Estes Park, CO to Dinosaur Ntl Park

[JudyJB]

Has anyone driven from Estes Park, CO, along US 34 and then US 40 to Dinosaur National Park in a larger motorhome? (Mine is 31'6")

This route takes you right through Rocky Mountain National Park, and hits 12,000 feet in elevation along a twisty road.

I am camping in Estes Park and taking shuttles to see Rocky Mountain National Park, but then want to continue west and see Dinosaur, but this scares me, especially with my lack of experience.

I could head north and take I 80 and then cut down again to Dinosaur, but it would add a couple of hundred miles. I do have the time, but it is terribly out of the way to avoid this. Or maybe I should just skip Dinosaur entirely.

[Bethers]

I havent done that one - but have taken many of the other roads through the Rockies with no problem. That said - check and find out in Estes if that road is good for motorhomes. They will let you know. Or call Dinosaur Nat'l Park and ask them.

[avalen]

one of my very favorite drives in Colorado and I used to do it once each summer. It usually doesn't open until after
memorial day and there is a fee. It is accessible by motorhome but keep in mind there could very well be ice on top.
The fee is paid at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, can't tell ya what it is but if you google Rocky
Mountain National Park you could find out the details for that as well as the info on the various campgrounds.
There is a visitor center at the top and lots of big parking lots to get out and enjoy the views. It is just a two
lane road though. Took my daughter up there when she was learning how to drive a stick shift, she remembers
it well and I had almost forgot until she talked about it. I'll have to do that trip again and stop many many places
when I get my class c. I could spend my whole summer up there and be happy. Will have to put that on my
bucket list.

[sharon]

I've done it...but on a motorcycle and in a car. Be advised the road is narrow, steep and twisty. Not sure if I would recomend it to a new driver. Even as long as I've been driving and all of the mountains I've done that one might make me have second thoughts. I would check first, they may not even let you on it. Not trying to discourage you at all, just be smart about it and check first.

[Redetotry]

You might want to consider how you do in high altitudes. I had to leave Estes Park as I couldn't get enough air! I was grocery shopping and put a couple packs of water in the cart and suddenly I was barely able to push it and was breathing like I had been running! Also isn't there something called airlock and you have to be careful what type of gas you use, or is that an 'old mans tale"?

[AlmostThere]

Can't comment on those routes but please don't miss Dinosaur Ntl Pk.
One of my favorites.

[pattyk]

I was in Denver and took I70 out of Denver to State Rt 9 to Kremmling. Then I was on 40 to Dinosaur. I wanted to go thru Loveland Pass, that's why I waited for 9. I have a 30' MH and had no problems getting to Dinosaur. They have a nice campground there. Stayed for 2 days. I overnighted at a campground in Craig.

[JudyJB]

Every once in a while, I need a reality check. did more looking at the map and decided to not drive through Rocky Mountain Ntl Park. I can see the park from the shuttle they have while leaving my vehicle slightly lower.

I think going down to Denver and crossing the divide on 70 makes more sense. Loveland Pass on I70 is much wider and fewer turns, etc.

I like your route on 9, Patty, so I think I will do that. Where did you stay in Dinosaur? It has been a long time since I was last there and I am really looking forward to it. It's kindof the long way, but I feel better about it. I can always change my mind at the last minute if I feel more confident then. I'll have a few more miles of experience by then also!!

I have had problems with altitude, so I will take it easy. Can't avoid it if I want to get out to visit my kids. No problem with driving, just couldn't walk straight because my vertigo kicked in.

[pattyk]

I stayed in Dinosaur Natl Park. I don't remember if there were hookups or not but it was half price with the Senior Pass. It was a really nice spot.

[Echo]

Judy the one thing I learned when we vacationed in the Rockies. We stayed in Leadville Co and checked out Breckenridge, Aspen and what not. Be sure and drink lots of water, take it easy, do things slow and easy. Do not rush any physical activity.

I so loved it out there it was all beautiful.