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US-36: Lyons to Estes Park, North St. Vrain Canyon, Colorado
Photo: DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Colorado Denver, Boulder and the Front Range

US-36: Lyons to Estes Park

US 36 · Lyons → Estes Park

Sweeping18.8 mi25 min3,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,100 ftOne way
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The drive

This is US 36 climbing west from the edge of Lyons through North St. Vrain Canyon to Estes Park, ending at Lake Estes. The road follows the creek, narrow in places, and rises about 3,200 feet from the plains edge into the foothills. It is 18.8 miles and takes about 26 minutes.

It is a quieter way into Estes Park than the Big Thompson road. The canyon is a place that has been rebuilt: the September 2013 floods closed the 31 miles of US 36 between Estes Park and Boulder, and North St. Vrain Canyon was among the hardest-hit areas. The road reopened about two months later.

Estes Park is also the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the starting point of Peak to Peak and Trail Ridge Road drives.

Along the way

  1. Lyons (west edge)
  2. Estes Park (Lake Estes)
Elevation
3,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,100 ft
LyonsEstes Park
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
LyonsEstes Park
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There are few passing zones, so expect to follow slower traffic.
  • The 2013 floods closed this canyon road for about two months, so check conditions after heavy rain.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check CDOT COtrip road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is US 36 from Lyons to Estes Park?

US 36 from Lyons to Estes Park is 18.8 miles and takes about 26 minutes.

Is US 36 through North St. Vrain Canyon curvy?

Yes. It is a winding two-lane road along the creek with few passing zones.

Was US 36 to Estes Park damaged in the 2013 floods?

Yes. The 2013 floods closed US 36 between Estes Park and Boulder for about two months, and North St. Vrain Canyon was among the hardest-hit areas.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of US-36: Lyons to Estes Park, from Lyons to Estes Park