Estes Park to Steamboat Springs

[jwfrede]

What's the best way from Estes Park to Steamboat Springs? Through the park or back up to CO 14? And if back through CO 14 how does Buckhorn Rd/No Co Rd 27 look as a short cut west of ft Collins? I'm pulling a 25 ft trailer at about 2/3 rated tow capacity.

Doing some Aspen photography in mid Sept and want to catch some of the early leaves before heading to the San Juans.

Jeff from Pa

[f5moab]

Personally, I would take 40 across. Some great places for photos like at Rabbit ear pass.

[fanrgs]

I agree. US 34 takes you over Trail Ridge Road and US 40 west from Granby goes through Hot Sulphur Springs, Byers Canyon, Kremmling, and over Rabbit Ears. That is much faster than going back to Ft. Collins and getting on CO 14, if you are in Estes Park before Trail Ridge closes for the season.

There are a number of Forest Service campgrounds around Shadow Mountain and Granby reservoirs. There is also an inexpensive city campground next to the Colorado River in Hot Sulphur Springs. There are several places for legal dispersed camping on top of Rabbit Ears-Muddy Pass, so you can be stay right in the area with the aspen groves.

Just watch for the bow hunters who will be in that same area!

[jwfrede]

Thanks. I'll go over the top.