Reader: I'm Afraid of Any Colorado Road With Too Many Texas and California Drivers

Monarch Pass ranks as the most feared road in the state for winter driving; it comes in nineteenth in the country.

January 19, 2025

Monarch Pass is icy this weekend. Colorado Weather Cam

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With Colorado plunged into subzero temperatures, there are icy conditions all around the state, making traffic tricky. But nothing might be worse than Monarch Pass, which was just ranked the most feared road in Colorado for winter driving — and nineteenth most feared in the country.

Conducted by Gunter VW Daytona, the poll of 3,000 drivers across the country cites Monarch Pass for its heavy snowfall and treacherous grades and curves, as well as its 11,300-foot elevation at the Continental Divide. Interstate 70 rated as the second most-feared road in the state, with Wolf Creek Pass coming in a close third.

Readers offer their own suggestions on the Westword Facebook page. Says Justin:

You haven't lived until you've pulled four bulls in a stock trailer in a 2-wheel drive 3/4 ton Ford chained up, looking out the driver and passenger windows to see where the snow bank was because it was whiteout conditions.

Offers Deborah:

We can attest to experiencing Monarch Pass during a blinding snowstorm. Scary!

Adds Audrey:

It wasn't even winter yet!

Responds Brian:

Monarch is a dawdle compared to Red Mountain.

Suggests Kenny:

Sounds like the poll picked names everyone is familiar with. Have driven them all in the winter except Red Mountain. Only thing that makes I-70 dangerous is the other drivers

Notes Aeron:

160 hands down. It’s like a two-lane interstate with stupid people on it. It goes all way across the state and goes over passes and places with intense weather at times.

Concludes Amy:

I'm afraid of any Colorado road with too many Texas and California drivers.

What Colorado road frightens you? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].

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