Estes Park - Driving in Snow (Loveland, Lyons: compensation, places to live, vehicle)

[nevada1427]

Hi,

I will be working in Estes Park for three months and I am curious about travel conditions during the winter. Do they keep the roads plowed pretty well when there is snow? I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla that I will be commuting in Oct-Dec. I have lived here in Colorado for the past 4 yrs so I am familiar with driving in the snow, but driving up the mountain during snow fall makes me a little nervous. Any tips?

[Idunn]

Your should be fine. In my estimation driving on interstates (due many drivers not slowing down sufficiently) is far more risky in snow than mountain driving on two-lane roads. Nevertheless, a few caveats.

The two principal approaches to Estes Park are US 36 from Lyons and US 34 from Loveland. If two-lane, both are major thorough fairs which see a good deal of traffic. If speed limits are set lower than many on the Front Range are accustomed to, still reflecting summer driving conditions, and not all slow down sufficiently in inclement conditions (if not always the option, as winding roads and few places to pass).

Both these roads are well maintained by snowplows. A possible exception being late at night within a heavy snowstorm. Most generally, no problem at all in this regard.

By December it is possible to have a few storms which have left at least portions of these roads snowpacked. That condition doesn't tend to last long, with these roads most often dry to only wet.

HOWEVER, one can experience icy patches at night. And probably the biggest danger (aside from other drivers) is being caught unawares by an isolated patch of ice or snow on an otherwise fairly clear road. Both these roads, and particularly US 34, run through deep canyons where certain sections and corners see relatively little sun during the day. So expect road conditions to vary.

With experience one will learn the areas to watch most closely for remaining ice and so forth. Then just a question of dealing with what are long commutes up to or down from Estes Park. With some compensation in great scenery along either route.

It is best, if possible, to live in Estes Park. Then drive down to the Front Range on errands and so forth during the middle of a sunny day when all is most comfortable.

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by nevada1427

Hi,

I will be working in Estes Park for three months and I am curious about travel conditions during the winter. Do they keep the roads plowed pretty well when there is snow? I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla that I will be commuting in Oct-Dec. I have lived here in Colorado for the past 4 yrs so I am familiar with driving in the snow, but driving up the mountain during snow fall makes me a little nervous. Any tips?

I would recommend getting some good snow tires, ex: Bridgestone Blizzaks

[StealthRabbit]

There are plenty of off-season places to live in Estes, I would not waste the effort / fuel / vehicle mileage / accident risk to commute.