By Photo: Jeffrey Beall / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Winter travel between Northern Colorado and southeast Wyoming means high passes, open plains and wind. The routes behave differently, and the best decision is usually made before you leave the driveway. Here is what to expect on the main roads, and where to check conditions.
Colorado 14 over Cameron Pass
Colorado 14 runs from Fort Collins up Poudre Canyon and over Cameron Pass, at 10,276 feet, to Walden and North Park. CDOT keeps it open through the winter, but it is a high, remote road with long stretches without cell service. Snow, ice and avalanche control can bring closures. Carry chains or have good snow tires, and travel with water, warm clothes and a full tank.
Wyoming 130, the Snowy Range Road
Wyoming 130 between Centennial and Ryan Park, near Saratoga, crosses the Snowy Range Pass at about 10,800 feet. This section closes for the winter, usually from mid-November until late May, depending on snow. Plows open it for the summer season, and WYDOT announces the dates each year. Centennial, west of Laramie, remains reachable from Laramie all winter.
Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming
I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins, including the stretch past Arlington and Elk Mountain, is one of the most frequently closed interstates in the country in winter because of high wind and blowing snow. WYDOT closes the road, or restricts it to vehicles that are less vulnerable to wind, when conditions are dangerous. Light, high-profile vehicles such as empty trailers and campers are often banned in strong wind even when the road is open to cars.
U.S. 287 between Fort Collins and Laramie
U.S. 287 is the main route between Fort Collins and Laramie. It can close or see wind restrictions near the state line, and blowing snow can reduce visibility suddenly on the open stretches.
Over the passes to the Yampa Valley
From Walden, Colorado 14 continues to U.S. 40 and Rabbit Ears Pass into Steamboat Springs. Colorado 125 crosses Willow Creek Pass to Granby. Both are kept open in winter but can close briefly during storms.
Colorado’s traction and chain laws
CDOT can put Colorado’s traction law, and in severe conditions the chain law, into effect on any state highway. Under the traction law, vehicles need snow tires, all-weather tires with adequate tread, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, or chains or another approved traction device. Commercial vehicles have separate chain requirements. Fines apply, and they are higher if a vehicle without proper equipment blocks the road.
Where to check
- Colorado: COtrip.org, the COtrip app, or dial 511 in Colorado.
- Wyoming: wyoroad.info, the WYDOT 511 app, or dial 511 in Wyoming.
- Weather: the National Weather Service offices in Boulder, Cheyenne and Grand Junction issue winter storm and high wind warnings for the region. Read the forecast discussion for the timing of the worst conditions.
Our homepage carries current National Weather Service conditions for six towns across the region. For more on the I-25 corridor, see our update on the I-25 North express lanes.
Sources
- Colorado Department of Transportation, COtrip and traction law information.
- Wyoming Department of Transportation, road conditions and seasonal closures.
- National Weather Service forecast offices: Boulder, Cheyenne and Grand Junction.
