Friday, July 4, 2025

As US travelers prepare to head to Colorado’s breathtaking mountains for the Fourth of July, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid the heavy traffic that comes with the holiday rush. With a surge of visitors expected, knowing how to navigate the congestion can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable getaway. By following a few key strategies, travelers can beat the traffic and fully enjoy their mountain escape.

With the Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, numerous travelers are heading to Colorado’s picturesque mountain regions. Famous for its stunning vistas and outdoor recreation, the mountains attract many visitors during the holiday. However, drivers should be prepared for significant traffic, especially on major highways like Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 285.

The holiday marks the beginning of Colorado’s peak summer tourism season, with traffic expected to surge over the next six to seven weeks. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead to avoid the anticipated congestion, especially between July 3 and 6, which will be the busiest travel period of the year. With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday, the holiday weekend is expected to see a significant spike in traffic.

During the Fourth of July weekend, Colorado’s mountain corridors, particularly I-70, will experience a dramatic increase in traffic. According to CDOT, westbound I-70 will be most congested during the afternoon of July 3 and the morning of July 4. This period will see a high volume of vehicles heading to mountain destinations for holiday celebrations, outdoor recreation, and family get-togethers.

On the return trip, eastbound traffic will be equally heavy, with the heaviest congestion expected on Sunday, July 6, in the afternoon. With so many drivers on the road, it’s crucial to plan your trip and avoid traveling during these peak hours whenever possible.

If you’d like to avoid long hours in traffic, consider the following strategies to make your journey to the mountains more efficient:

1.

The Colorado Department of Transportation offers online resources that provide valuable information about travel conditions. These tools can provide you with traffic forecasts for different times of the day, allowing you to choose the best departure time to avoid congestion. This resource can help you determine when traffic will be lighter and when the roads will be the busiest.

Additionally, real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and live camera feeds are available to provide immediate insights into current traffic patterns and any potential road closures, allowing you to adjust your plans if necessary.

2.

The time you leave can significantly impact how long your trip will take. To avoid the heaviest traffic, CDOT suggests departing earlier in the morning or later in the evening, rather than during peak afternoon hours on July 3. If possible, consider leaving at night or very early on July 4 to beat the rush. For the return trip, try leaving in the morning on Sunday, July 6, before the traffic picks up.

3.

If you’d prefer to avoid driving altogether, public transportation is a convenient and stress-free option. Services like Bustang, Pegasus, and Bustang Outrider operate along key mountain corridors, providing access to popular destinations like Estes Park and other mountain towns. These buses are a comfortable way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Colorado without the hassle of driving, navigating traffic, or finding parking.

One silver lining for holiday travelers is that CDOT will suspend all construction and maintenance projects from noon on July 3 through the morning of July 7. This includes major roadwork on high-traffic routes like the , which has often caused bottlenecks in previous years.

While this suspension should help ease congestion, travelers should be aware that some construction zones may still have reduced speed limits, which could lead to minor delays. Drivers should stay alert and follow posted speed limits to ensure their safety.

Even with the suspension of construction and thorough planning, it’s important to stay flexible and prepared for the inevitable delays that come with holiday travel. Here are a few additional tips to make your journey more comfortable:

The Fourth of July weekend in Colorado’s mountains is packed with outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to scenic drives and fireworks displays. By following the tips above, travelers can minimize stress and make the most of their time in the mountains while avoiding the traffic jams that often accompany the holiday.

Whether you choose to take public transportation, time your departure carefully, or simply prepare for potential delays, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. So, get ready to experience the beauty of Colorado’s mountains and enjoy a memorable Fourth of July holiday.

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