Presidents Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year on the I-70 Mountain Corridor in Colorado. Whether it is fresh powder in the forecast or a three-day weekend for many, the mountains are calling. But before you load the car, a little bit of planning goes a long way toward ensuring you spend more time on the slopes and less time idling on I-70.
Here is how to navigate the holiday weekend like a pro:
1. Plan Around the Peak: Know When to Go
I-70 traffic is generally predictable. If you travel when everyone else does, you will see delays. For Presidents Day weekend, expect heavy volume starting early Friday afternoon. To avoid delays, aim to leave by noon or consider waiting until after 7 p.m. to hit the road.
For the return trip, expect heavy traffic throughout the day on Monday. Consider staying an extra night and returning home Tuesday morning. If that’s not possible, enjoy a late dinner in the mountains and leave after 7 p.m. on Monday.
Use the GoI70 Travel Forecast to plan your trip!
2. Ditch the Car: Use Transit Instead
Why stress over white-knuckle driving when you can nap, read or scroll? Colorado has more mountain transit options than ever:
Snowstang: Provides direct weekend and holiday service (including Presidents Day Monday!) to world class skiing at Arapahoe Basin, the Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain and Loveland Ski area. All routes board at Denver Union Station, Regional Transportation District’s Federal Center Station in Lakewood and at the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride’s upper lot at the I-70 and Morrison/Red Rocks interchange (18560 US 40, Golden, CO 80401). Visit ridebustang.com, click “Buy Tickets” and select your Snowstang route in the “Select Route” dropdown menu. Use promo code: 3DAY25 for 25% off Snowstang tickets this Presidents Day Weekend!
Bustang & Pegasus: Bustang’s West Line runs daily to major hubs like Frisco, Vail and Avon. For a more frequent, “shuttle-style” experience, check out Pegasus, which runs hourly departures in smaller vans that can use the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes to bypass traffic. Once you arrive at your destination, you can use local free transit to get around.
Winter Park Express: Bypass I-70 entirely by taking the ski train from Denver Union Station directly to the base of Winter Park Resort.
Visit GoI70.com/Transit to explore your options for regional and local transit!
3. Be Winter Wise: Prepare Ahead for Weather
Presidents Day often brings the “February Surprise”—sudden heavy snow and high winds. Before you go:
- Use the traffic cameras on COtrip.org to see real-time road conditions. A sunny day in Denver doesn’t mean there isn’t a blizzard at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels.
- Ensure you have a full charge or tank of gas.
- Check your tires to ensure they comply with Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law.
- Pack your emergency kit, including blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, necessary medications, a shovel and a portable power bank.
- Remember to drive the posted speed limit and drop the distractions – make an audiobook, podcast or playlist your travel companion.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the hill!