By Car in Rocky Mountain NP

By Car

From Denver, U.S. 36 runs through Boulder, Lyons, and Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park. The direct route from Denver to Grand County is I-70 west to U.S. 40 (Empire Exit) and to U.S. 34. If you're driving directly to Fort Collins or Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver International Airport, the E-470 tollway connects Denver International Airport's Peña Boulevard to Interstate 25. U.S. 36 between Boulder and Estes Park is heavily traveled. Colorado Routes 119, 72, and 7 have much less traffic.

Gasoline and service are available in all larger towns and cities in the region. Bicyclists are common except on arteries; state law gives them the same rights and holds them to the same obligations as any other vehicle. Expect extensive road construction along the northern Front Range; arterial routes, state highways, and city streets are being rebuilt to accommodate increasing traffic in the urban corridor. Although CDOT plows roads efficiently, a winter snowstorm can slow traffic with wet, slushy, or icy conditions. A cell phone is recommended, since some mountain roads have long, uninhabited stretches.

Information

AAA Colorado (303/753-8800). CDOT Road Information (303/639-1111 or 877/315-7623. www.dot.state.co.us). Colorado State Patrol (303/239-4501; *277 from cellular phone). Rocky Mountain National Park Road Information (970/586-1333).