By Car in Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado

By Car

In northwestern Colorado, I-70 (U.S. 6) is the major thoroughfare, accessing Grand Junction, Rifle, and Grand Mesa (via Route 65, which runs to Delta). Meeker is reached from Rifle via Route 13 and Rangely and Dinosaur via Route 64. U.S. 40 east from Utah is the best way to reach Dinosaur National Monument and Craig.

From Denver, Steamboat Springs is about a three-hour drive northwest via I-70 and U.S. 40. The route traverses some high-mountain passes, so it's a good idea to check road conditions before you travel.

Grand Junction has gas stations that are open 24 hours. Most gas stations in the smaller towns are open until 10 PM insummer, and even some automated credit-card pumps shut down at that hour.

Most roads are paved and in fairly good condition. Summer is peak road construction season, so expect some delays. Be prepared for winter driving conditions at all times. Enterprise is in downtown Grand Junction, with free pickup. Avis and Hertz are in the Walker Field Airport terminal. Depending on where you're traveling, you might want a four-wheel drive.

Avis has car rentals in Steamboat Springs.

Information

AAA Colorado (970/245-2236. www.aaa.com). Colorado State Patrol (970/249-4392. www.csp.state.co.us). Road Report (877/315-7623. www.cotrip.org).