Memorial Day Weekend Marks Start of Summer Travel in Colorado

Memorial Day Weekend Marks Start of Summer Travel in Colorado

The Memorial Day weekend signals the onset of summer travel for many Coloradans, with a significant influx of travelers expected to take to the roads this holiday. Skyler McKinley, AAA’s public affairs director in Colorado, remarks that Memorial Day is particularly exciting as it brings an end to the mud season, ushering in opportunities for world-class hiking, biking, and fishing as summer tourists return to the area.

From a nationwide perspective, AAA anticipates a record 45.1 million individuals to travel this weekend, with around 39.4 million opting for road trips. Notably, Denver ranks as the ninth most popular travel destination for AAA travelers booking flights, serving primarily as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the American West.

Although Memorial Day weekend typically experiences lower vacation occupancy rates compared to other holidays, heavy traffic is expected along Interstate 70, particularly for those heading westward. According to Austyn Dineen, a public information officer for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), travelers should be prepared for potential traffic jams.

• Traffic data shows that Friday was the busiest day for westbound travel on I-70, with 24,000 vehicles recorded.
• On Saturday, the numbers dipped slightly to just below 21,000.
• Returning traffic toward Denver peaked on Monday, making it the busiest day for eastbound travel along I-70.

This weekend, more than 154,000 vehicles are expected to traverse the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial tunnels, which although not the busiest period for these tunnels, still represents a significant influx of traffic during the Memorial Day holiday.

For those who prefer not to drive, options such as CDOT’s Bustang, which services connections between Denver and Grand Junction, along with shuttle vans from Pegasus between Denver and Avon, are available to relieve the burden of traffic.

Other main roads in the mountains, including U.S. Highways 24, 34, 36, 50, and 160, will also likely see increased traffic. In an effort to enhance traffic flow, CDOT has announced a temporary halt on construction and maintenance projects from Friday through Tuesday. Travelers should, however, be mindful that active construction and road work will soon commence across the I-70 Mountain Corridor from Golden to Utah after the holiday.

McKinley emphasizes the communal nature of Memorial Day, describing it as one of the last truly shared American traditions. While it often comes with the minor inconvenience of traffic jams, he expresses a favorable sentiment toward experiencing such delays amid the stunning Colorado scenery.

As summer kicks off, winter road closures will be lifted for several major mountain passes, including Independence Pass and Cottonwood Pass, expected to open on May 22. However, not all roads are cleared; Kebler Pass remains closed, and Colorado State Highway 5 near Mount Blue Sky will be shut until next summer for construction.

In a promising turn for road-trippers, McKinley reports that gas prices for this year’s Memorial Day weekend are the lowest seen in years, with costs expected to be 20 to 25 cents cheaper than last year. AAA’s tracker indicates an average fuel price of $3.20 per gallon in Colorado, although prices vary significantly across the state, peaking at $4.56 per gallon in Pitkin County and ranging from approximately $3.50 in several counties like Eagle and Garfield.

McKinley advises travelers to fill up at local service stations prior to hitting the highways, as prices along I-70 can be higher due to fewer competitors in those areas.

In terms of accommodation, Memorial Day is considered one of the quieter weekends for lodging in Colorado, with occupancy rates averaging around 47%. Industry-wide bookings show a slight increase compared to last year, reflecting consumer sentiment during a challenging economic period. Tom Foley, senior vice president of Business Intelligence for Inntopia, notes that the uptick in bookings is surprising amid a decline in consumer confidence.

Despite concerns regarding economic conditions, McKinley highlights that a record number of travelers are still expected this Memorial Day weekend, indicating a shift in how Americans approach travel amidst financial uncertainty. Many are choosing to travel locally or embrace outdoor experiences instead of long-distance vacations.

As summer unfolds, communities and travelers alike look forward to making the most of the season, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the American spirit.