Directions
Directions, Map and Mileage to Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake and Grand County:
When driving to Grand County from the Denver area: Take I-70 west to exit 232 (only a few miles west of Idaho Springs). You will see a sign for US Hwy 40/Berthoud Pass. Drive slowly through the small town of Empire and continue on US Hwy 40. Click here to see a regional map.When driving to Grand County from the Denver area:
Take I-70W to exit 232. Continue north on US Hwy 40Berthoud Pass: 53 miles west of Denver
Winter Park Resort: 67 miles northwest of Denver
SolVista Golf & Ski Ranch: 79 miles northwest of Denver, 12 miles north of Winter Park
Granby: 81 miles northwest of Denver, 14 miles north of Winter Park
Grand Lake: 102 miles northwest of Denver, 35 miles north of Winter Park
*There are three standards for determining the endpoint of highway distance signs according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: -- the center of the city’s central business distinct; the point where major north-south and east-west routes intersect; or a point near the center of the city. The decision is left to the state. In Colorado, mileage starts and ends in the center of activity of a town or city, (It might seem to make sense to use the city limits but these can change through annexation.)
If flying into Denver, let the professional (trained in mountain driving techniques) drivers of Home James Transportation Services get you to Grand County. (800) 359-7533, www.homejamestransportation.com. Home James provides door-to-door service from Denver International Airport to lodging in Winter Park, Fraser, Silver Creek, Granby, and Grand Lake. During the ski season, shuttles depart Winter Park for DIA (or vice versa) on a regular basis. One way to/from DIA to Winter Park is $43 with $20 off the regular fare for children 2-11. Advance reservations 72 hours in advance are strongly suggested to guarantee seating room.
Travel Tidbits:
* The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
* Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
* Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
* Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
* Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
* Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
