Overall Route Rating
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4.75 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.75
48 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Sep 30, 2006

Rider Reviews

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Guest
June 16, 2010
Also, I'd HIGHLY recommend that people check out…
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Guest
March 17, 2011
Started this ride in Golden, Co. Rode up the…
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Written Directions

Start your route in Ft. Collins and follow Rt 14 west thru Poudre River Canyon to the town of Walden, Co. In Walden turn south on Rt.125 toward Granby, CO. Numerous fuel and food stops in Granby so enjoy. Find Rt. 34 and take it north toward Grand Lake/Rocky Mtn. National Park. You will easily spend 4 to 5 hours in the park maybe more if you wish to see everything. Leave the park via Rt. 34 and go into the City of Estes Park. Rt. 34 back toward the City of Loveland will take you thru Big Thompson Canyon with its steep rock walls on both sides of road and occasional sightings of Big Horn sheep.

Scenery

Absolutely breathtaking is the only way to describe this trip. This route will take you across the Continental Divide twice at two different locations, past mountain lakes and through Poudre Canyon and along the Poudre River as well as across nearly deserted roads with little or no traffic. It is an all day trip (might be better as a two day)not only due to the distance traveled but also due to stopping for incredible views. An occasional moose, elk, deer or Bald Eagle will also cause slight delays. Take two days and enjoy the beauty. No need to rush on this trip!!!

Drive Enjoyment

The roads are great with few rough areas. May have some ice or frost on surface early in spring but after late May and early June will find them clear and dry. Snow will still be present on the ground at higher elevations so pack warm outer clothing. The section from Ft. Collins to Walden consists of approx. 70 miles of twisting winding road, in great shape, thru Poudre Canyon as well as more open sections surrounded by beautiful mountain views on both sides of road. The section from Walden to Granby is nearly deserted and open. It consists of approx. 58 miles of great road, all open and little traffic (we saw 6 cars in 58 miles on a Saturday). Section from Grandby to Estes Park is superb and takes you thru Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park. Very curvy and numerous switchbacks. Rt. 34 thru RMNP can be a little narrow in some spots but no real problem. The trip from Estes Park back to Greeley rides thru Big Thompson Canyon. Solid rock walls on both sides of road as it follows the Big Thompson River. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "About 10 miles into Hwy 14 outside of Ft Collins. Just a beautiful canyon."

Tourism Opportunities

Many stops and pull offs are provided so you can stop to enjoy the views. Lodging is available in Ft. Collins, Estes Park and Granby. Attractions include Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the city of Estes Park. Best restaurants would include Coffee Pot Inn or Elkhorn Cafe in Walden and Hunters Chop House and Estes Park Brewery in Estes Park. In Estes Park there stands the Historic Stanley Hotel (where parts of "The Shining" were filmed) and the City of Estes Park has fantastic/interesting shops and stores to browse in and many restaurants. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "The road up to Cameron pass (elev 10,400 ft). bring some warm gear for this mountain trip - but you will not be disappointed!"

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
October 24, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Live close to the Walden Loop. Love to ride it. Always spectacular views. See something different every time. Plenty of good food along the way!
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Guest
February 21, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Have the good fortune to live within five miles of the east entrance to the Cache la Poudre canyon. This loop is as good as any ever found and that includes Tail of the Dragon and Fairbanks and back. On Highway 14 (N. College Ave) leaving the "Old Town" area which has some excellent restaurants there are a number of lower cost locally owned motels if you don't want to do the Hilton. A KOA is at the junction "Ted's Place" about 5-6 miles north out of Ft. Collins just as Highway 14 branches off at the start of the Cache la Poudre canyon. We usually take the Walden to Laramie to Ft. Collns loop as early as possible in the year and the RMNP loop after July 1. It is COLD at 14,000' even in late August. Take a long day for each loop and you will understand this incredible M/C tour or stay at the Antler Inn in Walden and enjoy a wonderful three days!
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Guest
February 7, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Made this run in 06 and 09. Bringing friends in 10. The ride from Omaha to Fort Collins is a nice one day. Lodging in FC area is about $120.00 per night. This is a great trip out to Walden. You'll love RCM Natl. Park. Maybe head to Steamboat. Staying anywhere near the tourist areas demands higher prices. It is what you make of it. Estes Park in July is a zoo. Too many people for me...keep riding. Wind down to Leadville area and onto Ouray and Durango for a real treat. Enjoy!
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