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The Daily Insight

Is US 24 open in Colorado

Author

Jessica Wilkins

Published May 10, 2026

STATEWIDE—The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has opened US Highway 24 from Constitution to Limon, in both directions.

What Colorado passes are open?

  • State Highway 5 – Mount Evans Highway – early July.
  • State Highway 82 – Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen – June 1.
  • Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park) – Date to be determined.

Is I-70 through Glenwood Canyon open now?

I-70 FruitaHorizon DriveI-70 Palisade50 Whitewater50 Delta550 Ouray

Is the Independence Pass open?

Independence Pass is generally open from Memorial Day until late October or early November. The target reopening date each spring is the Thursday before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but always visit before you travel to check the status of the pass.

Where is Route 24 Colorado?

U.S. Route 24 (US 24) is a part of the U.S. Highway System that travels from Minturn, Colorado, to Clarkston, Michigan. In the U.S. state of Colorado US 24 extends from Interstate 70 (I-70) and US 6 in Minturn east to the Kansas state line where it continues as US 24 concurrent with I-70.

Is it safe to drive in Colorado in December?

Advice for Snowy and Icy Driving Conditions in Colorado. It doesn’t take long for conditions to become treacherous in states that have winter weather for part of the year. Roads can get slick and icy fast, making driving a challenge for even the most seasoned driver.

Is the pass closed in Colorado?

Each year, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass closes for the winter for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews. It typically closes on or near Nov. 7 and almost always re-opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day each May.

Is Independence Pass in Colorado closed?

Independence Pass is closed for the season as of October 28th, 2021. The road typically re-opens by the end of May. Colorado Department of Transportation Road & Traffic conditions. For the latest updates on I70 road closures & more.

Is Independence Pass in Colorado open right now?

The road typically opens in May of each year, and stays open as long as the weather permits. PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. — Highway 82 over Independence Pass is now closed for the season, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said.

How scary is Independence Pass?

Is Independence Pass dangerous? The road is narrow and winding with steep inclines. … The road is narrow and steep with a 6.5% gradient, including tight switchbacks on each approach. Oversized and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited.

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Is Vail Pass open?

Seasonality – Due to the high demand of vehicles on Interstate 70, Vail Pass is typically open all year round.

Is I 70 eastbound open in Colorado?

I-70 eastbound at mile marker 105-109 is now open.

Is Hanging Lake open right now?

LONG-TERM CLOSURE: This area is closed due to fire and storm damage and will be closed for the remainder of the 2021 season. For more information, please visit. A permit is required. Visit or call Hanging Lake visitor information: (970) 384-6309.

Where does US Route 24 start and end?

It originally ran from Pontiac, Michigan, in the east to Kansas City, Missouri, in the west. Today, the highway’s eastern terminus is in Independence Township, Michigan at an intersection with I-75, and its western terminus is near Minturn, Colorado at an intersection with I-70.

Is Ute Pass road open?

Ute Pass Accessibility Seasonality – In general, US 24 is open all year round. Vehicle Restrictions – There are no special restrictions on vehicles traveling through Divide, Colorado. In winter conditions, drivers should be aware and prepared for any inclement weather.

Is McClure Pass in Colorado Open?

Seasonality – In general, the paved State Highway 133 is open all year round. In severe winter snowstorms, access to McClure Pass may be closed until the road can be safely cleared.

What Pass is in Colorado?

PassMaximum elevationRoad surfaceMilner Pass10,759 feet 3,279 mAsphaltVail Pass10,666 feet 3,251 mAsphaltCoal Bank Pass10,640 feet 3,243 mAsphaltTennessee Pass10,424 feet 3,177 mAsphalt

What is the highest pass in Colorado?

Independence PassView across pass from slopes of unnamed peak to the northElevation12,095 feet (3,687 m) NAVD 88Traversed bySH 82LocationLake / Pitkin counties, Colorado, U.S.

Is I-70 in Colorado safe?

Stretching from Utah, through Colorado and all the way out to Maryland, I-70 is a famous interstate highway that is widely used every day for local and interstate travel. Mostly flat in some areas, Colorado gives drivers the most treacherous section of I-70 through the Rocky Mountains.

Can you drive on I-70 in Colorado?

1. Follow Traction Laws. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has very specific laws for driving I-70 during winter. To start, there’s the Traction Law), which states that “motorists must have either snow tires, tires with the mud/snow (M+S) designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle.”

Do they use salt on the roads in Colorado?

While Denver doesn’t salt the roads, they do use something else. And it’s wreaking havoc on the residents’ cars. Enter magnesium chloride deicer. The deicer derives from magnesium, salt, and “anti-corrosive additives” that all gets sprayed onto the roads in liquid form.

Where do you fly into for Aspen?

The nearest airport to Aspen is Aspen (ASE) Airport which is 3 miles away. Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles).

How long does it take to drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass?

Take Hwy 82 through Glenwood Springs and stay on the same road all the way to Aspen approximately 42 miles). A slightly shorter and more scenic summer route from Denver to Aspen (approximately 3.5 hours) goes over Independence Pass.

How long is Independence Pass Colorado?

It is about 32 miles long and takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half with stops along the way to enjoy the scenic views. It twists around stunning groves of aspen trees and hugs the Roaring Fork River. The road is steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails.

Is the drive from Vail to Aspen scary?

The views were so beautiful. The drive was definitely not as scary as some made it out to be.

Is Independence Pass worth the drive?

People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding “YES!” It is absolutely worth the drive. As long as you take all necessary precautions and drive carefully, you’ll will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in North America.

Is it hard to drive in Aspen?

Take it Slow With incredible scenery and many points of interest along the way, the drive to Aspen can be a great experience unto itself! Take your time and don’t hesitate to stop in some of the mountain towns just off Interstate 70.

Is Berthoud Pass open?

Berthoud Pass Accessibility Vehicle Restrictions – Berthoud Pass does not have any vehicle restrictions, however Colorado Traction and Chain Laws apply to potentially dangerous winter travel. The pass is generally open year round but can be closed due to extreme weather conditions.

Is Vail Pass scary?

The Vail Pass is the most dangerous section of highway on the route from Denver to Vail during the Winter. It is frequently closed by local authorities during severe snowstorms, as conditions become underivable. Travelers should be prepared for changing conditions and near-zero visibility in winters.

Can you drive up Vail Pass?

Drive or Mountain Bike Shrine Pass Road: This dirt road starts at the top of Vail Pass and ends at the town of Redcliff. It’s a beautiful scenic drive or mellow mountain bike ride (if you start at the top of the pass).

Is Highway 50 closed between Gunnison and Montrose?

Transportation officials have opened up U.S. Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose for travel, to cars traveling east and west, as the northern route across Colorado’s mountains remains closed.