The 10 Most Dangerous Roads in Colorado

Accidents and mishaps can happen on any road regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. However, some roads are statistically more dangerous to drive on than others. These may be roads that have steep inclines, sharp turns, loose gravel, wildlife nearby, and more.

Unfortunately, these dangers describe several stretches of roads in Colorado, and winter weather conditions can make these roads even more treacherous to travel on at times.

If you are preparing to drive in Colorado, be especially vigilant as you pass through mountain passes.

Drivers, and especially those driving trucks and other large vehicles, may lose control over their vehicles or have brake failures, which can result in some vehicles driving at very unsafe speeds or being unable to stop.

Wildlife is abundant in Colorado, and many species venture across the roads at some point.

Some animals, such as wolves and deer, may dart across roads. Other animals, such as big horn sheep, may meander slowly across the road or stand in the middle of the road for a lengthy time frame.

When drivers are coming around sharp corners, they should be prepared to stop suddenly if wildlife is present.

Winter weather conditions, including strong winds, snow, and ice, may be present at higher elevations year-round. Drivers should be prepared for these conditions and for the possibility of being stranded in them at any time.

It is also helpful to follow safe winter driving tips on Colorado roads.

If you’re planning to venture into Colorado and want to ensure your car’s safety beforehand, enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four policies today!

The 10 Most Dangerous Roads in Colorado

Some roads in Colorado are considerably more dangerous to drive on than others. In many cases, these highly dangerous roads have multiple risk factors rather than just one, which escalates the risk you face while traveling on them.

When you understand which roads are most dangerous, you can take steps to drive more safely and to be a more vigilant driver.

#1 — Million Dollar Highway: Highway 550

The Million Dollar Highway is located in southwestern Colorado, and it runs from Durango to Ouray. This road takes you through three very elevated mountain passes within a short distance.

Some stretches of the Million Dollar Highway have sharp corners and steep inclines, and there are also rock walls that often have crumbling debris that can suddenly pass right in front of your car or even strike your car directly.

Because a significant portion of the Million Dollar Highway is over 10,000 feet in elevation, winter weather conditions are common throughout most of the year.

Adding to the danger associated with driving on this road is the fact that there is no shoulder, and a very steep drop-off is just a few inches from the side of the road in many places.

#2 — C-470

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFh8H9EwBxQ

The stretch of road on C-470 between Alameda, Jewell, and Santa Fe is statistically one of the deadliest roads in the state.

Many people are injured or killed on this roadway each year, mostly because deep hills in the terrain create steep inclines; the roads also have no guardrails, and it is easy for some drivers to lose control of their vehicles and careen off the side of the road.

Unfortunately, winter weather conditions and the possibility of wildlife being on the road from time to time make this road even more dangerous to drive on. Drivers should navigate through this stretch of road with care and patience to remain as safe as possible.

#3 — Interstate 25: Johnstown to Fort Collins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adFnW1KOhCg

More than three dozen people died on Interstate 25 between Johnstown and Fort Collins in both 2009 and 2010, making it the second most deadly section of roadways in the state.

One reason for the high fatality rate may be related to the sheer number of people who drive on this road on a daily basis. The high speed limit of 75 miles per hour is another common cause.

While the elevation on this stretch of Interstate 25 is relatively low compared to many other roadways mentioned on this list, winter weather conditions may be present throughout a fair portion of the year. Winter weather conditions can be very treacherous for drivers on crowded roads traveling at high speeds.

#4 — I-25: Erie to Johnstown

If you continue on Interstate 25 from Johnstown to Erie, you will be driving on another section of Colorado roads that is very dangerous to drive on.

Statistically, fatalities on this section of Interstate 25 are only slightly improved in comparison to the stretch between Johnstown and Fort Collins.

Many of the same conditions that affect the Johnstown to Fort Collins route also impact the Erie to Johnstown route, such as:

• Heavy traffic
• Fast speeds
• Seasonal winter weather conditions

#5 — I-70

If you travel on Interstate 70 between Eagle and Vail, you will be traveling on another dangerous Colorado roadway. Many fatalities and injury accidents occur on this portion of Interstate 70, which is largely believed to be related to very high traffic volume.

However, winter weather conditions can exacerbate the dangers that drivers face while driving on this road.

If you plan to drive on this or other dangerous roads in Colorado, consider learning more about traffic conditions and weather conditions before venturing on the road. Learning about these conditions could potentially help you to avoid hazardous conditions and reduce the risk of being in a car accident.

