The summer travel season kicks off next weekend. For its sixth season, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang service to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, resumes summer service Saturday, May 24.

“Bustang to Estes provides travelers a reliable and comfortable option to one of the state’s busiest recreational and tourist areas,” said Paul DesRocher, director of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Transit and Rail, in a news release. “The service also helps take vehicles off the road, eases congestion and parking demands, and makes our roads safer on weekends and holidays.”

The service will make two round-trips between Denver Union Station, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Several stops along the U.S. Highway 36 corridor are also available.

CDOT is offering a special service on the following weekdays:

• Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day
• Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day, which is also a free entrance day into RMNP
• Friday, July 4 – Independence Day
• Monday, September 1 – Labor Day

Each coach has a restroom, bike racks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports, and gear storage under the coach — perfect for cyclists, families with strollers, and day hikers, according to the release.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of Bustang service this summer,” said Town of Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall in the release. “Skip the hassle of driving and enjoy the scenic journey to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.”

“Rocky Mountain National Park is pleased to partner once again with CDOT this summer,” said Park Superintendent Gary Ingram. “Bustang to Estes provides visitors in Denver and on the Colorado Front Range additional transportation options and more opportunities to visit and explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.”

Connectivity Options

Estes Park: Passengers disembarking in Estes Park can catch the town’s free trolley to access various locations in town.

RMNP: To access RMNP, passengers will travel to the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road via Bustang — the only Bustang stop in RMNP. From there, they can transfer to the in-park shuttles with stops on the Bear Lake Road corridor. A valid RMNP Entrance Pass is required to enter the park ($15 for an individual pass/$30 for two or more riders). Passengers do NOT need to purchase a Timed Entry Reservation Permit.

A round-trip ticket is $15 per person, and discounts are available for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and students. To purchase tickets for Bustang to Estes and a park pass, please visit www.ridebustang.com.