11 Things NOT to Do When Driving in Colorado

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  • Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 97

  • @ellenhawkins128
    @ellenhawkins128 Год назад +25

    From a 7-yr Colorado resident who’s learned some things about driving in CO:
    1. Don’t drive on I-70 on weekends, holidays, or during snowstorms. Bring snacks and hydration.
    2. Know Colorado’s traction laws.
    3. Check out CDOT’s virtual maps for info on road conditions, construction, etc, on their website.
    3. Skip the drive on I-70 from Golden to Idaho Springs for Hwy 6 through Clear Creak Canyon from Golden to Idaho Springs. More relaxing, no steep climb and descent with big rigs. Look for rock climbers on the big rock walls, rafters and kayakers in the creek below (in season), and stop to stretch your legs at the Big Easy Trailhead.
    4. Enjoy every minute! You’re in the Rockies!

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  Год назад +2

      I love this! Thanks!

    • @jerviejervie2204
      @jerviejervie2204 7 месяцев назад

      I drove on I-70 from Wisconsin to Grand Junction last March. There was a decent snowfall going on and I began to panic but eventually made it to the canyon. Later that evening and especially the next day all snow broke loose. Whew, never again.

    • @ryannelson5501
      @ryannelson5501 4 месяца назад +2

      All good points aside from #3 do not come through Golden unless I70 is closed. I live near 6 & 58 and almost always take I70 cause it's faster, also out of state drivers on 6 don't understand that climbers, river folk and all kinds of people use 6 as a walking path. Do not speed on that highway or you'll kill us

    • @anarizmoore
      @anarizmoore День назад

      I was going to take route 70 to get to salt lake city. Is the other way you mentioned apply to traveling to SLC? I'm ok driving on inclines (I can get a bit nervous but I've driven through different parts of the rockies) do you have any less intense roads I can travel?

    • @ellenhawkins128
      @ellenhawkins128 День назад

      @ Unless you want to take a much longer, state highways, longer route, i70 is the better way in winter. Be prepared for longer drive times and possibly waiting in traffic.

  • @NobleOmnicide
    @NobleOmnicide 5 месяцев назад +29

    One important one that a LOT of people in Colorado do. As you're driving along 285 and you notice there are a ton of cars behind you because you're going 5 mph under the speed limit, do NOT speed up one you get to a passing zone. Just stay in the right lane and let those cars piling up behind you pass you. I don't know why so many people decide to speed up in passing zones and then slow back down but please do not do that.

    • @whlsdn
      @whlsdn 2 месяца назад +2

      Yup, that's a common challenge when driving any 2-lane front-range canyon road where flat-landers regularly venture into the nearby Rockies' scenery. A driver not accustomed to mountain driving will usually slow down more than necessary in the non-passing zones because they are overly cautions about limited sight-lines, narrow roads, curves, and steep walls or falls nearby. Naturally, passing zones usually lack most of those flat-lander frights, so they speed up to the limit... usually. As you suggest, when cars driven by more mtn-capable drivers have lined up behind them, they should actually slow down and move as far to the right as possible if on-coming traffic would permit some cars to pass. Better yet, they should always be on the look-out for places to pull off safely and allow others to pass.

    • @anarizmoore
      @anarizmoore День назад

      I'm a flat lander....I love the rockies....am actually driving from TX to Denver for Christmas... My experiences in Colorado have been great, but it can be intimidating driving because of the cars that back up behind me. I try not to go super slow, but it would be nice for highlanders to be a little understanding.
      Taking the train to winter park, then on Christmas, we are driving to Salt Lake City. Hopefully, the drive will be stress-free. Taking route 70.

    • @NobleOmnicide
      @NobleOmnicide День назад

      @@anarizmoore The simplest piece of advice I can give you is stay in the right lane and let people pass you. Stay out of the left lane. You'll be just fine if you follow that advice.

  • @chrisschene8301
    @chrisschene8301 Год назад +10

    I carry a garmin inreach satellite communication device with me so that if I break down or injure myself out of cell phone range I can text or email anyone in my contacts or push sos for emergency rescue. I am 71 and usually travel and hike alone.

