Denver To Estes Park Drive (Colorado Road Trip)

If you are in the state of Colorado, it’s common to spend most of your time in Denver.

We landed in Denver and found it to be one of the most riveting places on this side of America. The people were friendly, there was loads of space, and the air had a certain crispness to it.

While all of this was fun, we had also heard great things about a road trip from Denver to Estes Park in Colorado.

Denver is noted for being a cultural hub in Colorado and it’s where most of the action happens. We adored our time in the area and there was so much to do whether we wanted to check out the city’s natural beauty, visit the various restaurants, or just people-watch. This was one place that had it all!

Of course, Estes Park in Colorado is also an intriguing part of the state.

The drive between Denver and Estes Park is magical and it’s one we highly recommend to those who want to do something unique. The experience in Estes Park is fun and there is so much to do in this area as well, especially for those who love being outdoors.

The Denver to Estes Park trip is one that we do feel is a must if you are in Denver.

Here is our experience with the road trip from Denver to Estes Park and what you should consider during the process.

The Charm Of Denver To Estes Park Road Trip

We know you are going to be wondering about the reason for this being a must-do road trip.

What is the charm?

It is going to start with the Rocky Mountain National Park, which is located in Estes Park. Outdoor lovers will often take the time to head out to this part of Colorado when they want to check out the Rocky Mountains and see what they are all about.

Just being able to check out the wildlife, the beautiful views, and sit by the lake here is magical. You are not going to regret it at all and it’s something you are going to want to see in greater detail.

Estes Park is wonderful because it is going to allow you to take tours of the area while interacting with wildlife including horses and other animals. We have also spent time at a wide array of eateries in Estes Park including high-grade pizza places.

We spent time at the Open Air Adventure Park, which was a lot of fun. This included being able to do a bit of zip-lining while we were in town and getting to enjoy the overall experience that comes along with this activity.

Clear Creek Canyon Park Route – Denver To Estes Park

This is a specific route that’s taken by those who have more time on their hands and just want to get a long drive in while being able to enjoy scenic sights along the way.

This is where the Clear Creek Canyon Park route in Colorado is going to stand out.

We adore this route because it’s going to take you through the canyon, which is beautiful to look at. You are going to get to see a variety of beautiful sights here including being able to drive through tunnels along the route.

It’s fun to enjoy these views and it’s always great to be heading to Estes Park from here.

Route From Denver To Estes Park

If you are planning on driving from Denver to Estes Park then it’s best to have a plan in mind. This is going to include focusing on what you are hoping to do.

One option is to just get from point A to point B.

This means you are not going to be stopping along the way. If that is the case, we would highly recommend taking the I-25 to the US-36E. At this point, you are going to head to CO-66W and then you will hit US-36W.

We know others are going to want to take a more robust route for this road trip in Colorado and rightly so. There is natural beauty to see and you should be enjoying it along the way.

So, what is the best route for those who want to explore the area properly?

We would recommend using the Peak to Peak Highway. This specific route is going to be magical because it’s going to not only showcase some of the most beautiful towns along the way but also the mountain range and the greenery. We loved this route and it is a must-see for those who have not done it before.

The Peak to Peak Highway is the ultimate option because you are going to get to see so much natural beauty.

This route is going to start by getting on Baseline Road West and then heading to CO-119. At this point, you are going to get to see the natural beauty around you and it is going to continue until you get to Hurricane Hill Drive.

Once you are here, you are going to turn right and then hit CO-72W. This should take you to Estes Park as soon as you turn right.

Reasons To Take Peak To Peak Highway To Estes Park

Locals will often talk about the charm of the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado and you are going to want to check it out for yourself too.

It’s a scenic route, which means you are going to get to see delightful towns along the way with hearty people and also explore the mountain range in the area. The views are unforgettable and it’s something you are going to appreciate instantly.

We took the time to check out Apex and explore some of the parks that were set up along the way. It was nice due to the weather being good when we went.

We explored some of the historic buildings in these towns to appreciate how they were designed. It can be fascinating to get to see this in person.

We also highly recommend taking the time to hike at one of the local parks here.

The hiking trails are wonderful and during the summer you can get to see all types of plants and wildlife around these areas. You can pick and choose which trails are best for you and that’s what makes it fun. We spent time at the Roosevelt National Forest, which was beautiful.

Final Thoughts

This is everything you are going to need to know about the Denver to Estes Park drive in Colorado.

Choose the route that is best suited to your needs.

Some will want to get there as quickly as possible while others are going to want to keep things as simple as possible. We are going to help manage this.

We have also written guides on the top camping spots on the East Coast and the finest beaches on the East Coast.