Overall Route Rating
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4.75 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.75
48 Reviews

The Walden Loop (courtesy of Greeley HD&Yamaha)

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Sep 30, 2006

Rider Reviews

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Guest
June 16, 2010
Also, I'd HIGHLY recommend that people check out…
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Guest
March 17, 2011
Started this ride in Golden, Co. Rode up the…
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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.

Scenery

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!!!

Drive Enjoyment

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. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "About 10 miles into Hwy 14 outside of Ft Collins. Just a beautiful canyon."

Tourism Opportunities

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. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "The road up to Cameron pass (elev 10,400 ft). bring some warm gear for this mountain trip - but you will not be disappointed!"

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Dholling423
September 10, 2021
41 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Wow! What a great ride. We started the loop in Fort Collins and rode up to Estes Park for entry into RMNP. Entry reservations are required from 9 AM to 3 PM. We got there before 8 AM and there wasn't a line at the gate. We spent 5 hours inside the Park. Even with the evidence of last year's fires the park was still beautiful. The loop up to Walden was fun. The ride down Poudre Canyon was spectacular!
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
YES! YES! YES! Highway 14 west out of Fort Collins, up the Cache LaPoudre River is incredible. Take it all the way into Walden, CO up at about 8,500 feet in elevation. going up the canyon is incredible, with the river on your right for about 80 miles. once at the pass and the high plateau you are in wildlife nirvana. Watch for Moose!, Elk!, deer, turkey, and everything!. Weather can change in a heartbeat up there so pack some extra gear, (rain suit, and maybe heated clothing) I have left Fort Collins at 90 degrees and 3 hours later rolled into Walden in snow!. Hit Rabbit Ears pass while you are up that way. But the return route shown here is great, coming back around through the Rocky Mountain National Park. ($25.00 fee unless you have a pass). Estes Park can be crowded. There is a bypass around to the south which takes you down to Nederland (hwy 7) and some more awesome roads. But La Poudre canyon is a DON'T miss!
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Best Roads
February 4, 2022
62 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Best views of the Colorado Rockies superb day trip with lots of places to stop and enjoy the views.
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