Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park without a car

Hello, MP. I am off to grad school in Eugene, Oregon in the fall, but before I do that I'd like to get out to the mountains. I've wanted to get to RMNP pretty badly for the last few years so that seems like a good target. I originally wanted to do some technical climbing but since I broke my thumb less than two weeks ago I think I will just hike and scramble up to fourth class. I will be traveling during the last week or two of August.

My dilemma is that I am on a very (seriously, nearly any cost reducer is good) limited budget and I have no car. This makes renting a car for more than a couple of days pretty much a non-starter. I realize this will make my trip much harder, but I'm willing to try.

My rough plan is to fly to Denver, than shuttle up to Estes Park, buy groceries, then shuttle into probably the Moraine Park campground, then use the free shuttles and hitch hike as necessary to get around. Has anyone tried something like this before and pulled it off? I'd appreciate any advice, including any telling me I'm crazy and should forget it, if you can provide a good reason.

Oh, and I know similar threads have been made before, but I feel like this is pretty specific compared to those so I decided this question was worth a shot at a new thread.

seems like you have it all sussed out.
that plan is fine. I live up in Estes for a few years (worked for the Park)...I never had a car. Took the shuttle everywhere, and when I couldn't, I rode my bike.
Get up there, grab supplies, disappear into the Mts.
simple as that.

I suggest glacier gorge, or sky pond...both sweet.....all though when you get up there you'll probably be pissed you hurt your thumb....
good luck

oh yeah, & obviously don't forget your permit and bear can...they'll fine your ass for that