Leaves peaking throughout the high country: Heavy traffic expected this weekend

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — If you drive up Interstate 70 or Highway 285 over the next few days, it is pretty evident the leaves are hitting their peak in colors, which brings lots of traffic to the high country.

“This is our black Friday,” said Trish Kintzele, deputy director of the Georgetown Trust.

Kintzele has been working in the Georgetown visitor center for the last few weeks, where she said traffic hasn’t let up as the colors have drastically changed, bringing in lots of visitors to the county.

“We see twice as many people in September as we see in June,” Kintzele said.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers ahead of this weekend to expect a lot of traffic in the high country. Especially after the previous weekend of traffic.

“Last weekend, Sept. 19 through Sept. 21, traffic peaked at 6 p.m. on Friday, although speeds at Floyd Hill were in the single digits from noon until 7 p.m.,” The Colorado Department of Transportation said in a release. “Peak traffic on Saturday occurred between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday traffic was slow most of the day, with the peak at 11 a.m.”

Kintzele said there is something really special about the colors this year. She also encourages everyone driving to see Guanella Pass to take time to stop in Georgetown.

“I would say this is probably the best I’ve seen it on the pass,” Kintzele said. “I’ve lived in the county for 30 years and it was spectacular. It looked like someone turned on all the lights; the trees were just glowing.”

CDOT released the following tips for drivers:

• Expect heavy traffic heading westbound late morning through early afternoon and eastbound from late morning well into the evening. 
• Leave early or late in the day to avoid the worst congestion. 
• Be cautious when seeking alternate routes, as local roads such as Guanella Pass cannot accommodate interstate-level traffic. 
• Pack patience and allow extra travel time – delays are inevitable.
• Check COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app to stay up to date on travel conditions. 
• Visit GoI70.com to check the traffic forecast for this weekend. 

“Traffic is traffic, everything worthwhile isn’t easy, so if you have to spend an hour in traffic, it’s worth it,” said Jamie Le-lazar, who drove to Clear Creek County to see the leaves.