Residents of Colorado’s mountainous regions are gearing up for a bustling Fourth of July weekend, with travel forecasts indicating a record number of travelers nationwide.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has projected that 72.2 million people will hit the road for the holiday this year, a 2.2% increase compared to last year.
Skyler McKinley, AAA’s regional director of public affairs for Colorado, noted, “We’re seeing record-breaking travel data both nationwide and in Colorado.”
The increase in travel is surprising, considering economic uncertainties, inflation, and global issues that could deter people from venturing out.
However, despite these challenges, Americans are choosing to travel in unprecedented numbers.
In addition to the surge in road trips, the air travel scene also sees a significant rise, with 5.48 million expected to fly this Fourth of July, marking an increase of 1.4% from last year.
Furthermore, approximately 5 million Americans are anticipated to utilize buses, trains, or cruise ships for their travels over the holiday period.
Denver ranks seventh among the top U.S. travel destinations for the Fourth of July, according to AAA booking data.
Hertz Car Rental also identifies Denver International Airport as a leading location for car rentals during this busy summer holiday weekend.
McKinley pointed out, “Folks aren’t renting cars to stay in Denver. They’re renting cars to head to the High Country via Interstate 70 or Highway 285.”
Travelers can expect heavy traffic at known congestion points, such as the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, along Colorado Highway 9 toward Grand County, and on routes leading to popular destinations like Steamboat Springs and Aspen.
In light of the expected influx of travelers, McKinley advised, “You can’t be mad at traffic — you are traffic.”
Traffic patterns are expected to shape up with “ebbs and flows” throughout the holiday period, with the volume of cars picking up on Wednesday and peaking on Thursday as many head into the mountains to celebrate Independence Day.
The return journey will also see heavy traffic on Sunday and Monday as people head back home.
“There won’t be any days that are quiet,” McKinley commented. “The holiday itself will be the quietest, although there will still be traffic. A good rule of thumb is to leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of it.”
On a positive note for travelers, gas prices are showing a decline this year, averaging about $3.12 per gallon in Colorado, down from $3.31 at the same time last year.
However, drivers heading into the mountainous regions should be aware of higher gas prices along the I-70 corridor, where prices can range from $3.45 to $3.70 per gallon, and can exceed $4.65 in areas like Pitkin County.
McKinley explained, “Mountain communities always pay more for gas due to less competition and higher demand.”
He advised travelers to fill up in major urban areas before hitting the mountain roads, to avoid steep prices at their destinations.
Last year, AAA assisted about 700,000 drivers with maintenance issues, many of which were avoidable.
As a result, McKinley urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working order before embarking on their holiday trips.
While the influx of out-of-state visitors can be a source of frustration for local residents, McKinley acknowledged the economic benefits that tourism brings to the state.
“Pack your patience,” he recommended, noting that complaining about traffic during the Fourth of July is a long-standing American tradition.
He added, “Take a deep breath and remind yourself, there are a lot worse places to be stuck in traffic than the Colorado High Country.”
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