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From 80 west should we take 76 to estes park or go to Cheyenne WY and 25 south

Driving to Estes Park from I-80 west gives you a couple of main options, and the choice depends on whether you prioritize scenery, travel time, or avoiding mountain driving at the start.

Option 1 – I-76 south toward Denver, then US-36 to Estes Park:

  • This is the more common route and generally faster if you want to minimize driving time.
  • From I-80, take I-76 south toward Denver, then merge onto I-25 north briefly before taking US-36 west through Boulder to Estes Park.
  • The drive from I-80 junction near Sterling, CO, is around 3.5–4 hours.
  • This route offers some scenic views, especially once you hit US-36 through Boulder Canyon, but the first part across the plains is fairly flat and open.

Option 2 – I-80 west to Cheyenne, WY, then US-287/US-34 south to Estes Park:

  • This route takes you farther north initially through Wyoming, which is less direct but can be enjoyable if you want a different perspective and less traffic than I-25/US-36.
  • From Cheyenne, you would take US-287 south toward Fort Collins, then US-34 west to Estes Park via the Big Thompson Canyon.
  • The drive is slightly longer in distance and can take roughly the same time or a bit more, depending on stops and traffic.
  • This route has more rural, high plains scenery and the Big Thompson Canyon section is beautiful, but you should be mindful of narrow canyon sections and occasional construction or closures.

Recommendation: For most travelers coming from I-80 west, the I-76/I-25/US-36 route is simpler, faster, and still offers nice scenery once you reach Boulder Canyon. The Cheyenne route is more scenic in sections but adds driving time and complexity. If you have extra time and want a more “off-the-beaten-path” experience, the Cheyenne route could be enjoyable, but for efficiency and ease, stick with the Colorado route via US-36.

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