Hey guys looking for some input on rte 43 Devil's Gulch Rd. It looks like a nice route around the north side of Crosier Mtn near Estes Park, was wondering if someone is familiar with it? I am planning a trip for wife and I in mid July to Estes Park then heading north up to Rapid City and back home to IL. Thanks in advance.

 

I rode it several times last year (pre-flood). It's an awesome ride with not much traffic as you head out of Estes on Macgregor and then Devils Gulch. I loop back riding along the Big Thompson River (where you will encounter traffic). We had to stop as a 300 lb bear was lumbering near The Stanley Hotel as we left Estes one day.

As you probably know, the Estes area (and the roads mentioned above) experienced significant flooding last September. Although I believe the roads are now open, you need to check the status and conditions as I am sure there is still road work continuing this summer.

You also need to head up Trail Ridge and I would recommend the Peak-to-Peak highway. SJ Ron

 

Beautiful ride did it from I70 to Rt40 north to Rt 34..... Great ride and views. Stopped by Grand Lake for lunch. Did the continental divide mandatory photo.
Have fun...

By the way, if you are not afraid of heights you are so close to Mt Evans, which has the highest paved road in North America.....you should do it. Great twisties, but you will need to share the road with the bicycles amd runners.....great ride.

 

SanJuanRon thanks for heads up I completely forgot that area was part of the flooding last year. I will check into it's current state.

Giacomo likewise thanks for route info I do want to attempt the "must do" pic at continental divide. I hope I can smash it all into my small window.

Thanks fellas

 

I was there last year before the flood. Anyway I love rte 7 out of Lyons, your in a Yellow canyon, smooth road (at least before flood) and no traffic. Make a loop out of Estes down rte 36 to Lyons up to Peak to Peak. Better than Dry Gulch IMO...enjoy you will love it there!!

 

That looks pretty sweet Mike thanks how long does it take to ride that loop?

 

It takes about 2 hr's. You can make a longer ride by heading south on Peak to Peak to Nederland (hippie town) or farther south to Mt Evans. Trail Ridge Rd. highest continuous rd. in U.S. Mt. Evans highest one way road in U.S. Ride over Trail Ridge Rd. and have lunch in Grand Lake numerous places to eat over there. I love Co. awesome riding!!

 

Thanks Mike appreciate the info that sounds like a perfect little side trip.

Ride safe

 

Haven't done that ride in the last 10 years, but I remember lots of campers & slow travel on that ride. Pic is my wife & me in Drake on 34.

I think riding the Poudre (Colorado 14 west out of Ft Collins) is much more scenic & enjoyable, with a lot less traffic. Doesn't have a good end point unless you take 40 to Steamboat or ride back down to Ft Collins. Spend the night in Steamboat, then ride Trail Ridge through Rocky Mountain NP back to Estes Park & down 34 to Loveland for a nice 2 day loop. Try Google Earth for some looks at the scenery on the Poudre C14.

I've done Trail Ridge in July & August; got snowed on every time so you know...

Have a great, safe trip.

Edit - added a couple screenshots of the Poudre from Earth. This scenery goes on uninterrupted for miles & miles, hour after hour.

 

This is a nice ride, just be aware that Boulder can be a traffic mess if you go south that far. Also keeps you at lower altitudes & off higher Trail Ridge road.