Monitor Colorado's Mountain Corridors in Real Time
Access 500+ live CDOT traffic cameras across Colorado's challenging terrain, covering over 23,000 total lane miles of state-maintained highways. Our interactive map provides real-time access to live street feeds and intersection cameras throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. From the Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,158 feet to Denver's urban corridors, view real-time conditions and road-level views on I-70, I-25, I-76, and critical mountain passes.
View CDOT Cameras →Colorado's transportation network presents unique challenges with elevation changes from 3,000 to over 11,000 feet, avalanche zones, and dramatic weather shifts. Safety is a critical concern on these high-elevation routes; in 2022, Colorado saw 764 traffic fatalities, representing a 10% increase from the previous year. CDOT operates one of the most sophisticated mountain camera networks in the United States to monitor these critical corridors.
According to Colorado DOT research, the use of real-time camera networks and the COtrip.org system is essential for managing incident response in avalanche-prone corridors, potentially reducing the duration of road closures by as much as 25%.
In addition to highway monitoring, users can access live street feeds and intersection cameras along major arterials like Colfax Avenue in Denver and Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs to check for localized gridlock. These road-level views are essential for navigating around surface street snow removal and stadium events during ski season surges or mountain pass closures.
CDOT Camera Coverage Areas
I-70 Mountain Corridor
500+ cameras covering Colorado's most critical mountain highway from Denver to the Utah border. Includes Eisenhower Tunnel (11,158 ft), Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Vail Pass, Glenwood Canyon, and Floyd Hill reconstruction zone.
I-25 Front Range
Comprehensive coverage along Colorado's primary north-south corridor from Wyoming to New Mexico. Monitors Denver metro traffic, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Pueblo with real-time urban and rural conditions.
Mountain Passes
High-elevation cameras on Loveland Pass (11,990 ft), Berthoud Pass (11,315 ft), Monarch Pass (11,312 ft), Wolf Creek Pass (10,857 ft), Rabbit Ears Pass (9,426 ft), and other critical routes.
Denver Metro
Dense camera network throughout the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area covering I-25, I-70, I-225, US-36, and C-470 with rush hour monitoring and incident response.
Check Mountain Pass Conditions
View live cameras before heading to the high country. Monitor chain law status, avalanche control zones, and weather conditions.
View I-70 Cameras →I-70 Mountain Corridor: Colorado's Critical Artery
The I-70 mountain corridor handles over 30 million vehicle trips annually and serves as the primary route to Colorado's world-class ski resorts. The section where I-70 merges with I-270 is the busiest in the state, handling an average of 183,000 vehicles daily. CDOT maintains extensive camera coverage along this challenging 144-mile stretch.
I-70 Mountain Corridor (West)
Route: Denver → Eisenhower Tunnel → Vail → Glenwood Springs
Distance: 144 miles
Cameras: 150+
Key Locations: Floyd Hill, Georgetown, Eisenhower Tunnel (11,158 ft), Vail Pass (10,662 ft), Glenwood Canyon
Challenges: 8,000+ ft elevation gain, avalanche zones, frequent chain law enforcement
Peak Times: Friday 2-7 PM westbound (ski traffic), Sunday 12-8 PM eastbound (return traffic)
Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel
The highest vehicular tunnel in North America at 11,158 feet elevation requires constant monitoring. CDOT cameras cover both portals, approach zones, and alternate routes including Loveland Pass.
Tunnel specifications:
- Length: 1.7 miles (westbound bore 1973, eastbound bore 1979)
- Elevation: 11,158 feet above sea level
- Daily traffic: 26,000+ vehicles (60,000+ on peak ski weekends)
- Restrictions: No hazardous materials, height clearance 13'11"
Chain Law Enforcement Zones
CDOT enforces mandatory chain laws at 43 permanent locations statewide. Cameras monitor compliance at key checkpoints. Violations result in fines and potential liability for accidents caused by inadequate traction equipment.
Code 15: Passenger vehicles must have adequate tread depth (3/16" minimum) Code 16: Chains or approved traction devices required, OR 4WD/AWD with adequate tread Code 18: Chains required on all vehicles regardless of drivetrain
Glenwood Canyon
This 12-mile engineering marvel through narrow Glenwood Canyon requires careful monitoring due to rockfall hazards, bridge decks, and limited emergency access. CDOT cameras cover all tunnels and key bridge sections.
Understanding CDOT Traction Laws
Colorado uses a three-tier chain law system enforced through roadside checkpoints monitored by cameras:
Code 15 (least restrictive): Adequate tread depth required Code 16 (moderate): Chains/approved devices OR 4WD/AWD with good tread Code 18 (most restrictive): Chains required all vehicles, no exceptions
Approved traction devices include AutoSock, snow chains, and studded tires. CDOT cameras help enforcement verify compliance at checkpoints.
