You can take either Hwy 36 through Boulder and Lyons or continue further up I-25 and head to Lyons on Hwy. 66 then Hwy. 7. Both those routes can be good or horrible during January depending on the day.
Can you drive through Colorado in the winter?
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has very specific laws for driving I-70 during winter. To start, there’s the Traction Law), which states that “motorists must have either snow tires, tires with the mud/snow (M+S) designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle.”
How hard is it to drive through Colorado in the winter?
Advice for Snowy and Icy Driving Conditions in Colorado. It doesn’t take long for conditions to become treacherous in states that have winter weather for part of the year. Roads can get slick and icy fast, making driving a challenge for even the most seasoned driver.
Should I go to Colorado in January?
While any time of the year is a good time to visit one of Colorado’s many hot springs, January is a great way to experience the coldest part of winter in mother earth’s hottest geothermal pools. Colorado is home to several primitive, commercial, and even clothing-optional hot springs.
Can you drive through the Rockies in winter?
Rocky Mountain drivers can expect winter conditions from November through April. While the major route along Highway 1 is plowed and maintained regularly, conditions can seriously vary. Roads are bare and dry, and visibility is good.
Are snow chains required in Colorado?
Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: All passenger vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must have tire chains or alternate traction devices (ATD) installed on two or more drive tires.
What is the snowiest month in Colorado?
March
In fact, March is the snowiest month in Denver. Denver averages 11.3 inches of snowfall in March, which is more than any other month. Here’s a look at the least snowiest March’s on record: 2017: Trace.
What does Colorado use on winter roads?
Colorado is at the forefront of magnesium chloride use in the West. Like most Western states, it long shunned salt, instead using sand for traction. Pitted and cracked windshields from flying rocks were the cost of driving in snow country.
Can you drive to Aspen in the winter?
Snow tires or all-season tires will keep you safe for the entire duration of your winter drive to Aspen. If you’re renting a vehicle, be sure to request good winter tires (and, as mentioned in the previous section, consider renting a vehicle with AWD/4WD).
How do people drive in the mountains in the winter?
Tips for Tackling Mountain Driving in the Winter
- Gloves.
- Blanket.
- Hand Warmers.
- Non-Perishable Food Bars.
- Water (Leave Room For Expansion When They Inevitably Freeze)
- First Aid Kit.
- Jumper Cables.
- Tire Chains.
What is Colorado like in January?
Daily high temperatures are around 45°F, rarely falling below 28°F or exceeding 61°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 2°F, from 22°F to 24°F, rarely falling below 6°F or exceeding 37°F.
Is there snow in Colorado in January?
January’s snowfall varies a lot from year to year in Denver. Between 3 and 8.4 inches (8 to 21 cm) of fresh snow arrives in half the years. Less new snow lands in one out of four Januaries, while another twenty-five percent are snowier.
Am I allowed to travel to Colorado right now?
Public health orders may limit your travel or even require you to stay in Colorado during your quarantine or isolation, at your own expense. This means you may not be able to leave the state, regardless of how you travel (e.g. private car or airplane).
Is it OK to drive in snow?
Don’t travel in snow or ice unless you absolutely have to. It’s better to stay safe and stay home until the storm passes and roads are passable. Leave extra time to get to your destination. Add an extra 30 minutes to your drive time in snow, which means departing earlier than normal to get where you’re going.
Can you drive in snow without winter tires?
In Alberta and Saskatchewan, winter tires are not mandatory but both governments recommend their usage during severe weather conditions. The same goes for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and, perhaps surprisingly, the Territories.
What should you not do while driving in the snow?
Drive in Snow: What Not to Do
- Drive Fast. If the roads are snowy or icy, slow down!
- Make Sudden Lane Changes. Want to spin out on a slippery road?
- Slam on the Brakes. Modern cars have darned good anti-lock braking systems.
- Mash on the Gas.
- Look at Your Phone.
- Drive on Bald Tires.
- Think Your 4×4 Is Invincible.
Does I-70 in Colorado require chains?
That’s right, it’s chain season on Interstate 70 again. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 1, all recreational and commercial vehicles must carry chains or alternate traction devices when traveling between Morrison and Dotsero in Colorado’s high country until May 31, 2022.
Do you need chains to drive to Breckenridge?
Winter Driving and Road Conditions:
We also strongly recommend an AWD or 4WD vehicle for your travel. This is often even a requirement for reaching many Breckenridge rental locations. Snow tires are recommended, and during certain conditions, tire-chains are required by law.
How fast can you drive with snow chains?
20 to 30 mph
Generally, 20 to 30 mph is the recommended speed limit for driving with snow chains. This helps prevent chains from breaking and from potentially damaging your vehicle. Do not drive on dry roads with chains as it can significantly wear down both the chains and your tire tread.
What month does it start snowing in Colorado?
The first snowfall of winter for Denver often arrives in October, but the snow can begin as early as September or as late as November. The season’s last snowfall lands in April or in May. Denver is normally free of snow every year during June, July and August.
What is the coldest month in Colorado?
The cold season lasts for 3.5 months, from November 19 to March 2, with an average daily high temperature below 53°F. The coldest month of the year in Denver is December, with an average low of 23°F and high of 46°F.
