Day 8: Down to Breckenridge and up the back side of Rocky Park - 274 miles Clockwise from Estes Park
We had a timed entry for 1:00 PM, so we headed south down Hwy 7 to tie in to I-70. The road was fabulous, except for slow trucks
and no passing - but the scenery was spectacular. The Aspens were going crazy. Mountains of conifers and Aspens.
As you approach I-70 you pass thru Central City, an old mining town that's all dressed up for tourists.
About a mile away, out of nowhere, springs a mini Las Vegas. A dozen huge hotels and casinos crammed into a narrow canyon.
It was only 9 am, but there were no people about and the giant parking lots were empty. Man, I wouldn't want to be in that business right now.
Got on to I-70 and headed west . I-70 is the major East/West artery through Colorado and it is stuffed with cars and trucks. And trucks. It is also the main route to several ski mountains in Colorado's vast ski resort system. You can access Winter Park, Arapaho Basin, Loveland, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beavercreek, Snowmass and Aspen. Winter traffic must be delightful.
The freeway heads up to the Eisenhower tunnel at over 11,000 feet and then starts a ferocious decent into Silverthorne, a wide spectacular valley filled with spectacular color that you're just going to have to take my word for. Unbelievable development since I was last here in my 20s.
On to Breckenridge for lunch
Crossed back over I-70 heading north on Hwy 9. The mountains are just filled with golden color. I was hoping for some fall color, but this is ridiculous.
We turn east on Hwy 40 at Kremmling and then north on Hwy 34 at Granby and head to Grand Lake. What a great little lake resort town.
Wouldn't have minded staying here.
We are now headed to the west gate of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is 3:00 and we don't need our pass. 2 bucks....just wasted.
We pull off at a parking area where you could almost jump across the Colorado River
I want to stop and take a picture of every single Aspen
As we start to climb up the west side of the park, the weather starts to come in on us. We still have 4,000 feet to go.
Made it - and the weather holds. And even provides for some dramatic shots.
11,500 feet give or take
The mountain kinda tails off here on the right. Most times there is no guard rail. Some spouses didn't appreciate all the fine aspects of
a beautiful mountain road.
Headed back down the hill and went to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park for dinner. It was the inspiration for The Shining by Steven King.
Maybe I could just drive the guests around in this for a summer job
Another spectacular day in the books.