US 285 Sunday traffic?

[Martinjmpr]

Has anyone here been on US 285 between Fairplay and Conifer on Sunday afternoons lately? Just wondering if traffic is usually slow/stopped along there.

I know in past years Sunday afternoon traffic has been slow, stop-and-go traffic from about Fairplay all the way up to Kenosha Pass and then again from Grant to Bailey, at least and in some cases all the way to Conifer. But I also know they've widened the road in a few places to try and ease up on the congestion.

Planning a trip to Montrose in mid July (not the 4th) and wondering if I should bypass 285 on my return to Denver. US 24 to Woodland Park adds about an hour to the drive time but I'd rather be moving than stationary even if it means a longer route (I'll be on a motorcycle so sitting in traffic isn't much fun.)

I'd prefer the shorter, more direct route home but if it means sitting stopped in traffic I'll take the longer route through Woodland Park.

Thanks in advance!

[ray1970]

I’ve had better luck on 285 than 70.

I’ll be going that way this Sunday. I’ll let you know how it is.

[Monky]

May luck be ever in your favor.. travelling any roads in this state and avoiding traffic

[hurley842002]

May luck be ever in your favor.. travelling any roads in this state and avoiding traffic

This^

Off topic from the OP's area of concern, but in reference to Metro traffic, we just got back from the LA area, traveling as far south as San Diego, at all different hours of the day (including "rush hour"), and I'm confident Denver traffic is as bad as LA, if not worse in some ways. My wife's Aunt and Uncle (who live in LA) traveled through Denver heading to Ft. Collins last month, and mentioned how terrible Denver traffic was at around 3pm, that is saying something coming from LA residents.

[BushMasterBoy]

Look at the highways cameras before you go. I usually do this before a trip. The DOT is usually pretty good at updating this system as to road closure delays due to accidents, fires, etc. Link below

http://www.cotrip.org/home.htm

[Martinjmpr]

Last year we camped near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in mid August and I was pleasantly surprised to have a drama-free drive all the way back on 285. I think the only real delays in traffic were due to the traffic lights in Fairplay, near Bailey, and at Pine Junction. Other than that it was smooth going.

I know I-70 is usually crappy, which is why I avoid it on Sunday afternoons at all costs.

[Delfuego]

The worst. Even if you leave in the AM.

A park county sheriff I know stated simply; he never leaves the house on Sundays

[TFOGGER]

My experience is that it's a coin flip. As long as nobody does anything stupid, it generally moves along pretty well. Unfortunately, because it is so narrow most of the way, it turns into a shit show as soon as someone does.

[theGinsue]

There's a wildfire burning somewhere around Fairplay rigt now. This could seriously impact your travel in that area. Even if you aren't near the fire itself, the smoke could cause limited visibility on the road.

[ray1970]

There's a wildfire burning somewhere around Fairplay rigt now. This could seriously impact your travel in that area. Even if you aren't near the fire itself, the smoke could cause limited visibility on the road.

Well poop.

The wife and I were going to take the bikes through Fairplay and into Breckinridge for lunch on Sunday.

Maybe I should check out the fire situation first.