driving February

Question

We are driving a Chevy Volt with snow tires in february from Atlanta across country. we have planned to visit Great Sand Dunes National park and then drive to Durango and then onto Mesa Verde NP. Is this to dangerous of a drive thru Durango to Mesa Verde? We can go further south and then up tp Mesa Verde. We go from there to the Mighty five in Utah. Just wondering about the drive in the mountains around Durango. Thanks

Answer

Driving from Great Sand Dunes National Park to Durango and then on to Mesa Verde in February can be manageable but requires caution. The main concern is winter conditions in the mountains, as snow, ice, and occasional chain requirements can occur even with snow tires on your Chevy Volt. Roads in and around Durango, particularly US-160 and state highways leading into Mesa Verde, can be icy or snow-packed, especially in early morning or late evening. Weather can change rapidly in this region.

Some factors to consider:

The Chevy Volt with snow tires is equipped for winter conditions, but it is still a relatively low-clearance vehicle. Be cautious of steep inclines or shaded areas that may be icy.
February is off-peak for Durango and Mesa Verde, so fewer tourists but potentially more snow on the roads.
Check local road conditions daily through Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) before heading out, especially for mountain passes.

If you prefer to reduce risk, an alternate route can be considered:

Drive south from Great Sand Dunes toward Pagosa Springs and then east or southeast to reach Mesa Verde. This avoids some higher-elevation passes but may add extra driving time.
Stick to main highways (like US-160) rather than backroads or mountain passes. These are more likely to be plowed regularly.
Plan for extra time between stops, and consider starting drives mid-morning when temperatures are warmer, reducing ice risk.

Overall, the drive is not impossible, but winter conditions make it essential to stay flexible, monitor weather, and be prepared for delays. Many travelers do this route in February without incident, but caution and preparedness are key.