I-25 Front Range Corridor
Colorado's primary north-south route covers 299 miles from Wyoming to New Mexico with comprehensive CDOT camera coverage through urban corridors and connecting mountain access routes.
I-25 Front Range
Route: Wyoming Border → Fort Collins → Denver → Colorado Springs → Pueblo → New Mexico
Distance: 299 miles
Cameras: 180+
Key Urban Areas: Fort Collins, Denver Metro, Colorado Springs, Pueblo
Mountain Access: US-36 to Boulder, CO-470 beltway, US-24 to mountains
Rush Hours: Denver 7-9 AM / 4-6:30 PM, Colorado Springs 7:30-9 AM / 4:30-6 PM
The Denver metro section handles over 200,000 vehicles daily with extensive camera coverage at the "mousetrap" interchange (I-25/I-70), US-36 junction, and C-470 beltway connections.
Monitor Denver Traffic
View live cameras across the Front Range. Check rush hour conditions, monitor incident clearance, and plan alternative routes.
View I-25 Cameras →Mountain Pass Cameras
CDOT operates high-elevation cameras on alternate routes and critical mountain passes that serve as primary corridors when I-70 is impacted.
Loveland Pass (US-6)
- Elevation: 11,990 feet (highest paved through-route in Colorado)
- Function: Alternate route when Eisenhower Tunnel closes
- Cameras: 12+ covering both approaches and summit
- Conditions: Chain law frequent, closed in severe weather
Berthoud Pass (US-40)
- Elevation: 11,315 feet
- Route: Denver/I-70 to Winter Park and northwestern Colorado
- Cameras: 8+ monitoring approach curves and summit
- Challenges: Steep grades, hairpin turns, avalanche zones
Wolf Creek Pass (US-160)
- Elevation: 10,857 feet
- Route: Southern Colorado east-west connection
- Cameras: 10+ covering both sides of Continental Divide
- Features: Avalanche monitoring, chain law enforcement
Ski Traffic Strategy
Use CDOT cameras to time your mountain trips and avoid peak congestion:
Friday westbound: I-70 traffic peaks 2-7 PM. Consider leaving before noon or after 8 PM. Sunday eastbound: Return traffic heaviest 12-8 PM. Early morning or late evening departures avoid worst delays. Alternative routes: Check Loveland Pass, Berthoud Pass, or US-40 cameras for potentially faster routes when I-70 is impacted.
I-76 Northeast Corridor
This 184-mile route serves northeastern Colorado agriculture and connects Denver to Nebraska. CDOT cameras monitor key junctions, Fort Morgan, Sterling, and weather-related visibility issues on the Eastern Plains.
I-76 Northeast
Route: I-25 Denver → Fort Morgan → Sterling → Nebraska Border
Distance: 184 miles
Cameras: 35+
Key Locations: Fort Morgan, Brush, Sterling, Julesburg
Challenges: High winds, blowing snow, agricultural vehicle traffic, wildlife crossings
Weather Patterns: Rapid visibility changes, ground blizzards common in winter
Avalanche Zone Monitoring
Colorado experiences more avalanche activity than any other U.S. state. CDOT cameras monitor 275 avalanche paths that impact state highways, with concentrated coverage on I-70 and mountain passes.
Major avalanche zones with camera coverage:
- Loveland Pass (US-6): 15+ paths
- Berthoud Pass (US-40): 12+ paths
- Red Mountain Pass (US-550): 23+ paths
- Wolf Creek Pass (US-160): 10+ paths
- Vail Pass (I-70): 8+ paths
CDOT avalanche teams use camera feeds to assess conditions before and after control work using artillery and explosive charges.
Avalanche Control Operations
When CDOT conducts avalanche control work, highways close for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Cameras monitor closure zones and post-control debris. Never stop in avalanche zones or attempt to bypass closures—falling snow can reach 200+ MPH.
How to Access CDOT Cameras
Visit COtrip.org
Navigate to Colorado's official traveler information website for direct CDOT camera integration with real-time updates.
Select Camera Map View
Click the camera icon layer to display all active CDOT cameras across Colorado's highway network.
Or Use TrafficVision
Access CDOT cameras alongside 135,000+ other sources worldwide. Filter by Colorado, search specific highways, or browse by region.
Check Conditions Before Departure
Review cameras along your entire route 30-60 minutes before leaving. Mountain conditions change rapidly—a clear tunnel entrance can turn to whiteout in minutes.
Monitor Chain Law Status
COtrip and CDOT cameras show current chain law codes at enforcement checkpoints. Carry chains year-round October through May for mountain travel.
View Live Colorado Cameras
Monitor I-70, mountain passes, and Denver metro traffic. Access CDOT cameras and 600+ other sources in one platform.
