How To Drive Safely Through Mountains in Colorado

Whether you’re an experienced driver in Colorado or driving through the mountains for the first time, it’s always a good idea to brush up on some mountain driving tips.

As Denver’s car accident attorneys, we’ve handled hundreds of mountain driving accident cases. Interstate 70’s mountain corridor sees over 300 accidents annually, with 75% occurring during winter months.

Here’s our comprehensive guide to keeping you safe on the Colorado drive along mountain routes.

Essential Mountain Driving Skills: Denver to the High Country

Unlike city driving, mountain passes demand different techniques at each elevation. Starting from Denver at 5,280 feet, you’ll climb to 11,158 feet at Eisenhower Tunnel. Your vehicle loses power as you climb, requiring different handling techniques:

• At 8,000 feet (Morrison/Floyd Hill): Your engine loses about 20% power. Accelerate gradually, maintain a steady speed, and stay in lower gears on climbs to safely drive through mountains.
• At 10,000 feet (Loveland Pass/Vail Pass): Watch for overheating on long climbs. Use pullouts to cool your engine. Never coast downhill—engine braking is crucial here.
• At 11,000+ feet (Eisenhower Tunnel): Expect sudden weather changes. Keep momentum on uphills but avoid excess speed on descents to prevent head-on car collisions.

Colorado’s Major Mountain Routes

I-70’s mountain corridor presents unique challenges year-round. The section from Morrison to Vail includes Colorado’s most demanding driving conditions. Key areas along this route require extra caution:

Floyd Hill marks where serious mountain driving begins. Its 6% grade challenges vehicles in both directions. During winter storms, this stretch often sees multiple accidents due to rapidly changing conditions.

The Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, North America’s highest vehicle tunnels, sit at 11,158 feet. Weather conditions here frequently differ dramatically from Denver, with sudden wind gusts and snow squalls common even in summer.

Vail Pass combines steep grades with severe weather. Winter storms can reduce visibility to zero within minutes. Summer brings heavy tourist traffic and afternoon thunderstorms.

Preparation Tips for Driving Through Colorado Mountains

Checking Road Conditions and Construction Updates

Driving through the majestic mountains in Denver can be thrilling, but safety is essential. Before embarking on your mountain adventure, stay informed about road conditions and any construction projects along the way.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) provides a valuable resource for real-time road condition information and construction updates. By visiting their official website, you can access up-to-date details about closures, detours, detours, or weather impacts on the road through mountains.

Checking this information before you hit the road allows you to plan your trip accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and safe drive.

In addition to monitoring road conditions, it’s also wise to plan your rest stops and explore points of interest along the way. Colorado boasts a plethora of scenic viewpoints, rest areas, and attractions nestled amidst its mountainous landscapes.

The Colorado Tourism Office website serves as an excellent reference for gathering information about these rest stops and points of interest.

Whether you’re in search of a picturesque spot to stretch your legs, capture breathtaking photographs, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings, the website offers a wealth of resources to guide you.

Take advantage of their recommendations and make the most of your mountain drive by incorporating these rest stops and points of interest into your itinerary.

Stay informed about road conditions and construction updates through the CDOT website. By utilizing the resources provided by the Colorado Tourism Office to plan your rest stops and explore points of interest, you can enhance the safety and enjoyment of your mountain driving experience in Colorado.

Buckle up, take in the breathtaking vistas, savor the adventure while prioritizing safety at every turn, and enjoy the drive.

Common Mountain Driving Dangers in Colorado

Colorado’s mountain weather can change dramatically within minutes. Summer afternoons often bring sudden thunderstorms, while winter conditions can appear without warning above 8,000 feet.

The most challenging stretch occurs between Denver and the Eisenhower Tunnel, where elevation changes rapidly and weather conditions can vary significantly between the valley and summit.

The following are some additional tips for driving in Colorado safely by preparing before you embark on your trip.

