As the Fourth of July approaches, Colorado mountain residents brace for an influx of visitors, with a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans projected to travel this holiday.
This number includes 61.6 million individuals traveling by car, marking a 2.2% increase compared to last year, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Skyler McKinley, AAA’s regional director of public affairs for Colorado, remarked on the surprising nature of these figures. He stated, “We’re seeing record-breaking travel data both nationwide and in Colorado. There are so many reasons folks could give not to travel: shakiness in the economy, inflation — especially in travel products — uncertainty globally. And yet, folks are traveling in record numbers.”
In addition to car travel, a significant number of individuals are expected to fly, with 5.48 million people taking to the skies this Fourth of July, representing an increase of about 1.4% from last year. Furthermore, an additional 5 million travelers nationwide plan to utilize buses, trains, or cruise ships for their holiday travel.
Data from AAA booking reveals that Denver ranks seventh among the top destinations for U.S. travelers during the holiday.
Hertz Car Rental also indicates that Denver International Airport is a favored location for car rentals this summer weekend.
According to McKinley, travelers are not simply renting cars to explore Denver, but rather to venture into the High Country via Interstate 70 or Highway 285.
Those familiar with the area can expect heavy traffic in well-known bottlenecks. Key locations include the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, the I-70 Exit 205 toward Silverthorne, and routes along Colorado Highway 9 toward Grand County and Steamboat Springs, as well as Colorado Highway 82 from Glenwood Springs to Aspen.
McKinley urged drivers to anticipate traffic congestion over the holiday period, noting that there will be “ebbs and flows” in traffic density. He humorously advised, “You can’t be mad at traffic — you are traffic.”
The bulk of pre-holiday travel is expected to occur on Thursday, with Sunday and Monday also predicted to experience heavy travel as holiday-goers return home.
McKinley acknowledged that there won’t be a single quiet day, with the holiday itself likely being the least busy, although traffic will still be present. Travelers are encouraged to embark early in the morning to beat the worst congestion.
“A good rule of thumb is to leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of it,” he advised.
On a positive note for travelers, gas prices have dropped this year, averaging around $3.12 per gallon in Colorado compared to $3.31 from the previous year.
However, those heading into the mountains should prepare for higher gas prices along the I-70 corridor, where prices range from approximately $3.45 to $3.70 per gallon. In areas like Pitkin County, prices can soar to as much as $4.65.
McKinley explained that mountain communities typically face higher gas prices due to limited competition and heightened demand. Consequently, he recommends that travelers refuel in major urban areas before making their way into the High Country.
As a cautionary note for drivers, last year’s Fourth of July saw AAA assisting around 700,000 motorists facing preventable maintenance issues on the road. McKinley stresses the importance of ensuring vehicles are in good working order before hitting the highways this holiday season.
While the large number of out-of-state visitors can be a hassle for Colorado residents, McKinley pointed out the economic benefits that tourism brings to the state.
“Pack your patience,” McKinley concluded. “Grumbling about traffic over the July 4 holiday is one of the great remaining national traditions. It’s as American as apple pie and fireworks. So take a deep breath and remind yourself, there are a lot worse places to be stuck in traffic than the Colorado High Country.”
image source from：skyhinews
