Heading up to the mountains in your new Acura? There’s a very good chance that you’ll be traveling along the I70—Colorado’s most infamous highway. It’s basically the only way that you can reach the most beautiful parts of the state, but as many locals know, the journey itself can be a bit of a headache. Traffic, avalanches, car accidents and mountain goats are just a few of the things you might encounter on the way.
Here at Fisher Acura, we believe in making the most of every journey. We’ve put together a few tips and tricks that can help you navigate the I70 with confidence, and hopefully have a little fun along the way!
Interstate 70 in Colorado: The Basics
I70 runs all the way across Colorado, from Burlington in the east to Grand Junction in the west. In fact, it extends beyond state boundaries: you can use I70 to get to the heart of Utah—or go the other way and take it all the way to Pittsburgh. However, the Colorado stretch of this interstate is particularly well-known, and, as we’ve already noted, not always for good reasons. Ask the locals in Golden or Fort Collins, and they’ll tell you that I70 is almost always backed up with traffic.
What to Do If You’re Stuck in Traffic on I70
Whether you’re into skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or great views, you’re eventually going to get stuck. You can pass the time in the same way that you would anywhere else on the road—by playing spelling or sightseeing games with your friends or family, for example. And if you’re traveling in the colder months, you should of course have more than enough warm clothes and emergency blankets to outlast any standstill.
However, there are some unique ways that travelers pass time on I70 when traffic gets particularly bad. Here’s what you should know:
In the Winter
Treat the traffic stop like a snow day and let the kids get out to play. It might sound strange, but it’s not uncommon for traffic to get backed up for hours—and even adults get antsy sitting in the car for too long. As long as someone stays in the driver’s seat, letting your passengers out can be a great way to relieve stress.
In the Summer
It’s easy to get angry at other drivers when you’re stuck in traffic, but the truth is that we’re all in this together. And if you’re stuck on the I70 during the warmer months, you’ll see people who truly get it. These are the types of people who will get out of their cars and strike up conversations with other people who are in the same boat! You might be surprised to discover how easy it is to make friends when you treat an I70 traffic stop like a tailgating event.
Tips for Driving on the I70
No matter the season, you’ll want to keep these tips in mind when you head up to the mountains from Boulder or Thornton:
- Avoid peak travel times whenever possible. Peak travel times vary depending on the day and the season, but goi70.com uses historical data to make predictions that can help you plan.
- Be on the lookout for travel alerts related to accidents and weather. The official Colorado travel website is the best place to check conditions before you head out.
- Make sure that your Acura is ready for anything. When the going gets tough, it pays to be prepared. Get your oil changed and rotate your tires before you head out on a road trip.
Get in Touch with Our Team!
No matter what kind of adventure you have planned, you can count on the team at Fisher Acura to have your back. Schedule service today, or contact us with any questions on your mind.
