Coloradans expected to travel in record numbers over Independence Day weekend, officials say

During Independence Day weekend, in Colorado and across the U.S., people are expected to hit airports and roadways at a pace that hasn’t been seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to travel industry officials.

More than 70 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes, outpacing last year’s numbers by about 3.5 million people, said AAA spokesman Skyler McKinley.

“(This) is the year of travel, surpassing 2019’s numbers and some records that are nearly two decades old,” McKinley said.

Many Coloradans are expected to take advantage of gas prices — $3.35 per gallon on average — that are about 15 cents below the national average, McKinley said. During last year’s holiday weekend, the Colorado average was $3.75 per gallon.

“The good news is that robust travel figures speak to the strength of the American economy,” McKinley said.

“The bad news is that, with 3.5 million more travelers than last year, there will be more people on roadways, lined up at airport security, and visiting state parks, lakes, major American cities and more.”

Colorado Springs Airport officials expect more than 19,000 people to board planes between Wednesday and Sunday, with more than 38,000 passengers traveling through the airport.

“This is on par with what our projections were for Memorial Day,” said airport spokeswoman Dana Schield.

Increased road traffic means an increased potential for crashes, Colorado Department of Transportation officials said. Last July was Colorado’s deadliest month of the year, with 91 motorists killed statewide. Suspected impaired drivers were involved in 24 of those deaths, CDOT said.

Colorado State Patrol and 66 other law enforcement officers will conduct a statewide DUI enforcement effort, dubbed “The Heat is On,” through Monday, officials said. The initiative will include saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and an increased law enforcement presence on roads and highways across the state, officials said.

“If you’ll be consuming alcohol or cannabis this Fourth of July weekend, leave the keys behind,” said Col. Matthew Packard, who heads the State Patrol. “Make a plan to get home safely and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”

Fourth of July weekend is also typically one of the busiest periods of the year for the Pikes Peak Highway, as residents and visitors seek to drive to the top of America’s Mountain.

“Summer weekends are busy at the Pikes Peak Highway, and holiday weekends are especially busy,” said U.S. Forest Service representative Stephen Blackman.

“This is probably going to be our busiest week.”

Motorists hoping to drive the 19-mile mountain roadway are encouraged to make a reservation at www.pikes-peak.com.

“Not everybody is guaranteed a chance to go up there if they just show up,” Blackman said.