  • @ellasmommy9278
    @ellasmommy9278 Год назад +9

    I remember telling somebody during a snowstorm to drive in a lower gear, and he said I have an automatic and I said DRIVE IN A LOWER GEAR. After about the fifth time I said it I said did you ever notice that L1, L2 maybe an S to the right of D? Those are your lower gears.
    Also, if you notice someone is tailgating you (or many someones) find the first spot you can to pull over and let them by. Some of us know those mountain roads by heart and we're just trying to get to work. And then you can enjoy the scenery.
    Thank you for the unwritten rule about the person going up has the right of way. I didn't know about it until I physically lived in the mountains for 3 years .

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  Год назад

      Thanks for watching!

    • @russlehman2070
      @russlehman2070 4 месяца назад +1

      It's not an unwritten rule. It's actually a traffic law in Colorado.

    • @aspecreviews
      @aspecreviews Месяц назад

      "S" often stands for "sequential" and allows you to shift up and down manually, much like a manual but without a clutch pedal. When you select "S", the transmission will likely stay in the gear it currently is in until you tip the shift lever up or down or use your steering wheel paddle shifters. Transmissions with this feature will USUALLY shift up automatically when the engine hits the rev limiter, and they will ALWAYS ignore a downshift command that would send the engine past the rev limiter, and shift down automatically before the engine stalls.

    • @anarizmoore
      @anarizmoore День назад

      @ellasmommy9278 not always just enjoying the scenery...we are just trying to make it down the mountain safely. Lol

  • @chrisschene8301
    @chrisschene8301 Год назад +5

    I purchased a 3500 oxygen concentrator to help adjust to the altitude. As a pilot i am required to use oxygen above 12000 ft. I always carry chains with me. I was asthma and i sometimes get life threatening attacks.

  • @Sam_Sartucci
    @Sam_Sartucci 18 дней назад

    Great video. I live here in Colorado and not too many people use common sense on the road and thank you for this video. I hope it’s helpful for many traveling through our beautiful state.

  • @journeywithstu7199
    @journeywithstu7199 Год назад +7

    Good tips here. Especially the gear-down and right-of-way tips. If I were to add one it would be to not believe your navigation app if it routes you onto a dirt road to avoid a traffic delay or road closure. Especially in the mountains. Every County Sheriff has a story about Siri sending folks onto backroads where only Jeeps should be.

  • @steadysmv
    @steadysmv 6 месяцев назад +6

    Remember to bring plenty of food and water any time of year. A vehicular accident or road closure of any sort can mean hours of delay or rerouting. Most detours will add several hours to your trip if traveling east-west. Do not attempt to avoid a detour by taking dirt roads if you don’t know the area. Cell towers are nonexistent off the beaten path and roads may require 4x4. Remember that AWD and 4x4 are not the same thing!

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  6 месяцев назад

      Great tip. Thanks

    • @asajayunknown6290
      @asajayunknown6290 5 месяцев назад

      Especially the cell phone comment. That means GPS isn't always active either. Take a moment and actually look at your route ahead of time, on some sort of map, electronic or paper doesn't matter, just please don't rely on the AI voice.

  • @drwisdom1
    @drwisdom1 5 месяцев назад +5

    In the Winter don't travel East on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel on Sundays after 4pm, or Monday if it is a three day holiday.

  • @roseannarabia6461
    @roseannarabia6461 5 месяцев назад +2

    Great advice! I would like to add, don't be afraid, or too proud, to pull over and let your brakes cool down or settle your nerves if heights scare you. Everyone is paying attention to other things and won't judge you. 🙂

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  5 месяцев назад +1

      Great point!!

    • @anarizmoore
      @anarizmoore День назад

      @roseannarabia6461 thank you for sharing your comment. I've traveled to Colorado several several times and I'm ok driving but enternally I get a bit nervous....more so when there's a line of cars behind me. I won't rush because I love my life, but I'm relieved that not every local dislikes visitors driving on the mountains.

