It is and has been a nightmare so far this season, with the popularity of RMNP still growing. At current visitation rates, the park will surpass the 4.5 million visitors from 2016, probably by October. If you advise where in Estes Park you'll be staying I can perhaps give you some short cuts to getting around...or not. Depends on where you're staying.

^^^^^ Listen to what Thom says - He is the Highway Expert.

I just am not a fan of 1-25 in Colorado, must just be ME

:, :B?

If I were in the Springs I'd go through Leadville to Krimmling and on to Grand Lake, but that's just me.

Option 1 - Through Leadville

vs

Option 2 - Thoms/Lauren's Route

vs

Option 3 - Through Boulder


Click to see fastest - but I think if I were just driving from one place to another I'd take the Long Route, the Really long Route.

Take your pick, not a bad choice among them,

JMHO,

:)

Thorn we are staying in Moraine Campground. DH was also looking at the route you suggested and leaning towards that. Thanks to everyone we always appreciate advice from those that have been there. Is taking I25 thru Denver good idea or the bypass I think its 470. Thanks

caysea7254 wrote:
Thorn we are staying in Moraine Campground. DH was also looking at the route you suggested and leaning towards that. Thanks to everyone we always appreciate advice from those that have been there. Is taking I25 thru Denver good idea or the bypass I think its 470. Thanks

First thing...stay on I-25 all the way through Denver. E-470 is a toll road around the east side of the metro area and it is not cheap. Tolls are based on axles, it's $3.55/toll plaza for 2 axles and an additional $3.55 per axle, and there are 5 toll plazas, so for example if you're towing a 2 axle trailer or a MH pulling a toad, plan on getting a bill in the mail to the tune of around $60.00. It's not that difficult to get through Denver if you can time it to go through between around 9am to 3ish.

As to getting to Moraine Park...when you come in to Estes Park on US 36, there's a traffic light where you'll make a left toward downtown, on East Elkhorn Ave. Go to the first traffic light, which will be Riverside Dr, and make a left and take Riverside Dr (signs will also say East Riverside Dr) to a stop sign. Stay on Riverside Dr through the stop sign and stay on Riverside all the way to a T intersection with Marys Lake Road. You're close to it when you pass by Manor RV Park. This will bypass all of the downtown area. At Marys Lake Road, make a right and go to the first traffic light, which will be Moraine Ave. Make a left (it's Moraine Ave, also US 36) and just follow the signs to the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky. If you have a senior pass, there's an express lane on the extreme right side, just swipe your card and you're in. Just look for the signs for Moraine Park and Bear Lake, which will be a left turn.

I think you'll really enjoy Moraine Park!