Traveling AZ to Grand Lakes CO via Moab Utah

Bogey3025 wrote:

Thunder Mountain wrote:
As a 34 year resident of Colorado, with extensive travel in the Estes Park, RMNP, Winter Park, Granby and Grand Lake areas, I think you only have a couple of options. First, you can go through the tunnel to US 40 over Berthoud Pass and on to Grand Lake. I hate Berthoud Pass and the traffic to Winter Park and on to Granby.

Second, and the one I would do is get off at Silverthorne and take Colorado 9 to Kremling and US 40 to US 34 to Grand Lake. If you are a bit frisky take Colorado 9 to Ute Pass Road 132 to Parshall on US 40 then on to US 34. 132 is mostly paved and the part that isn't is a well graded and traveled gravel road. Don't take 132 if snow is in the forecast.

Can I ask why you wouldn't consider the 70?

I agree with Thunder Mountain. Also been here for 35 years, travelling all over the state. Why climb to 11000 to the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnels, then climb again to Berthoud Pass at 11,500 and a quick drop down to Winter Park? CO 9 north to Kremling and US 40 through Hot Sulphur Springs (HSS is a funky little town, worth a stop if you've got the time) and on to Granby, then US 34 north to Grand Lakes is a more enjoyable drive, if for no other reason than less stress from mountain driving. Winding River Resort is just north of town, though I've not stayed there during the summer, I've driven into the resort and I've snowmobiled that area many times during the winter and it's a nice area. As far as camping, I think you'll enjoy that resort.