  • @Hiazhunter
    @Hiazhunter 3 месяца назад +1

    If you're a flatlander, I highly recommend having a drink or two ( if you're not driving) of your favorite adult beverage. The elevation is awesome amplifier. 🍸🍺Cheers !

  • @reidnorthrup2688
    @reidnorthrup2688 9 месяцев назад

    Heading to Colorado this summer from North Carolina. Good reminders. Thanks.

  • @bigp169
    @bigp169 4 месяца назад +1

    To add on to the one about no cell connection I know Google maps allows you to download large portions of the map and it'll stay on your device for up to a year unless you're refresh it to stay on longer.
    I always do this when taking trips to places I'm unfamiliar with or places I know will not have cell service.
    It is also a great thing to do if you're going to go backpacking or hiking to make sure that you can always have an idea of where you are

  • @coastskyadventures2752
    @coastskyadventures2752 Год назад +2

    Debating what I want to do next year for my road trip, and Colorado is a few of my top choices. It comes down to the reservation systems for the national parks.

    • @dennispluto3806
      @dennispluto3806 Год назад +1

      Go to Rocky Mountain national park and arrive before 6am for bear lake or 9am for the rest of the park and you won’t need reservation, I just did it on my first trip to Colorado and you won’t be disappointed

    • @coastskyadventures2752
      @coastskyadventures2752 Год назад

      @@dennispluto3806 thanks.

    • @coastskyadventures2752
      @coastskyadventures2752 Год назад

      @@dennispluto3806 thanks.

    • @coastskyadventures2752
      @coastskyadventures2752 Год назад

      @@dennispluto3806 thanks.

    • @Bethieaw
      @Bethieaw Год назад

      Come to CO! Lots to see and do.

  • @melodyhart1331
    @melodyhart1331 3 месяца назад +2

    As and older couple it would be awesome if accredited drivers could be hired to drive those of us who may be a little older or uncomfortable driving those areas.

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  3 месяца назад

      It's possible there may be tours available for these areas but we don't personally know of any.

  • @stanobert3475
    @stanobert3475 3 месяца назад

    I have lived in Colorado for a long time, and your advice for mountain novice drivers is spot on! My piece of advice is for newbies not to be intimidated by some of the tailgating, overconfident idiot Colorado drivers who ignore the speed limit going up and down the passes. Just follow the speed limit signs. They are there for a reason.

  • @MISSINGKAT
    @MISSINGKAT 22 дня назад

    Great video

  • @pushvedula5640
    @pushvedula5640 16 дней назад

    Yeah that’s what I was trying not to do on Mt Washington, NH!! I was trying not to look down lol….

  • @KYoss68
    @KYoss68 6 месяцев назад +2

    When visiting the high country in Colorado: Always assume it's going to snow and bring your winter coat. I don't care if you're visiting in summer, the mountains don't care about you. Bring your best winter coat. Keep a cold weather emergency kit in your car including:
    1: water
    2: a candle and waterproof matches
    3: thermal blanket
    4: emergency radio
    5: a couple candy bars, eaten sparingly during a stuck situation to keep energy up for trying to get unstuck not for snax
    5: first aid kit
    People die in our mountains every year usually because they were un or under prepared, don't let yourself become a statistic.
    Have a great time, of course our natural beauty is unmatched, take lots of pictures to share with friends when you go home.
    Welcome to Colorado, have a nice stay.

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  6 месяцев назад

      Thanks for sharing.

    • @russlehman2070
      @russlehman2070 4 месяца назад

      A related point: Spring is not usually a good time to visit high elevation areas (unless you intend to ski or snowboard). If you visit in April or May, you are likely to find deep snow. Many high elevation areas don't melt out until June or even July.

    • @briankady1456
      @briankady1456 4 месяца назад

      I would add too that the high country is often the site of thunderstorms during the summer, which can be brief but deadly if you're not careful.

