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| Title:
The Walden Loop (courtesy of Greeley HD/Yamaha) |
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State:
Colorado
Submitted
By: Dave and Susan Nirode
Date Submitted: Oct 06
Motorcycle Type: 06 H/D Ultra Classic
Motorcycle Road Length: 220 Miles
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Motorcycle
Road Scenery: 
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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!!!
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Motorcycle
Road Quality: 
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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.
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Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
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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.
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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.
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Additional
Information:
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Even after Trail Ridge Road and that spectacular scenery, CO-125 provided a wonderful low-key ride through subtle scenery. Going from North to South the road follows watersheds with lots of beaver dams and meadows. Then topping a low pass the road straightens out and drops into sagebrush country on the run to Walden.
I highly recommend the River Rock Cafe in Antlers Inn. Plain good food and a relaxing place to stop.