Travel to Denver (from west) Thursday? (Grand Junction, Golden: construction, live in, law)

[townshend]

Three weeks ago, my son invited me to come to Denver on November 21, Thursday.

I told him that the weather may get wonky, and sure enough, it has gotten wonky. (Yes, I wanted to come last weekend, but he couldn't accommodate me.)

I live in Ridgway, and I would be travelling from Grand Junction down I-70, with a regular-tired vehicle, but I have chains in my trunk (and I have practiced putting them on -- of course, freezing weather would make that more difficult).

Looking at this site: https://www.cotrip.org/travelAlerts.htm#?roadId=32

which I got from this forum (thank you), I see that already, sections of I-70 are closed today, and the weather forecasts aren't inviting for tomorrow.

If I even have to put chains on, well, to me that would be reason to cancel the trip -- probably. Chains on pavement are rough on tires.

What ya think? If I-70 is out, then would 285 be any better in terms of travel and winter weather? Yes, I figure there are a couple of mountain passes to reckon with.

Or maybe the best idea of all, leave Friday morning rather than Thursday morning and return on Sunday rather than Saturday?

Or maybe I should just cancel the whole trip.

Thanks for your advice.

[Mike from back east]

Check to see if Amtrak fits your schedule. You'll see some of the best scenery in the state, some of which is not accessible via car.

Train #6 leaves Grand Junction at 10:23 AM and gets into Denver Union Station about 6:30PM.

Note that such trains rarely run on time, almost always a bit late.

[brown_dog_us]

You could also take the Bustang from Grand Junction to Denver.
https://ridebustang.com/schedules/

There is also a Ridgeway stop on the Durango to Grand Junction route, so you might be able to take the bus the whole way.

[Count David]

I like the bus/train ideas best, but I drive I-70 all the time in all kinds of weather.

My rule: take my AWD vehicle if it's snowing.

But, it seems that you don't have one.

So, the one closure listed on CO-Trip is near Palisade, and it's for construction, not weather. Rock slides are horrible in that spot, so it probably has something to do with those.

The chain law is in effect between Silverthorne and Golden, so if your tires have the M+S designation, you're good (go look at them just in case). If not, get some, I didn't even know that mine were M+S when I purchased them for my non-AWD FWD car.

Otherwise, just put on your chains through that spot (the home-stretch really). The rest of the drive could be pretty uneventful.

I would never recommend taking US-285. That road is scary even on a plain old summer night.

[Count David]

They just lifted the chain restriction BTW.

[townshend]

Originally Posted by Count David

They just lifted the chain restriction BTW.

Can you clarify your remark? Thanks.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by townshend

Can you clarify your remark? Thanks.

Starting this winter, CO has been requiring all passenger vehicles (i.e. regular cars) to have chains, 4WD/AWD, or tires with the M+S designation to travel in the most hazardous snowy conditions (i.e. the one step before they close the road). I should have said "traction" restriction, or Code 16 (is what they're calling it).

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/new...ow/2421004001/

This law was in effect on I-70 between Silverthorne and Golden earlier this evening. It has since been canceled.

[Dogmama50]

I live in the Vail area, we had a safety closure today on Vail Pass, east and west bound for a few hours. Snow came down hard and fast and it's wet so hydroplaning is more likely. We are expecting more tomorrow and Friday, currently it shows a lull in the snow tomorrow mid morning to early afternoon, you could take your chances if you're comfortable but the bus/train option sounds better to me. Personally if I need chains, I don't travel, I may feel confident in my skills and vehicle but don't trust other people on the road, the photo happened today.

[townshend]

Thank you for your input; I was leaning toward cancelling the trip, and I talked to my son and he's cool with the cancellation.

[COcheesehead]

I drive I 70 GJ to Denver all the time. They do their best to keep it open. Bad weather means lighter traffic. Keep your car topped off with wiper fluid. Keep some warm cloths, water and a snack in the car and just drive slow. I’ve driven through lots of snow even in very cold temps and its not that bad.