  • @lukeroberts6019
    @lukeroberts6019 6 месяцев назад +6

    Two more "don'ts" he didn't cover. Regarding the altitude, don't expect your car to have the same power it does in the lowlands. The thin air will noticably reduce your power so keep that in mind when you are pulling a trailer or pulling out in front of someone.
    Also, if you are climbing a hill and there is a passing lane, don't clog up the passing lane unless you are passing!!! I'm really surprised he didn't mention that.

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  6 месяцев назад

      These are great don'ts. Thanks!

    • @NobleOmnicide
      @NobleOmnicide 5 месяцев назад +2

      Dude, why do so many people in Colorado do that? I swear I see every time I drive along 285. Some shmuck is going 5mph under the speed limit, causing a bunch of cars to pile up behind them, and then they SPEED UP in the passing zone and stay in the left lane! It's maddening!

    • @lukeroberts6019
      @lukeroberts6019 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@NobleOmnicide Yup, I've seen the same thing.

    • @aspecreviews
      @aspecreviews 3 месяца назад

      Hybrids and turbos compensate pretty well for altitude, my grandpa's 2019 RDX (4-banger with a decently sized turbo) seems to pull just as hard up at 10K feet as it does down where I live in Wisconsin.

  • @AlanJohnson-oj4st
    @AlanJohnson-oj4st 5 месяцев назад +3

    Two legitimate laws in Colorado that are covered(on the Colorado driving test): 1. Uphill traffic has the right of way. 2. Outside of city limits, you must drive in the right lane. I see so many non residents and city dwellers, that do not follow these laws.

    • @kydelastra
      @kydelastra 4 месяца назад

      The right lane law only applies to big rigs on multi lane highways, "unless otherwise posted".

    • @AlanJohnson-oj4st
      @AlanJohnson-oj4st 4 месяца назад

      @@kydelastra you need to read colorado law 42-4-1013. It stipulates nothing about the type of vehicle . It only stipulates motor vehicles.

  • @archeojoel
    @archeojoel 3 месяца назад +3

    "Mt. Evans" has been renamed to Mount Blue Sky.

    • @kevindowell6003
      @kevindowell6003 2 месяца назад

      And it should be returned to Mt Evans. I and others I know will correct people who play that rename game.

    • @archeojoel
      @archeojoel 2 месяца назад

      @@kevindowell6003 Why do you think that? Are you related to Evans? Or you just like that whole wypepo hegemony thing? Hate to tell you, but your racism is showing...

    • @kevindowell6003
      @kevindowell6003 2 месяца назад

      @@archeojoel and your arrogant stupidity is showing

  • @Nick.Keane77
    @Nick.Keane77 5 месяцев назад +2

    the biggest one was missed(of course):
    If you are traveling on a 2 lane mountain road and there are cars piling up behind you, pull off at your first available chance. these roads may have zero passing lanes for 10's of miles at a stretch, but will have small pull offs regularly. Use them! notice I didn't mention anything about your speed! it doesn't matter one bit if you are doing the speed limit or not. get out of the way of faster traffic. period, full stop!

  • @McBurnside6380
    @McBurnside6380 5 месяцев назад +1

    You missed an important one. A lot of states including Colorado have a law that states, "Keep right except to pass" on highways that have two lanes moving in both directions. There will be signs posted. What this means is, don't hog the left lane (or passing lane as it is called). So, if you are in the right lane and come upon a slower car, you pass on the left AND THEN MERGE BACK TO THE RIGHT. This is crucial to keep traffic moving. Don't loiter in the left lane.

    • @WereintheRockies
      @WereintheRockies  4 месяца назад +1

      Yes! I wish all people in all states realized this.

    • @McBurnside6380
      @McBurnside6380 4 месяца назад

      @@WereintheRockies unfortunately it's not a law in every state. Most people don't get the "merge back" part even if it is.

  • @elizabethmann6507
    @elizabethmann6507 Год назад

    Great information! Thank you.

