Route Help from Craters of the Moon to Carlsbad Caverns

[MikeInSeattle]

As part of a larger trip over the summer. This section would be early July. Have about 5-7 days. Family of 4 with kids 11,14. We are definitely doing Rocky Mountain NP for a day or two. Would taking 125 and staying in Grand Lake and then 9 to 24 to 285 south into Santa Fe be good? Or would it be better to stay in Estes Park and then take 25 down? I have driven through the Denver to Co Springs to Pueblo a ton for work so I know that route. Just not sure what the better scenic route would be. Efficiency (travel time) matters somewhat. Mountain Passes are fine, if you are comfortable with it I will be but not really looking to go down 550 with the trailer.