Rocky Mountain’s west side to Steamboat Springs

Route description

From Estes Park, enter Rocky Mountain National Park and take Trail Ridge Road, which climbs to 3,713 m over the tundra. In summer, a timed-entry reservation is needed for most of the day. The road is usually open from late May to mid-October. It is fine for motorhomes but has no guard rails in places, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early.

After crossing the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, the road descends into the Kawuneeche Valley, the source of the Colorado River. Moose are often seen in the willows. Stop at the Holzwarth Historic Site, an old dude ranch, and consider camping at Timber Creek Campground. The park road leaves at the Grand Lake entrance, and the town of Grand Lake sits on the shore of Colorado’s largest natural lake.

From the East Inlet trailhead at the edge of town, it is a short walk to Adams Falls. Then drive south on US-34 past Lake Granby to Granby, and west on US-40 through Hot Sulphur Springs and the narrow Byers Canyon to Kremmling, a ranching town with fuel and groceries. This section follows the young Colorado River through open country.

US-40 then turns north across Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass, where the road runs through meadows and forest before a long descent to Steamboat Springs. The town has hot springs, a historic main street and a ski area. Fish Creek Falls is a short drive east of town, reached by a paved road and a short path from the parking lot.