11 Things NOT to do When Driving in Colorado

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.

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 .

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Great information! Thank you.

Great informative video!

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. 🙂

thanks

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.

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!

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!

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