We’ve put together some directions and travel suggestions for you. One less thing to worry about so you can focus on your race!
From the NORTH
If you’re coming from Wyoming for example, the best way to get to the park would be to drive south on I-25 to Loveland then west on US-34 through the dramatic Big Thompson canyon to Estes Park.
From the SOUTH
If you’re coming from the Denver area you have two options:
1) From the airport, the fastest route is to take I-470 to I-25. Go north on I-25 to Colorado 66, west on 66 to Lyons, continue west on US-36 to Estes Park.
2) Another route from Denver would be to take US-36 through Boulder to Estes rather than the I25 route above.
From the EAST
If you’re coming from Nebraska, from the I-80 you may take I-76 to US-34 to Estes. If you’re coming from Kansas on I-70 can use the I-25 – CO-66 – US-36 route.
From the WEST
You’re in luck. Access from the west in the summertime is via US-34 through the National Park. That’s the scenic Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide. It’s not open in the winter, but in August it will be a beautiful drive. You could also come on I-70 from the west and take CO-6 east of Idaho Springs to the Peak to Peak National Scenic ByWay (119 to 72 to 7) that enters Estes from the south.
SHUTTLE BUS from the AIRPORT: Shuttle service is available from the airport if you want to go carless this vacation. Shuttle service is available from SuperShuttle (1-800-258-3826) and from Estes Park Shuttle (970-586-5151). Both require a reservation, and each has 6 scheduled DIA trips per day, so a bus runs every one to two hours. Allow 2 hours for the trip. Approximate cost is $90 round trip. Going back to the airport, the shuttles pick up at all hotels, starting from the YMCA.
Once you’re in Estes Park, free village & park shuttle buses take you around town to restaurants and activities and into Rocky Mountain National Park.