11 Things NOT to Do When Driving in Colorado

Colorado is filled with steep roads, wildlife, storms, high altitude, and more. If you're visiting Colorado for the first time, watch and listen to the don'ts in our video! There are many things you need to know to make the most of your time here.

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0:00 Introduction
0:17 Don't Look Down
0:58 Don't Forget to Look Up
1:39 Don't Forget to Fill Up
2:19 Don't Hit Wildlife
3:04 Don't Ride Your Brakes
4:12 Don't Assume Your RV is Okay
5:02 Don't Get Caught in a Thunderstorm
5:31 Don't Rely on Cell Connection
6:09 Don't Think You Have the Right of Way
7:13 Don't Drive Too Fast
8:01 Don't Fear or Underestimate the Altitude
9:02 Don't Miss Our Colorado Playlist

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[ellenhawkins]

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!

[NobleOmnicide]

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.

[chrisschene]

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.

[ellasmommy]

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 .

[chrisschene]

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.

[journeywithstu]

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.

[Sam_Sartucci]

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.

[steadysmv]

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!

[reidnorthrup]

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

[drwisdom]

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.

[roseannarabia]

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. 🙂

[Hiazhunter]

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 !

[bigp]

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

[coastskyadventures]

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.

[melodyhart]

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.

[Nick.Keane]

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!

[stanobert]

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.

[KYoss]

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.

[lukeroberts]

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.

[pushvedula]

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