How to get to the ymca in Estes Park?

Want to know how to get to the YMCA in Estes Park?  Estes Direct can help you understand all options and pricing breakdowns so you dont get stuck wondering how your gonna get to your cabin.

The YMCA of the Rockies is honestly one of the coolest places to stay if your visiting Colorado but getting there can be a little bit confusing if youve never been to the mountains before. Its not like a normal hotel right in the middle of town where you can just walk to everything. Its actually tucked away pretty far back on Tunnel Road which is awesome for views and seeing elk right on your front porch but it makes the transportation part a little tricky if you dont plan ahead.

We see people all the time who book a shuttle from the airport and get dropped off at the visitor center in downtown Estes Park and then they realize they are still like three miles away from the YMCA with all there luggage and no ride. So we put this guide together to help you figure out the best way to get all the way to your lodge without any stress.

Why the YMCA is worth the trek

First off getting to the YMCA is worth it. Its super popular for big family reunions and weddings and just groups of friends wanting to hang out in the mountains. They have this huge property that borders the national park on three sides so it feels super secluded even though your only a few minutes drive from downtown.

But because its so big you really have to think about how your gonna get around once your there too. The property itself is massive. Walking from your cabin to the dining hall might take twenty minutes depending on where they put you. So when you are planning your trip getting to the YMCA is step one but getting around the YMCA is step two.

Option 1: Driving Yourself (The Best Option)

Honestly if you can rent a car or drive your own vehicle that is the best way to go. Having a car gives you so much freedom because like I said the YMCA is huge and you might want to drive down to Safeway to grab some snacks or head into the national park for a hike.

If your driving from Denver or the airport you have a couple of main ways to go and they are all pretty nice drives.

The Highway 36 Route (Fastest)

Most people come up through Boulder on Highway 36. This is usually the quickest way if there isn’t crazy traffic. You basically just leave Denver and head north on I-25 then cut over on Highway 36 and go straight through Boulder.

Once you get past Boulder and Lyons the drive gets really pretty. You start climbing up the canyon and following the river. Just be careful on the curves because people drive pretty fast and if your not used to mountain driving it can be a little intense. When you get into Estes Park you just stay on the main road until you see the signs for the YMCA. You have to turn off the main drag to get to Tunnel Road but GPS works pretty good up here so you should be fine.

The Highway 34 Route (Scenic Canyon)

Another way is to go up through Loveland on Highway 34. This takes you through the Big Thompson Canyon which is super dramatic with huge rock walls on both sides of the road. Its a little bit longer usually but if there is a wreck on 36 or if you just want to see something different its a great drive.

Just watch out for big horn sheep on this road they like to hang out right on the highway sometimes and lick the salt off the road.

The Peak to Peak Highway (The Long Scenic Way)

If you have plenty of time and want to see some really cool mountain towns you can come up the “back way” on Highway 7. This is called the Peak to Peak highway. You would go through Golden and Black Hawk and Nederland first. It takes way longer like probably an extra hour but the views are insane. You pass by huge peaks and cool aspen groves.

You definately dont want to take this way if its snowing and your not comfortable driving in snow though. The roads are twisty and go really high up so the weather can get bad fast.

Option 2: Taking a Shuttle from the Airport

If you are flying into DIA and dont want to rent a car because maybe your nervous about mountain driving or you just dont want the expense there are shuttles that come up here.

This is where it gets a little tricky for the YMCA specifically though.

Most of the big shuttle companies like the Estes Park Shuttle run from the airport to Estes Park multiple times a day. They are super reliable and the drivers are usually really nice folks who live up here. The cost is usually around $55 to $75 per person each way depending on the season.

Here is the catch though: You need to make sure the shuttle will actually take you all the way to the YMCA.

Some shuttles only drop off at the Estes Park Visitor Center or the big hotels downtown. The YMCA is technically “out of town” a little bit so not every shuttle goes there on every run. When you are booking you have to specifically ask or check the box for YMCA of the Rockies. If you dont you might get dropped off in town and be stranded.

The “Last Mile” Problem

If you do take a shuttle that only goes to the visitor center you are gonna need a way to get to the Y.