• Check the condition of your car. Make sure your car is roadworthy. The brakes, engine, battery, fluid levels, windshield wipers, heater, antifreeze, and tire condition. It would also be smart to get an oil change, fill up your gas tank, and make sure you have a spare tire
• Check the weather. Snowstorms and icy roads in the springtime are not uncommon in Colorado. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Monitor forecasts and be prepared for sudden shifts in conditions.
• Pack an emergency kit. Flashlights, extra headlamps, batteries, phone charger, first aid kit, water, ice scraper, blankets, sand, change of clothes, sunscreen, windshield washer fluid, etc. You can also find more suggestions for a creative emergency kit.
• Bring a map. Phone service and cell phone reception on mountain roads can be unreliable. Visit cotrip.org for update-to-date highway cameras of major through roads, as well as closures and alerts. Know where gas stations and turnouts are located in case of an emergency

The Mountain Rules: I-70 Mountain Corridor Overview

The I-70 mountain corridor between Morrison and Dotsero demands specific driving skills unique to Colorado’s high country. From September 1 to May 31, Colorado’s Traction Law (Code 15) requires proper equipment for mountain driving safety. This critical stretch of road sees more than 300 accidents annually, making proper preparation essential.

Required mountain driving equipment includes:

• Snow tires
• 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Tires with an M+S (mud plus snow) designation
• Tire chains
• Traction devices like tire socks

If you get caught out there without one of the above traction options, you could be fined $130 or more. You would also be more likely to cause an accident.

The I-70 corridor through Colorado’s mountains challenges even experienced drivers. Starting at Floyd Hill’s 6% grade, you’ll climb to North America’s highest vehicle tunnel at Eisenhower (11,158 feet). Weather here changes dramatically – clear skies in Denver don’t guarantee safe driving conditions at higher elevations.

The I-70 express lane, available during peak travel times, helps manage traffic flow through these high-altitude stretches, but drivers should still prepare for sudden slowdowns, lane merges, and changing weather patterns.

Keep Right Except to Pass

To drive safe in Colorado‘s high country, master your brake management. When descending steep grades, prevent brake failure by shifting down before major descents. First-time mountain drivers should use engine braking instead of constant brake pressure – a key safety rule for high-altitude roads.

Mountain roads in Colorado demand more space between cars than Denver’s streets. At elevations above 8,000 feet, where engines work harder and brakes lose efficiency, maintain four seconds of following distance.

When mountain weather changes or you’re climbing steep grades like Floyd Hill, double this space. Watch for trucks – they often slow suddenly on Colorado’s steep mountain passes.

Braking Tips for Mountain Driving

Your vehicle’s braking system faces its greatest test on mountain roads. When descending steep mountain grades, resist the instinct to constantly press your brakes. If you’re heading to ski trip or taking winter roads, prevent brake failure by shifting down before major descents. Engine braking is a key safety measure for high-altitude driving.

For automatic transmissions, use “2” or “L” settings to engage engine braking. Look for designated pullouts along steep descents – these aren’t just scenic stops, but crucial brake-cooling areas.

When you’re driving uphill, don’t turn your AC on, as it may cause your engine to overheat. Instead, roll down the windows and let some fresh air in.

If your car does overheat, here are some tips from Colorado Springs‘ government:

• If your engine is hot, sometimes switching the car’s heater to the highest setting will help. Consult your driver’s manual for proper cooling procedures.
• You may wish to run water on your radiator core to condense steam and reduce heat.
• Do NOT remove the radiator cap until the engine is cool. Follow the manual procedures when adding water or other coolants.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Keeping your eyes on the road may sound obvious, but there are a lot of factors when it comes to driving in the mountains:

• Sightseeing. Pull your car over to take in the views to avoid accidents around those tight turns.
• Wildlife. We’re going through their terrain, so be careful to keep an eye out for mountain wildlife like elk or deer, especially around dawn and dusk.
• Mountain Debris. There are usually signs around these areas, but also make sure to keep an eye out for debris falling from higher ground.
• Driving at night. Driving in the many mountains of CO requires extra caution and attention, especially at night. The reduced visibility combined with the presence of nocturnal wildlife can increase the risk of accidents. 

Winter Driving Safety in the Colorado Mountains

Concerned about driving during the winter months? Good news – there are a few ways to avoid driving through the mountains in Colorado. For example, you can take the train if you’re going to Winter Park! Amtrak can take you from Denver to Winter Park Resort on the weekends.

If you’re just looking to take in the views, there are many train routes and excursions you can check into. “TravelAwaits,” even has a list of 8 Beautiful Colorado Train Trips You Must Experience.

Your Safety Matters

Your safety matters to us! We’ve seen the pain caused by others’ negligence and want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. By understanding and remembering tips and advice on how to drive safely through the mountains, we can all make the roads a little safer.

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