Estes Park or Loveland, Colorado

[doc]

Heading back to the Rockies in the last part of August. Looking for suggestions for a decent RV park in Estes Park as we visit/explore Rocky Mtn Nat Park for a few days. 50 amp and wifi would be nice.
From there to Rock Springs, Wyoming and up the edge of Yellowstone and back n/east on the Beartooth.
Suggestions on any RV parks along this route are solicited. We have done Yellowstone several times and really don't care about staying there on in W Yellowstone either. Our target for that area is RedLodge and back to the east through Wyoming and S Dakota

[Batman_777]

I have been to Estes Park several times... Very nice....

There are muliple ways to Estes Park:
- Over Rocky Mnt Nat Park from the West (The most mountainous route)
- Route 66 from Lyons (Very scenic, very mountainous)
- Route 34 from Loveland (Easiest route, still very scenic)

[scenic route]

Doc, We were in Estes Park about two weeks ago and stayed at Elk Meadow Resort, which is a stone's throw from the RMNP just past Estes Park for 3 reasons...location, location and location. We paid about $50 a night, but that's Estes. 50 amp. w/water & sewer...the CG is located on a hill, but the sites were fairly level and the view of the mountains wasn't too shabby either. The staff was helpful and pleasant to deal with.

We made our approach from Hwy. 36, through the canyon towing the Jeep and had no problems. Hwy. 66 has lesser grades and changes to Hwy36 after Lyons. Also, at Lyons, you can hang a left on Hwy 7...a nice drive as well through Ferncliff, Allenspark and Meeker Park on into Estes.

While visiting the Park, don't miss out on The Old Fall River Road. It's 11 miles of dirt (really good road) road with more switch backs and shear cliffs than I can remember. It's a one-way road...starts just inside the park at about 7500 ft and ends at almost 12k ft at the Alpine Visitor's Ctr. We saw a black bear and many Elk...AWESOME road. Only thing to watch out for is the deep groves left in the switch-backs left by the "Pike's Peak" week-end race car driver wannabees. The 'trenches' are very avoidable, so go with whatyagot! Bob

BTW, staying in Loveland, although it's a great ride, is a little too far of a drive to the park (40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic) IMHO.

[Elkhartjim]

I would not recommend driving the Beartooth Hwy in the motorhome.

[richf]

We've been to Estes Park and Red Lodge a number of times, here's my suggestions:
If you need full H/U Elk Meadows is best CG in Estes. Best exposure to the RMNP experience is Moraine Park CG in the park, but no H/U.
Fall River Road and hike to Mills or Loch Vale Lakes are highlights.
Drive over Trail Ridge is impressive, road construction and pine beetle damage to forest on west edge of park.
Exit park on west and take 126/230 north to I-80, side trip to Snowy Range Pass.
I've traversed Beartooth Pass in two different motor homes, you just have to use common sense and take it easy--beautiful drive.