  • @franjojanes
    @franjojanes Год назад

    Great video. Too bad it's hard to find (is it unlisted by mistake?).

  • @DyanK614
    @DyanK614 5 месяцев назад

    Great informative video!

  • @garrettjackson1789
    @garrettjackson1789 6 месяцев назад +2

    Please don't plug up the road. Enjoy the drive and the scenery, but don't be afraid to pull over at wide spots to allow all those cars stacked up behind you to get on their way.

  • @Schi8694
    @Schi8694 5 месяцев назад

    I remember burning my brakes once when I was at Yellowstone. I completely forgot I can shift to a lower gear in my automatic transmission. Never made that mistake again.. Lol.

  • @papagen00
    @papagen00 4 месяца назад

    What about driving around downtown Denver?

  • @mattmccauley2035
    @mattmccauley2035 2 месяца назад

    Also, during winter, be aware of the chain law. No matter how good you think you drive, nature will expose your flaws. Always, ALWAYS have control of your vehicle.

  • @danielwills9986
    @danielwills9986 Год назад

    thanks

  • @gloredon
    @gloredon 5 месяцев назад +2

    Don't forget SUNSCREEN! People from lower altitudes often forget sunscreen and the lesser amount of atmosphere at higher elevations can really burn their skin bad. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will help keep your face from resembling a ripe tomato too.

  • @robiness6019
    @robiness6019 Год назад +1

    Great tips! Our tip for flatlanders like ourselves is to not arrive on mountain roads after dark if it’s your first time driving them. We drove Loveland to Estes Park after dark on our first trip and were TERRIFIED LOL. When we came back through during the day, it’s one of the most beautiful roads we’ve been on.
    Love your content, thanks for all of the great information!

  • @darrellcaldwell5661
    @darrellcaldwell5661 5 месяцев назад

    For the record, "elevation" not altitude.
    #12 - Don't drive too slow or refuse to move out of the way if you do want to go slower.

    • @NobleOmnicide
      @NobleOmnicide 5 месяцев назад +1

      Dude, why do so many people in Colorado do that? I swear I see that every time I drive along 285. Some shmuck is going 5mph under the speed limit, causing a bunch of cars to pile up behind them, and then they SPEED UP in the passing zone and stay in the left lane! It's maddening!

  • @vanbrendle
    @vanbrendle Год назад +1

    I got caught in a thunderstorm while attempting Mosquito Pass near Leadville. It wasn’t fun! Your vehicle’s gas mileage is much less when exploring on the mountain roads, especially the 4x4 ones. We almost ran out of fuel venturing on the back roads.

  • @weldorworx6858
    @weldorworx6858 6 месяцев назад +3

    Better carry your gun with ya ! Half the tweakers moved to the hills . Last 2 times
    I parked and hiked . Our vehicle got broken into by lazy tweakers !

  • @darinsmith2458
    @darinsmith2458 6 месяцев назад +1

    Great comments.. I would add avoid I70 I25 I225 and I470 and all the roads in between.. Seriously these are the worst drivers I have seen and I lived in LA.. I thought that the crazy drivers came out when it rained or snowed.. Nope, the crazy drivers are always out but then you add rain and snow to it.. Just be aware and alert if you are driving out here.. I had to alter the way I drive when I moved out here.. When I drive in the mountains I try not going if it is snowing.. I also leave my place a half hour earlier than what Google Maps tells me.. That normally gets me ahead of the Denver traffic.. I would rather get to the ski hill an hour early than to get stuck in traffic..

  • @HealthyLife4Me
    @HealthyLife4Me Год назад +1

    How to avoid Colorado mountains

  • @Jasper118
    @Jasper118 5 месяцев назад +1

    Don’t have a California or Texas license plate

    • @saan1241
      @saan1241 4 дня назад

      Any specific reason?

    • @Jasper118
      @Jasper118 4 дня назад

      @ they’re not the most popular people in Colorado

  • @anthonysears871
    @anthonysears871 Год назад

    #1. Live in front range? Made your beds. Stay there!!!!!