Access to the Mountains (Denver, Loveland: air quality, vehicle, park)

[Thomas M]

We were wanting to go to Pikes Peak while in town but the fires have the highway closed off. We were wanting to actually see The Rockies while we were here. How can we get to a place to look at the Rockies? We don't mind going North towards Denver if needed.

Thanks!

[jazzlover]

You do realize that Colorado is nearly 104,000 square miles, with over a third of that mountainous? There are plenty of places to go to see mountains. Will they be smoke-free right now? Many areas won't be, but that can change on a daily basis, depending on the direction of the wind. Will the mountains be pretty? Well, they are very, very dry this year, with a lot of browned grass. Still pretty? Yes, but not like in a normal year.

[Neditate]

I am not very familiar with the areas near the Springs. Go north on I-25 to I-70 and drive west. If you just want to "see" them, there are many places to drive. You could drive up Mt. Evans: Mount Evans - Highest Paved Road in North America or continue on I-70 and drive over Loveland Pass.

[Idunn]

Loveland Pass will certainly have one feeling they are in the mountains.

Another possibility would be US 34, or Trail Ridge Road across the top of Rocky Mountain National Park. The highest point is 12,183, with this the highest continuous road in the United States. There are any number of places to park with great views across the mountains. Unless with a park pass, the fee is $20 per vehicle for entry, good for seven days. It is a fantastic drive (not for the faint of heart when it comes to mountain driving, if all paved). Prepare for great scenery at a leisurely pace, as the speed limit across the mountains is 35mph, with more than a few of the tourists driving under that.

From such a vantage one will surely see the smoke from the large High Park Fire, burning to the northeast. Air quality in Estes Park has suffered some in consequence, but still generally decent. So in driving across Trail Ridge Road one should often have a good view of the smoke plume from this fire in the distance, but not be in it, due prevailing winds blowing it east.

If inspired after this, one could always try the lovely drive between Ouray and Durango on US 550.

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by Thomas M

We were wanting to go to Pikes Peak while in town but the fires have the highway closed off. We were wanting to actually see The Rockies while we were here. How can we get to a place to look at the Rockies? We don't mind going North towards Denver if needed.

Thanks!

Drive far enough west in Colorado and you will see "The Rockies". The mountains take up a significant part of the state from north to south, so they will not be missed.

If you can't get up Pikes Peak Road then go west of Denver to Mt. Evans to drive up that road. Mt. Evans is about the same height as Pikes Peak. The exit off of I-70 is in Idaho Springs.

You can also go over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park.

[jim9251]

Go west! If you have time visit Ouray and the San Juans.