Trip from SLC. (renting, hotel, places)

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by Moab1721

Here's a good question for you guys. From SLC, what route can I take through Colorado that goes through all the major paved big mountain passes, while also going through RMNP, and also Pikes peak? Thanks.

I threw something together on MapQuest. Multi-point route planning might be the only thing it's good for nowadays, but I digress. This is not all-inclusive, and is only a good starting point. It skips the Gore Range, Mosquito/Tenmile Range(s) and most of the Front Range, but it gives you highlights of the Park, Laramie, Rabbit Ears, Elk, Sangre de Cristo, Sawatch, and San Juan Mountains with a drive through RMNP and stops at Pikes Peak and the Great Sand Dunes. You can stop in Aspen and take the shuttle to the Maroon Bells, but you'll need a reservation.

http://mapq.st/3e3cfqA

[Moab1721]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

I threw something together on MapQuest. Multi-point route planning might be the only thing it's good for nowadays, but I digress. This is not all-inclusive, and is only a good starting point. It skips the Gore Range, Mosquito/Tenmile Range(s) and most of the Front Range, but it gives you highlights of the Park, Laramie, Rabbit Ears, Elk, Sangre de Cristo, Sawatch, and San Juan Mountains with a drive through RMNP and stops at Pikes Peak and the Great Sand Dunes. You can stop in Aspen and take the shuttle to the Maroon Bells, but you'll need a reservation.

http://mapq.st/3e3cfqA

Thanks. Actually, I've now decided to not do Pikes. It's just too far away from everything else and not that spectacular compared to other areas.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by Moab1721

Here's a good question for you guys. From SLC, what route can I take through Colorado that goes through all the major paved big mountain passes, while also going through RMNP, and also Pikes peak? Thanks.

How much time do you have for this? Major paved mountain passes that I can think of span the whole state. Look at Wolf Creek Pass, Monarch Pass, Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass, Loveland Pass. Trail Ridge Road goes through RMNP. I suggest that you plot these points out on a map and figure out how you could come up with a route that will cover all of these. I guess you could start in Durango, go east over Wolf Creek, then go north from Alamosa to Monarch to Gunnison, then north from Gunnison to Cottonwood, then north from Buena Vista to Independence, then north from Aspen to I-70 to Loveland, then on to RMNP. This would be about 16 hours of just driving, ending up in Estes Park. Of course, this would not include any time to stop and take in the gorgeous scenery, eat, or anything else.

This doesn't include Pikes Peak.

[Moab1721]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

How much time do you have for this? Major paved mountain passes that I can think of span the whole state. Look at Wolf Creek Pass, Monarch Pass, Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass, Loveland Pass. Trail Ridge Road goes through RMNP. I suggest that you plot these points out on a map and figure out how you could come up with a route that will cover all of these. I guess you could start in Durango, go east over Wolf Creek, then go north from Alamosa to Monarch to Gunnison, then north from Gunnison to Cottonwood, then north from Buena Vista to Independence, then north from Aspen to I-70 to Loveland, then on to RMNP. This would be about 16 hours of just driving, ending up in Estes Park. Of course, this would not include any time to stop and take in the gorgeous scenery, eat, or anything else.

This doesn't include Pikes Peak.

I'm going for 4 or 5 days.

[Moab1721]

So I have 4 or 5 days from only SLC. What's the best route to go over some of Colorado's highest and most scenic passes, while being able to do one of the easier 14ers along the way, and stopping at RMNP? Both there and back.
I am no longer doing Pikes Peak. Its too far away from everything else. Thanks.

[Moab1721]

Is RMNP worth it?

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by Moab1721

Is RMNP worth it?

Depends on who you ask. I personally don't care for the east side of the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day because there are way too many people. Estes Park isn't enjoyable at all for me during peak tourist season. The west side of the park is much less crowded.

[COcheesehead]

Originally Posted by Moab1721

Is RMNP worth it?

There are many places as or more beautiful in Colorado without the crowds and the beetle kill.

[otowi]

I think if you hike RMNP is absolutely worth it. If you don't hike, then you still might like the Trail Ridge Road. If you are a longer distance hiker, it is not hard to get away from the people very quickly.

[Moab1721]

Originally Posted by COcheesehead

There are many places as or more beautiful in Colorado without the crowds and the beetle kill.

Which places?