Colorado Prepares for Peak Fall Color Traffic on I-70

Colorado drivers should expect significant traffic congestion on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 285 during the weekend of September 27-28. This period marks the peak of fall foliage season, drawing large numbers of visitors to the state's mountain areas. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advises travelers to plan ahead to manage potential delays.

Anticipated Traffic Increase for Fall Foliage

The weekend of September 27-28 is predicted to be one of the busiest travel periods this fall in Colorado. Thousands of motorists are expected to drive west of Denver into the mountains to view the changing leaves. This annual event attracts both residents and tourists eager to experience the natural beauty.

CDOT specifically points to heavy weekend travel along the I-70 mountain corridor. U.S. Highway 285, particularly between South Park and Denver, is also expected to see increased volume. Kenosha Pass is a popular destination for fall colors, contributing to congestion on these routes.

"Motorists should expect heavy weekend travel along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor as well as U.S. Highway 285, especially between South Park and Denver, as people flock to popular Kenosha Pass for fall colors," a CDOT news release stated.

Impact of National Public Lands Day

Adding to the expected traffic is National Public Lands Day, observed on Saturday, September 27. This day offers free admission to National Park Service sites. Locations such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park will experience higher visitor numbers. This free access is likely to draw more people to popular scenic areas, further impacting road conditions.

Current Fall Color Status and Predictions

As of late September, the central and northern mountain regions of Colorado are either at peak fall color or nearing it. Southern areas of the state are just beginning to show signs of changing leaves. The timing of peak colors varies by elevation and specific location, but the final weekend of September is typically prime viewing for many popular spots.

Travelers interested in specific peak color predictions and recommended scenic drives can find detailed information on various state tourism websites. Planning routes based on color progression can help optimize the leaf-peeping experience.

Lessons from Last Year's Congestion

The Colorado Department of Transportation has experience with high traffic volumes during peak fall color weekends. On the same weekend last year, CDOT personnel had to manage traffic flow at the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70. This assistance was necessary from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to ensure safe vehicle movement.

Data from that weekend in 2024 showed tunnel traffic volumes reaching nearly 3,000 vehicles per hour at noon on Saturday. For those traveling eastbound on I-70, the return trip home "extended well past 10 p.m.," according to CDOT's recent news release. This highlights the potential for prolonged delays.

Significant westbound delays on I-70 also occurred last year, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing through 5 p.m. These delays were observed between Evergreen and Georgetown. CDOT attributed these backups largely to "large numbers of day-trippers wanting to see the leaves change in the high country."

• Last Year's I-70 Westbound Delays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Evergreen and Georgetown.
• Last Year's Eisenhower Tunnel Traffic Peak: Nearly 3,000 vehicles per hour at noon on Saturday.
• Last Year's Eastbound Return: Delays extended beyond 10 p.m.

Problems with Alternate Routes

Last year also saw "extreme backups" on Guanella Pass, located between Georgetown and Grant. This route is a popular scenic drive but cannot handle interstate-level traffic volumes. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced on Guanella Pass, and drivers attempting to use it as a bypass contributed to severe congestion.

Recent traffic patterns this year also indicate potential for heavy flow. On September 19, traffic peaked at 6 p.m. On September 20, peak times were from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 21 experienced slow traffic for most of the day, peaking at 11 a.m. These trends suggest that weekend travel during fall color season consistently brings high traffic.

Tips for Navigating Fall Color Traffic

To help motorists avoid the worst congestion, CDOT has provided several recommendations for the September 27-28 weekend. These tips focus on strategic timing and utilizing available traffic information resources.

Travelers should expect heavy traffic heading westbound from late morning through early afternoon. Eastbound traffic, particularly for the return trip, is likely to be heavy from late morning well into the evening. Planning travel during off-peak hours can significantly reduce time spent in traffic.

CDOT advises leaving either early in the day or late in the day. For example, starting a westbound trip before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. might help avoid the initial rush. For eastbound returns, departing the mountains before noon or after 7 p.m. could offer a smoother journey.

Using Traffic Information Resources

It is crucial for drivers to check current travel conditions before and during their trips. CDOT recommends using official resources for up-to-date information:

1. COtrip.org: This website provides real-time traffic updates, road closures, and construction alerts.
2. COtrip Planner App: A mobile application offering the same information as COtrip.org, designed for on-the-go access.
3. GoI70.com: This site specifically offers traffic forecasts for the I-70 corridor, which can help travelers choose the best times to drive.

Finally, CDOT strongly cautions against seeking alternate routes on local roads. Routes like Guanella Pass are not designed to handle the volume of traffic seen on an interstate. Using these roads as bypasses can lead to extreme backups and safety issues, as experienced last year.