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We will be traveling up from Zion/Bryce with 30 foot fifth wheel in late September headed to Estes Park. Can anyone advise the best route to take us on that would be road safe pulling our RV? Looked like maybe hwy 89 to I 70 then I’m unsure of the safest way. Please advise.

Traveling from Zion/Bryce to Estes Park with a 30-foot fifth wheel requires careful route planning to avoid steep grades, tight turns, and roads that are difficult for large RVs. Late September is generally good for weather, but some mountain passes can start to see snow or icy conditions, so staying on major highways is safest.

Here are some recommended routing options and considerations:

  • Primary Safe Route (most RV-friendly): Start on UT-89 north from the Zion/Bryce area toward I-70 east. Continue on I-70 east through scenic areas like Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. From I-70, take US-40 east near Rifle/Steamboat Springs, then US-34 east to Estes Park. This avoids narrow mountain passes and very steep roads. This route is mostly interstates and US highways, which are well-maintained and suitable for a large RV.
  • Alternative via I-70 and I-25: From I-70 east, you can take I-25 north at Denver, then US-36 west to Estes Park. This is slightly longer in mileage but uses major highways and avoids some of the higher mountain roads. Good if you prefer less stress in terms of winding roads and elevation changes.
  • Avoid:
    • Highway 14 over Cameron Pass if pulling a large RV; it has narrow, curvy sections.
    • Highway 40/34 via smaller mountain towns if you want to minimize hairpin turns and steep grades.
    • Unpaved or scenic byways designed for passenger cars, even if they look faster on a map.

Additional tips for RV travel:

  • Check the elevation and mountain pass conditions before departure; late September can still have early snow in higher elevations.
  • Plan fuel stops in advance, especially through stretches between Grand Junction and Estes Park.
  • Use GPS designed for RVs, which accounts for vehicle length, height, and weight restrictions.
  • Drive early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the Rockies during late summer/early fall.
  • Consider breaking up the drive with an overnight stop around Grand Junction or Glenwood Springs if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

Overall, the combination of UT-89 to I-70 east, then either US-40/US-34 or I-25/US-36 west to Estes Park, will be the safest and most practical routes for your 30-foot fifth wheel.

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