• Uber and Lyft: We have them in Estes Park but they are not like in the city. You might open the app and see “No cars available” especially at night or early in the morning. Do not rely on Uber 100% because you might get stuck.
• Local Taxi: There are a couple of local taxi guys but they get booked up fast.
• The Free Town Shuttle: In the summer there is a free shuttle system in town called The Peak. There are different color routes like the Gold route and the Silver route. Some of them get close to the YMCA area but they dont go inside the property usually. You would still have a pretty long walk.

So if you book a shuttle just make sure it goes door to door to the YMCA administration building or whichever lodge your checking into.

Option 3: Private Car Service

If you have a big family or a group sometimes it makes more sense to just hire a private car or van. A lot of companies including some that work with Estes Direct can set this up.

The nice thing about a private ride is they pick you up right at baggage claim and drive you straight to your cabin door. You dont have to wait for other people or make stops at other hotels. If you have like 5 or 6 people the cost might actually be similar to buying individual shuttle tickets anyway.

Plus you can usually ask the driver to stop at the grocery store in town for 20 minutes so you can load up on food for your stay. Since the YMCA cabins have kitchens usually this is a huge money saver so you dont have to eat out for every meal.

Getting Around Once You Are There

This is something people forget about. The YMCA of the Rockies is not just one building. Its a huge campus with hundreds of cabins and lodges spread out over hills and valleys.

If you drove your own car your set. You can just drive from your cabin to the pool or the craft center.

If you took a shuttle and dont have a car you are gonna be doing a lot of walking. They do have a sort of internal shuttle sometimes or little golf carts for luggage but you should be prepared to walk. Its beautiful walking but if you have grandma with you or little kids just keep in mind the distances are real.

Walking Tips

• Bring a flashlight: It gets super dark up here at night. There arent street lights everywhere like in the city.
• Wear good shoes: The paths are dirt or gravel mostly.
• Drink water: Your at 8,000 feet elevation. Walking to breakfast might wind you more than you think.

Winter Travel vs Summer Travel

Getting to the YMCA changes a lot depending on when your coming.

In the Summer (June - August): The traffic is the biggest problem. Estes Park gets super crowded. The drive from Denver might take 2 hours instead of 1.5 because of all the people. But the roads are dry and easy.

In the Winter (November - April): The traffic is way better but the roads can be scary. Highway 36 is usually plowed pretty good but if a storm hits it can get icy fast. Tunnel Road to the YMCA can also get slick.

If you are coming in winter and driving a rental car try to get something with All Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4WD. You usually dont need chains unless its a crazy blizzard but having that extra traction helps a lot on the hills inside the YMCA property.

Also in winter the shuttles run less often so you have to plan your schedule tighter.

Pricing Breakdowns

Just so you have an idea of what your looking at cost wise here is a rough estimate. These prices change obviously so dont hold me to it but it gives you a ballpark.

What about the Bustang?

You might have heard of the Bustang which is the state bus system. It is super cheap like seriously five or ten bucks. But it is not the best option for the YMCA usually.

First off it usually only runs on weekends and holidays during the summer and fall. It doesnt run every day all year. Second it drops you off at the Visitor Center or the Park n Ride. It does not go to the YMCA.

So if you take the Bustang you save a ton of money but then you are stuck at the visitor center needing to find a ride for that last 3 miles. If you are on a super tight budget and dont mind hitchhiking (just kidding dont hitchhike) or waiting for an Uber it can work but for a family vacation it might be too much hassle.

Summary of our advice

Look we love the YMCA. Its such a classic Colorado experience. But we hate seeing people stressed out about travel.

If you can rent a car just do it. It makes everything easier.

If you cant rent a car book a shuttle but call them to confirm they go to the YMCA property. Dont just assume. And maybe bring some extra snacks just in case you get stuck waiting for a ride somewhere.

Enjoy your trip to Estes! The mountains are calling and hopefully now you know how to answer the call without getting lost on Highway 36.

• What to Do in Downtown Estes Park: A Complete Guide to Shopping and Attractions
• When Is The Weather The Best in Estes
• Your guide to timed entry in estes park for 2025
• What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Estes Park?
• Where To Eat Lunch In Estes Park
• Is there a shuttle from Estes Park to Grand Lake?