Short colorado ride.

[drfloog]

I am going to ride from Longmont, CO to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. Any tips or suggestions?

[tsteven4]

Wait for spring.

36 is unpleasantly busy between Lyons and Estes Park, especially going uphill.
7 is much nicer.  South St. Vrain canyon is scenic and not very steep.  There are nice views of Longs Peak before the top of Wind River Pass (9130).

If you are continuing up from Estes Park you can take Trail Ridge or the unpaved Fall River Road after they open.

[indyfabz]

36 is unpleasantly busy between Lyons and Estes Park, especially going uphill.

Rode that in '00. Couldn't agree more. Non-stop traffic in early August.

[John Nelson]

If you intend to ride Trail Ridge Road, wait until it opens (usually by not always by Memorial Day). Ride on a weekday if possible. Take the back roads to Hygiene, Hygiene Road to US36, US36 and State Highway 66 to Lyons, State Highway 7 to Estes Park. It'll be less crowded if you use the US34 entrance to RMNP rather than the US36 entrance (although it doesn't make that much difference). Those two roads merge back together part-way up. Take warm clothes and be prepared for rain or snow, no matter when you go. Beware of afternoon storms.