John Elliot
I-70 is the lifeline of the Vail Valley, and the highway you will most frequently use when traveling between Vail and surrounding areas. It can also be quite dangerous. There is almost always some form of construction going on, wildlife has been known to cross the highway, and in the wintertime the roads are a little more than slick. But we don’t want you scared, we want you prepared. So, if you are driving, please take a look at our Defensive Driving Guide, and always remember to check road conditions before heading out.
Road Conditions
Colorado Department of Transportation, 877-315-7623 Vail Transportation/Parking Department, 970-479-2178 Eagle County Road & Bridge Department, 970-328-3540 When you’re off I-70, you’ll notice that Vail’s two major roadways (South Frontage Road and North Frontage Road) are connected by a series of rotary circles. The rotary circle has a formidable presence here in the Valley. Three rotary circles connect Avon and Beaver Creek’s major drag, Avon Road. They’re literally everywhere but don’t fear these intimidating ovals, we’ve got all you need to know in our Rotary Driving Guide. However, we’ve always found that’s it’s best to leave the driving to the pros, and that’s an easy and inexpensive option thanks to the fantastic bus systems of Vail and Eagle County. The buses maintain a heavy run schedule during the high seasons and will take you anywhere your heart desires in Vail or the surrounding environs. Check the schedules on-line, or call the dispatcher.Bus
Vail Bus & In-Town Shuttle, 970-477-3456 Eagle County Regional Transportation, 970-328-3520 ext. 1Local’s Tips
- Take the bus. It's the easiet and most effiecent way to get around Vail. And the safest, especially if you've had a few apres drinks. Remember, your body will act differently at altitude and that includes the consumption of alochol. Stay safe and ride the bus.
- Take Hwy 6 to avoid traffic. As we mentioned earlier, I-70 is prone to construction, and that means delays are inevitable. Hwy 6 was the I-70 before there was an I-70, and the old road runs through every town from Minturn to Eagle. If you see traffic up ahead, turn off at your nest exit and find Hwy 6. It will be a major thoroughfare and near the heart of every town; impossible to miss. Soon you’ll be cruising to your next destination.
- Vail Pass, a somewhat treacherous stretch of I-70 in the wintertime, has been known to close for hours, even days if conditions are bad. Unfortunately, I-70 is our lifeline to Denver. If you absolutely must make it to Denver and I-70 is closed, there’s an old trucker/locals route you can use. Take Hwy 24 up to Leadville, and then take Route 91 down to Copper Mountain. This route will allow you to effectively skip over the closed portion of I-70, Vail Pass. However, if the conditions are bad enough to close Vail Pass, it’s a safe bet that the alternative route we provided isn’t going to be a picnic either. Please take your time. Drive slowly and carefully. Click here for alternate route map.
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