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Travel Estes Park to Salida

Time for a road trip?

AAA Drive Trips are free, detailed itineraries for recommended drive vacations all over the country. Each trip includes a map, estimated drive times and distances, photos and detailed information about the route. This issue's featured route covers 199 miles from Estes Park to Salida. It is part of the Rocky Mountain Drive Trip, a 435-mile loop from Denver.

From Estes Park, head south on SR 7 (a AAA Scenic Byway). As the route winds through dense spruce and subalpine fir forests, savor views of pristine waterfalls, gigantic boulders and sparkling lakes with stately mountain spires in the background. Continuing south on SRs 72/119, you will come across Black Hawk, about 60 miles from Estes Park. The town's casinos entice those wishing to tempt Lady Luck.

Just outside of Black Hawk, take a left on US 40—you will drive about 3 miles, take a right on CR 65 for 2.5 miles, turn right on Evergreen Parkway/SR74 for about 5 miles, then right on SR 73 for 8.7 miles. At this point, turn right on US 285S, another AAA Scenic Byway lined with colorful fields of flowers in spring and pinewoods capped by a glittering white mantle during winter.

Stop in Fairplay, 52 miles south, the town that inspired the "South Park" TV series. Nearby, South Park City Museum, a AAA GEM attraction, is an impressive restoration of a goldmining town typical of the 1860-1900 era. Continue south on US 285 about 49 miles, then take a left on SR 291 and drive 7.7 miles to arrive at Salida. Nicknamed the "banana belt" of Colorado for its mild winters, Salida attracts rock hounds in pursuit of aquamarine, garnet, sapphire and turquoise. Skiers and boarders like to soak in the soothing waters of Salida Hot Springs Swimming Pool after visiting Monarch Ski Area. When the snow melts, rafting, kayaking and fly fishing are the events of choice.

Find this complete trip and others at www.AAA.com/travel. Choose "AAA Drive Trips" from the left menu.

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