Western Colorado’s Winter Roads: What You Need To Know

From Grand Junction to Montrose, Western Colorado drivers know that when snow piles up in the high country, you need to pack smart, plan, and lower your speed.

Canyon roads and mountain passes, from the twisting Million Dollar Highway to Highway 65 on the Grand Mesa, can quickly turn icy and unpredictable. The right gear and a few trusted habits can help keep you on the road, enjoying a scenic and stress-free trip.

Check Conditions Before You Even Turn the Key

If you wander far enough into Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, you might encounter weather that changes faster than your GPS can recalculate. The smartest thing you can do before every winter road trip is to check COtrip.org for live road cameras, traction law alerts (chains), and avalanche closures.

Routes that seem clear in Grand Junction can be near white-out by the time you get to Red Mountain Pass. If it looks like winter weather could impact your plans that day, it’s probably best to reconsider the route or your schedule. Always have a backup plan. Winter travel is always easier during those periods with no storms at all.

Tires and Traction: Your First Line of Defense

Temperatures have already started to dip into the 30s overnight. Now is the time to think about winter tires or carrying approved traction devices before the heart of winter arrives. Remember that in Colorado, snow events can force activation of the traction law at any time. Fines for non-compliance will sting.

Winter travel between Fruita and Palisade is one thing, but if you are going to travel throughout Colorado in the winter, take the time to travel on good tires. Good tread, depth, and proper tire pressure all matter. Places like Discount Tire and Les Schwab offer in-store lessons on snow chains and how-to videos.

Drive Smooth, Think Ahead, and Trust Low Gear

Traveling over the Grand Mesa or McClure Pass during the winter is not about speed; it is about control. The same rule applies to Rim Rock Drive in the Colorado National Monument. Increase speed gently, brake early, and stay in low gears on long descents to take it easy on your brakes.

At the end of the day, thinking ahead is the best thing you can do. If crossing Vail Pass means skidding and sliding, the easiest solution may be to wait a day or two (if you can). Colorado enjoys lots of blue-sky days each winter. The safest and easiest way to enjoy winter travel across the mountains is to wait for sunny skies and dry roads.

Get our free mobile app