Just as the forecast predicted, the weather over northern Colorado has improved and looks good enough for us to continue our journey. Having said that, with the last snow fall and the fact that it is still early in the year a lot of the higher roads and mountain passes in Colorado are still closed. (They usually try and open the roads last weekend of May) The CR34 across the Rocky Mountains N.P. is one of those closed roads as is the CR34 portion between Estes Park and Loveland. So our ride which could have been about 200kms over the mountains will end up being 425kms with major detours!
‘X’ =closed roads
Inside Rocky Mountains NP
Either way, the roads are fun to ride and the scenery is beautiful so it’s not an unpleasant experience by any means.
We started off by doing a quick lap of the national park now that the roads are open again, all the Elk must have migrated into town with the bad weather since we didn’t see a single one in the park. Once out of the park we had to take our first detour and head east to Longmont. Considering we are trying to go due west this was very unhelpful! Once in Longmont we then headed north for about 50kms before being able to point ourselves in the right direction on the “Cache La Poudre North Park” scenic byway (CR14) which took us over the top of the Rocky Mountains NP and through canyon and snow covered passes to Walden.
A tunnel in the canyon; lots of rafters and kayakers braved the freezing waters
We stopped for lunch in a small lodge / restaurant in Rustic some 50 Kms along the 150 km scenic road. The road topped out above 10,000′ where it got really cold (0’c)and a light dusting of snow came down on us before decending slowly through the high plains on western Colorado into Walden.
Coming down the mountain pass on 14
We made a quick stop in Walden to try and warm up again after having spent the last 2 hours in cold weather and had a coffee at the local fuel station. The managers of the fuel station were really friendly and gave us the coffee on the house, we hung out there long enough to regain feeling in our fingers before heading out for the last 100km stretch to Steamboat Springs.
A short hour later and we were at our destination. We would have loved to spend the night at the Strawberry Hot Springs but unfortunately it was fully booked. There was no way camping was an option as the temperatures are still too low (Steamboat Springs is a ski resort after all at close to 2000 meters of altitude) We found a hotel just out of town, dropped our bags and headed back up to the hot springs for a soak in the hot pools.
The Strawberry Springs were lovely, out in the forest surrounded by snow in the wilderness. Being Saturday it was quite busy but never the less very enjoyable. We stayed enjoyed the warm water for a couple of hours until after dark, and since there is absolutely no light up there so it got a bit tricky to get around. The springs are open until midnight and are a must see for anyone visiting the Steamboat Springs area.
At the Springs
The freezing river ran right next to the hot pools
All in all it was a successful day, we are heading in the right direction once again and hopefully into slightly (but not too much) warmer weather. One more stop in Colorado before leaving the state.
TA
Ahaaa, we’re glad your back on the road again, means more stories and pictures for us to read and look at.
Never been in a hot spring pool but I can imagine, must feel so relaxing ! mmmm
See you tomorrow guys !
xx
Weather said “ok” for some progress towards the high North!
How long was it in Estes Park, 2 days? Not too bad.
There seem to be hot springs all along your route and I noted all people you meet are friendly, all positive.
Heading west: Utah? Salt Lakes? Speed trial? 😉
Baci on a Monday morning