TRAVEL FORECAST & TIPS

I-70 traffic is quite predictable unless affected by weather or accidents. Plan to avoid peak travel times and enjoy a delay-free trip along I-70. Our weekend travel forecast is updated every Thursday morning.

Weekend Travel Forecast: October 3rd-5th

The last three years traffic lessened on this weekend as the peak leaf season has passed. There will still be traffic related delays, but it will be much less than the last two weekends.
The weather is turning cooler with highs in the mid-50’s, with showers expected on Saturday afternoon. Lows will drop just below freezing overnight, so be cautious on the potentially slick roads.

To avoid the peak travel times, check out the weekend travel forecast below!

Friday WB – Moderate traffic will start to build around 10:00 a.m. and subside by 6:00 p.m. Delays will be consistently between 20-30 minutes.

Saturday WB – Traffic will increase around 9:00 a.m. and subside by 2:00 p.m. Expect delays of up to a half hour during this time period.

Saturday EB – In 2 of the last 3 years there were 10-20 minute delays between 2:00-6:00 pm.

Sunday WB – No traffic related delays should be expected.

Sunday EB – Traffic will begin to build by 11:00 am and subside by 7:00 pm. Peak congestion should be expected between noon and 6:00pm, with 40-60 minute delays expected.

*The GoI70.com Travel Forecast is based on historical data, along with an estimation of how weather, construction, public events and other factors might impact

I-70 DAILY SNOW

Update:

That's a wrap on the 2024-25 winter season! Stay tuned to the OpenSnow app and OpenSnow.com to catch the best weather window for your next adventure, no matter the season. Thank you so much for your continued support of OpenSnow, and we'll see you back here in November 2025.

Read this post at OpenSnow

TIPS FOR I-70 MOUNTAIN TRAVEL

Avoid the Peak Travel Times. If heading eastbound on Saturday or Sunday, plan to leave the mountains after 7:00 p.m. Check the weekend and holiday Travel Forecast.
Check the road and traffic conditions before you travel.
Check out the Peak Time Deals local businesses offer to help you avoid peak travel times.
Spend a Sunday night in the mountains and head to work or school early Monday morning.
Prepare for I-70 mountain driving conditions. Know the Colorado Traction Law.
Create or join a carpool with the TreadShare App.
Consider taking a bus, train, van to the mountains and leave the driving to someone else.

IMPORTANT INFO TO KNOW

With just a bit of planning, travelers can enjoy More Mountains, Less Traffic. The heaviest volumes on the I-70 mountain corridor occur around the holidays and on weekends in January and February, but plan for weekend traffic during the entire ski season. Check the detailed weekend Travel Forecast at the top of this page, posted each Thursday. Below is additional information to know prior to your travels:

Weather, Road Conditions & Accidents are impossible to predict and can escalate the level and duration of delays dramatically. Check CDOT’s CoTrip.org before you travel.

Colorado’s Traction Law is in effect Sept. 1-May 31, regardless of current weather conditions. Learn if your tires meet the Traction Law specifications here.

The Mountain Express Lanes are open on the weekends and holidays to provide a faster and more reliable travel time between Denver and the mountains. Get the Express Toll pass to pay the posted toll rate. Those without a pass will be billed the posted rate plus a service charge. Order the pass at ExpressToll.com.

Holiday Weekends – When a national holiday falls on a Monday, you can count on Monday afternoon eastbound traffic similar to a typical Sunday pattern, but with higher volume.

Metering – Traffic metering goes into effect during very high-volume times at the Eisenhower Johnson Tunnel on the eastbound approach. Metering controls the flow of traffic eastbound towards the Eisenhower Tunnel so traffic does not back up in the tunnel, causing potential safety issues.