Planning a trip from the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park to the luxury slopes of Beaver Creek? It’s a popular route for travelers looking to experience two very different, but equally amazing, sides of the Colorado mountains. Estes Park, with its rustic charm and wildlife, is a world away from the exclusive, village feel of Beaver Creek.

Getting between them is a beautiful journey. The drive itself is about 145-165 miles, depending on the exact route you take. In good weather and with no traffic, you can expect the drive to take right around 3 to 3.5 hours.

Let’s break down the best ways to make the trip.

How to Travel from Estes Park to Beaver Creek

When you’re looking at options, your choice really comes down to speed vs. cost. The most direct way is by car. Any other option, like a shuttle or bus, isn’t direct and will take a lot longer.

1. Private Car Service (The Easiest Way)

This is the most direct, comfortable, and hassle-free option. You get door-to-door service without worrying about navigation, mountain passes, or I-70 traffic. An Estes Direct driver handles the route, letting you relax and enjoy the scenery. This is especially valuable if you’re traveling with ski gear, luggage, or a group.

• Time: ~3 hours
• Cost: Varies by provider and vehicle size, but expect prices to be in the $650 - $1,300 range for a private SUV or van.
• Best for: Families, groups, business travelers, and anyone who values convenience.

2. Driving Yourself (The Scenic Route)

If you have your own car or a rental, this is your fastest and most flexible option. You have two main routes:

• The All-Season Route (via Denver/I-70): This is the most reliable way to go. You’ll head south from Estes Park (via US-36 or US-34) towards Boulder/Denver, connect with I-70 West, and take that all the way to Avon/Beaver Creek (Exit 167). This route is open year-round.
• The Seasonal Route (via Trail Ridge Road): This is one of the most famous drives in America, but it’s only an option in the summer and early fall (roughly Memorial Day to mid-October). This route takes you through Rocky Mountain National Park on US-34, over the highest continuous paved road in North America. It’s much slower (plan on 4-5+ hours with stops) but is an unforgettable experience. Do not attempt this in winter; the road is closed.

3. Bus & Shuttle Combinations (The Budget Option)

This is the cheapest way to go, but be warned: there is no direct bus or shuttle from Estes Park to Beaver Creek. You will have to make at least one transfer, and the total journey will take 6+ hours.

You would need to:

1. Take a shuttle (like Estes Park Shuttle) or a Bustang bus from Estes Park to Denver’s Union Station or Denver International Airport.
2. From there, book a separate shuttle (like Epic Mountain Express) or another Bustang bus that goes up the I-70 corridor to the Vail/Beaver Creek area.

While it’s possible, the savings might not be worth the 6-7 hour travel day and the hassle of coordinating two separate tickets.

4. Uber / Lyft

You might find a driver in Estes Park willing to take you this far, but it’s not reliable. The cost will be extremely high (likely $400-$700+), and finding a driver for a 3-hour, one-way trip to the mountains is a gamble. We don’t recommend this.

Travel Option Comparison

Car Rentals in Estes Park

If you decide to drive yourself, you can find car rentals in Estes Park, but options are more limited than at the airport. Major brands might have small offices. It’s highly recommended to book your rental car far in advance, especially during peak season.

If you’re traveling anytime between October and May, we strongly suggest renting a vehicle with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) and good tires. Weather on I-70 can change in an instant, and traction laws are often in effect.

Closest Airports

• For Estes Park: The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN). It’s about a 90-minute drive from Estes. DEN is a massive, modern airport (the largest in the U.S. by land area) and a hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier. It has six runways, including the 16,000-foot 16R/34L, one of the longest in the world, built to help heavy, international planes take off in Colorado’s thin air.

• For Beaver Creek: The closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), just 28 miles away (about 35 minutes). EGE is a small airport that gets incredibly busy in the winter with direct flights from major cities. It’s known for being one of the more “extreme” airports due to its high-altitude (6,547 ft) and challenging mountain weather, but it’s the quickest way to get right to the slopes.

Welcome to Beaver Creek!

Once you arrive, you’ll find Beaver Creek is a unique, upscale resort with a charming European-style village at its base.

Things to Do in Beaver Creek (Besides Skiing!)

Beaver Creek is a year-round destination. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’re in for a treat.

• Scenic Chairlift & Gondola Rides: Take the Centennial Express chairlift for stunning views and access to high-alpine hiking.
• Hiking & Mountain Biking: The resort has miles of trails for all skill levels. Beaver Lake Trail is a local favorite.
• Beaver Creek Stables: Go for a guided horseback ride through the aspen groves.
• Ziplining & Adventure Courses: The resort’s adventure center has ziplines, bungee trampolines, and climbing walls.
• Golf: Tee off at the beautiful Beaver Creek Golf Club, a challenging course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

Typical Weather in Beaver Creek

Get ready for true mountain weather. It’s almost always cool at night.

• Winter (Dec - Feb): This is ski season! It’s cold. Expect average highs in the 20s to low 30s (°F) and lows in the single digits. Snow is frequent.
• Spring (Mar - May): “Mud season” and spring skiing. March is often very snowy with highs in the 40s. By May, things are melting and highs can reach the 60s.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Absolutely beautiful. Highs are in the 70s, with cool nights in the 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so get your hiking in early.
• Fall (Sep - Nov): September is gorgeous, with changing aspen leaves and crisp highs in the 60s. By November, the temps drop, and everyone is waiting for the first big snow.

Popular Events

Part of the reason for traveling this route is to catch one of the many events. Both towns have famous calendars.

• In Estes Park: You might be leaving just as Elk Fest or the Rooftop Rodeo is wrapping up. The town is also known for Bigfoot Days and various whiskey festivals.
• In Beaver Creek: You’re arriving for a great lineup. Look for the Beaver Creek Art Festival, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Thanksgiving weekend), and the famous Birds of Prey Men’s World Cup ski races in early December. Oktoberfest and various food & wine festivals are also huge draws.

• Estes Park to Vail
• Estes Park to Eagle Airport
• Estes Park to Aspen
• Estes Park to Boulder