View Colorado Cameras →CDOT Camera Technology
Colorado's challenging environment requires specialized camera systems:
- High-elevation hardening: Cameras at 11,000+ feet withstand extreme cold (-30°F), high winds (100+ MPH), and heavy snow loads
- Avalanche-resistant mounts: Reinforced installations in avalanche zones survive snow impacts
- Anti-icing systems: Heated camera housings prevent ice accumulation that blocks lenses
- Solar/battery backup: Remote mountain locations operate independently during power outages
- HD resolution: Latest cameras provide 1080p feeds for detailed road condition assessment
CDOT integrates camera feeds with road weather information systems (RWIS) that measure pavement temperature, precipitation, and wind speed at the same locations.
Denver Metro Traffic Patterns
The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area handles 2.9 million residents and growing traffic demands. Denver residents face an average commute time of 28 minutes, with many metro area drivers spending nearly 10 hours per week in traffic. CDOT cameras monitor all major corridors with focus on bottleneck zones.
Peak congestion times:
- Morning rush: 7:00-9:00 AM (I-25 southbound, I-70 eastbound, US-36 eastbound)
- Evening rush: 4:00-6:30 PM (I-25 northbound, I-70 westbound, US-36 westbound)
- Friday ski traffic: 2:00-7:00 PM (I-70 westbound starts at I-25 junction)
Critical camera locations:
- I-25/I-70 "mousetrap" interchange (covers 12 ramps)
- I-25/US-36 junction
- I-70/C-470 junction (mountain access)
- I-225 corridor (eastern suburbs)
Using COtrip.org Effectively
Colorado's official travel website offers more than just cameras:
Travel times: Real-time estimates between major points on I-70 and I-25 Chain law status: Current codes at all enforcement locations Road closures: Construction, weather events, and incidents Parking availability: Ski resort and rest area parking counts Message signs: Current messages from electronic highway signs
Set up COtrip email/text alerts for your regular routes to receive notifications about closures and major delays.
Winter Driving and Chain Laws
Colorado enforces strict traction laws during mountain winter conditions. CDOT cameras monitor compliance and road conditions at key checkpoints.
When chain laws activate:
- Heavy snow (1"+ per hour accumulation)
- Ice formation on roadways
- Blowing snow reducing visibility
- Avalanche control operations requiring improved traction for safety
Passenger Vehicle Requirements (Code 16):
- Snow tires (M+S rated with 3/16" tread)
- OR all-season tires (3/16" tread) + approved traction device
- OR 4WD/AWD vehicle with 3/16" tread
Commercial Vehicle Requirements:
- Chains on drive axles during Code 16
- Chains on all axles during Code 18
CDOT cameras at chain-up stations monitor compliance and traffic flow during enforcement periods.
Related Resources
Colorado Traffic Cameras – Comprehensive guide to all camera sources in Colorado Denver Traffic Cameras – Detailed Denver metro camera coverage and traffic patterns Winter Driving Tips – Mountain driving preparation and safety guidelines Ski Resort Access – Camera coverage for all major Colorado ski resort approach routes
How many CDOT cameras monitor the Eisenhower Tunnel?
CDOT operates 15+ cameras covering the Eisenhower Tunnel complex, including both tunnel portals (east and west), approach zones, Loveland Pass alternate route, and chain law enforcement areas. Additional cameras monitor traffic backups and queue lengths during peak periods.
Where can I find Colorado street feeds?
You can access live Colorado street feeds and road-level views through our interactive map. We aggregate feeds from CDOT and local authorities to cover major intersections in Denver, Colorado Springs, and the Front Range.
What do CDOT chain law codes mean?
Code 15 requires adequate tread depth (3/16" minimum). Code 16 requires chains or approved traction devices OR 4WD/AWD with adequate tread. Code 18 requires chains on all vehicles regardless of drivetrain. Cameras at checkpoints help enforcement monitor compliance.
When is I-70 mountain traffic worst?
Friday afternoons 2-7 PM westbound toward ski resorts experience heaviest congestion. Sunday afternoons 12-8 PM eastbound see peak return traffic. Use CDOT cameras to monitor conditions and consider alternative departure times before noon or after 8 PM.
Can I use CDOT cameras to check avalanche activity?
Yes, CDOT cameras monitor all major avalanche zones along I-70, US-6, US-40, US-550, and other mountain routes. However, cameras show conditions AFTER avalanche events. For CURRENT avalanche forecasts, check Colorado Avalanche Information Center (avalanche.state.co.us) before traveling.
How often do CDOT cameras update?
Most CDOT cameras refresh every 30-60 seconds during normal conditions. High-priority locations like Eisenhower Tunnel and major incident areas may update every 15-30 seconds. Some remote mountain locations update every 2-5 minutes to conserve bandwidth.
Ready to View Colorado Street Cameras?
Access 500+ live camera feeds and city street feeds covering I-70, I-25, mountain passes, and Denver metro. View current conditions, check chain law status, and plan safer mountain travel with live camera feeds updated continuously.
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