How to Avoid Traffic and Tolls on Colorado’s I-70 Corridor

The I-70 corridor in Colorado is beautiful — and a traffic trap. Here’s how to dodge the gridlock and skip the tolls.

1. What Makes I-70 So Busy?

- Weekend ski traffic

- Steep grades slow trucks

- Only 2 lanes each way in the mountains

- Weather + tourists = chaos

2. Worst Times to Drive

Avoid:

- Friday 3–7pm westbound

- Sunday 1–6pm eastbound

- Holiday Mondays = brutal

Best:

- Weekdays before 2pm

- Saturday after 1pm

- Very early mornings (5:30am)

3. Where the Tolls Are

Eastbound Express Lane (Empire to Idaho Springs):

- $4–$20+

- Dynamic pricing

- Requires ExpressToll or License Plate Toll

Stay right to avoid — but it’s often slower.

4. Alternate Routes That Work

- US-285: Good for Salida, Buena Vista, Gunnison

- CO-9 to CO-24: Breck to Buena Vista cutoff

- I-76 to US-6/US-40: Longer but avoids canyon gridlock

5. Ride Instead of Drive

- Winter Park Express (ski train)

- Snowstang Shuttle (Copper, Steamboat, Loveland)

You chill. Everyone else honks.

6. Use These Apps

- COTrip.org: Live road cams + alerts

- Waze: Crowdsourced detours

- Google Maps: Plan by time of day

Set alerts for weather or traction law triggers.

7. Gas + Bathroom Plan

Stop before the climb:

- Morrison

- Evergreen

- Idaho Springs

Mountain gas = $$$. Facilities = limited.

8. Winter Warnings

Between Nov–April:

- AWD or chains required on storm days

- Traction laws enforced (I-70 especially)

- Slush + mag chloride = windshield mess

Pack:

- Fluid, scraper, snow brush

9. Quick Pit Stops

Try:

- Georgetown walk or coffee

- Sweet Coloradough in Idaho Springs

- Dillon reservoir loop

10. Final Tip

You might hit traffic — but you don’t have to suffer. Drive smart, time it right, and take the scenic detour if things slow down.