Route Planning (Fort Collins to Rabbit Ears

[RIDECATS]

I'm going to drive from Fort Collins to Rabbit Ears on December 27th. I'm from MN so looking for some advice.

Can I take "14"? or is that a road that is closed during the winter?

Any recommended routes?

Looks like about 150 miles - how long should I plan for in hours? If i need to be at Rabbit Ears around 9am

Thanks!!

 

[crashnbash]

That route has alot of tight and some blind corners along with next to no cell service. Depending on if and where the road becomes snow covered and icy it will take an about two hours with good roads.

 

[BROX]

I'd say plan on three hours towing in the winter. 14 is windy and slow for the first 40 miles. Walden is about 100 miles from FC, it a small town but has gas and food (no fast food) and on slick roads it takes about two hours to get there.

 

[austinbrose]

I'd go up and around through Laramie. It's further, but takes about the same amount of time. Mostly open highway. One pass, not near as bad as Cameron Pass (14).

 

[milehighassassin]

I've drove 14 (Poudre Canyon) with a two place and my car. Take it slow and don't get in a rush, road is in good shape, very little traffic.

I believe Walden does have a Subway? Not positive but I thought they did.

 

[psychoneurosis]

Nope... No subway in Walden unless Dave built one this week.

Moose Creek Cafe is a good place to stop and eat

 

[Toddstud2003]

Grizzly Creek Parking

You can also park at grizzly creek. Its Buff pass side. Its closer Than going over to Muddy Creek at Rabbit Ears. Same route just make a right at Coalmont road about 11 miles outside of walden. Just another idea. I'm going up december 31 if need a riding partner then.

 

[Skippyspad]

You can also park at grizzly creek. Its Buff pass side. Its closer Than going over to Muddy Creek at Rabbit Ears. Same route just make a right at Coalmont road about 11 miles outside of walden. Just another idea. I'm going up december 31 if need a riding partner then.

X2 I drive this route all the time. When it's snowing it's just like any other pass in Colorado, but the plows do a pretty good job. A couple years ago was the first time I've seen Cameron Pass closed for any period of time since the started plowing it year arround. Had repairs to make after an avy. If you're comming down I-80 it's probably just as easy to take it all the way to Larimie and straight in to Walden instead of 14. If you're stopping in Ft. Collins anyway, You'll have no trouble with Cameron Pass. The Coalmont area is great if you're sledding on Rabbit ears. Parking is much better. In Walden, the Antlers Inn has great food. We stop there every time after a day of sledding to eat and warm up before heading home.

 

[ItDoAble]

Drove it the last two weekends, both with weather. Cameron last week was a little faster, maybe by 30 minutes. Going thru Laramie was easier, straighter roads, cruse control, lower elavations, non-ethanol gas. Count on 2.5 to 3.5 hours to get to Rabbit Ears - depending on road conditions.

 

[RIDECATS]

thanks guys - looking forward to Colorado white gold!!!

I'll try 14 since I'm in Ft Collins anyways.

 

[Midstates]

You'll be fine, take it slow and enjoy the views. 14 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on.