#6 — Independence Pass: Colorado State Highway 82

Independence Pass may not statistically be one of the deadliest roads to travel on in Colorado, but it nonetheless can be a nerve-wracking and stressful road to drive on. This road takes you up a narrow road with tight curves to an elevation of 12,100 feet.

If you happen to peer down the steep incline while you drive on some stretches, you may see the Arkansas River more than 900 feet below you.

This section of Colorado State Highway 82 also takes you across the scenic Royal Gorge Bridge. While scenic, this is the highest suspension bridge in the world and can produce anxiety as you drive across it.

#7 — Pikes Peak Highway

Driving up Pikes Peak Highway is an experience that you likely will not soon forget.

For most of the way up and down this tall mountain, you will travel on a two-lane road that does not have guardrails or a shoulder; the road has a series of switchbacks with tight curves, and small wildlife species are known to dart across the road at times.

This highway is a popular tourist attraction, and you may encounter ample traffic as you make your way up and down the mountain. Winter weather conditions are common at higher elevations year-round.

#8 — Loveland Pass: Highway 6

Loveland Pass takes you over the Continental Divide in the Rocky’s Front Range, but you may hardly notice that you passed over this marker because of the dangerous road conditions.

Some areas of this road have a 6.7 percent grade, making it very difficult for some drivers to maintain a safe speed.

The high elevation results in winter weather conditions almost year-round.

The road itself has hairpin turns that may be difficult for some drivers to manage. Because of these sharp bends in the road, snow plows often cannot clear the roads as needed to keep them safe to drive on.

#9 — Road to Mt. Evans: Colorado Highway 5

The road to Mount Evans on Colorado Highway 5 is breathtakingly beautiful, but it also creates a stressful driving experience. As is the case with many of the roads featured on this list, this road has very sharp turns, and some of the areas are heavily wooded to block visibility as you round the corners.

Guardrails are not present on some stretches of the road, and higher elevations often have snowy or icy conditions.

Wildlife is commonly viewed alongside the road or even in the middle of the road at times. Because of the incredible elevation change on this road, you can also expect a steep grade up and down the mountain.

#10 — Trail Ridge Road: Highway 34

Trail Ridge Road is one of the newer roads in Colorado, and it takes you from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

Approximately 11 miles of this 48-mile road is above the tree line, which promotes improved visibility. However, this also makes it more likely that you will encounter winter weather conditions throughout the year.

The road itself has heavy traffic because it is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and it is a two-lane road without guardrails on most of the route. Abundant wildlife is also common on or near the roads, which can affect the flow of traffic.

Colorado Car Insurance

Because driving on these and other roads in Colorado can be dangerous, drivers should review their auto coverage before venturing out. State law requires all drivers to purchase a minimum level of coverage, and this includes:

• $15,000 for property damage liability per accident
• $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident

Remember that additional coverage may be required by your lender. The two types of liability coverage required by law in Colorado pay for other people’s damages when you cause an accident in your vehicle.

If you want to buy coverage to pay for your own expenses, consider adding collision, comprehensive, personal injury, or other types of coverage.

Many drivers in Colorado purchase more than the minimum amount of coverage required by law because of the additional benefits it can provide.

One common type of optional coverage purchased is GAP insurance. With this coverage, the insurance company will pay off any difference between the outstanding balance owed on your car and the settlement if your car is totaled.

Some drivers also purchase additional personal injury coverage. Your existing health insurance policy may pay for some of your medical expenses if you are in an accident, but this extra coverage pays for other expenses and can decrease your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a serious injury.

– Comparison Shopping for Car Insurance

After you decide how much coverage you need and want, it is smart to compare rates from a few different car insurance companies to find the best deal. In fact, smart drivers will request new quotes every six to 12 months.

Comparison shopping will help you to keep your coverage updated as needed, and it can also help you to avoid spending more than you need to on your car insurance policy.

6 Tips to Drive Safely in Colorado

While car insurance can pay for some or most of your expenses if you are involved in an accident, many drivers would prefer to avoid accidents altogether.

Some accidents may occur even when you follow the safest driving practices, but you may be able to deter or prevent a few accidents when you follow these tips.

• Always drive at or below the posted speed limit
• Downshift as needed to avoid riding your brakes and causing an overheating issue
• Be observant at all times for other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife
• Avoid distracted driving behavior, such as talking on the phone or eating while driving
• Check road conditions and weather conditions before traveling across the state
• Pack an emergency kit in your car in case you are stranded on the side of the road in Colorado

If you’re looking to travel to Colorado, enter your ZIP code below first and start comparison shopping today to ensure your safety on the roads!