Topic: Colorado Folks: Santa Fe to Estes Park?

[medic09]

The wife and I are going to a conference in Estes Park.  We don't want to ride straight up I-25 and through Denver.  We figured on picking a route up the west side of the mountains.  Any suggestions?  We would leave Sunday and stay overnight in a motel halfway (this is her first long ride on her new bike), and arrive in Estes Park after an early start the next morning.

Any input would be appreciated.

While she's sitting in conference sessions, I'll just go look for some nice streams to hike into and fish.  We also noticed the Trail Ridge Road looks worth riding.

Thanks!

[Gordon]

I haven't done any riding on the Western slope, but I can highly recommend the Peak-to-Peak highway on the front range (highway 72). 

If you're taking 285 you can take I-70 east to 72 which takes you on a really nice, curvy, scenic road all the way up to Estes Park.  If you're traveling after Memorial day, you have to take the road up to the top of Mount Evans.  It's south of Idaho Springs off I-70 and is the highest paved road in North America.  Goes up to over 14K feet and is only a short detour off the main road.  My K1 has made it twice with no problems. 

When are you coming through? 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I have some great ideas for you. All depends on time and mileage. When are you traveling?

[medic09]

Thanks guys.

Week of 21 June.  We'll leave Santa Fe on Sunday.  We never get out the door as early as intended.  Figure on going 3/4 way to Estes Park or so, then finding a motel for the night.  Early Monday we'll hit the road and straight to the conference.  Can't have the wife missing too many of those enthralling lectures.  Friday we'll go to Boulder for the weekend.  Sunday to Denver to do some shopping (nearing place to Santa Fe with serious kosher food available), then south towards home and work.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Email sent.

Oh yeah, be sure to take warm clothes, wet weather gear and good sun screen. It's the mountains even if it is the end of June. Hope for warm dry weather but prepare otherwise. You WILL see a lot of snow especially at 12,000+ feet.

Jerry