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Traffic advice

Leaving Coors Field after today’s ballgame which will probably coincide with 5pm rush hour and driving north the Cheyenne. Is there a better route than I25? Wondering about Highway 76 and 85 through Greeley??

Leaving Coors Field around 5pm during rush hour will likely put you into significant congestion on I-25 northbound, especially through central Denver and the highway stretch leading toward the northern suburbs. Traffic at that time can be heavy, particularly near downtown interchanges, the I-70/I-25 junction, and near major exits like US-36 and CO-7.

Considering alternatives, taking Highway 76 and US-85 through Greeley can be a viable option depending on your exact destination. This route avoids the core of Denver traffic but has trade-offs:

  • I-25 North: Direct, fastest under normal conditions, but expect slowdowns through Denver, especially after a ballgame. Traffic may persist for several miles north.
  • Highway 76 / US-85 via Greeley: This route skirts the east side of Denver and offers a less stressful drive through smaller towns. It may save time if I-25 is heavily congested, but it has lower speed limits, traffic lights, and potential slowdowns through towns like Brighton, Fort Lupton, and Greeley.
  • US-36 / I-76 hybrid: Another alternative is taking I-70 east briefly, then CO-36 north toward Boulder, and connecting to US-85. This can work if I-25 is heavily backed up, but it adds extra miles.

Additional tips:

  • Check real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze before leaving Coors Field to choose the fastest route based on current conditions.
  • Leaving 30–45 minutes after the game starts to exit may help avoid the worst of the immediate downtown congestion.
  • If traveling long distances north (toward Cheyenne), weigh the extra miles on alternative routes against the potentially slower I-25 traffic; sometimes staying on I-25 with moderate congestion is simpler than navigating multiple smaller highways.

Overall, if your priority is fewer stops and simpler navigation, I-25 is usually still preferred. But if you want a more scenic or relaxed drive with fewer chances of stop-and-go traffic, the 76/85 route is a good alternative.

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