Driving in and Around Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs, Colorado Real Estate Information

When driving in and around Pagosa Springs, there are many beautiful sites to see. While traffic is certainly not an issue, (sometimes there is some congestion in the summer months due to increased tourism), there are other important factors to keep in mind.

Deer and Elk
Deer and elk are always a consideration when driving in rural, mountain towns. Regardless of the season, they can be grazing close to the roads and are always looking for the “greener grass” on the other side of the road.

Pay attention to all deer and elk warning signs. These areas are heavily traveled by these animals and car fatalities aren't rare. Slow down and keep a close eye out.

Deer are fast, so make sure you keep an eye on both sides of the road. They can dart out in an instant. Be especially careful during sunrise and twilight hours. At night, you can often see their eyes reflecting in your headlights, giving you advance notice of their location. It is generally a courtesy to flash your lights to warn oncoming traffic if you see wildlife in the road during the day or night.

Four Wheel Drive Vehicles
Many places in Pagosa are inaccesible in the winter even when the roads are plowed, unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. Hills, slush, ice and other factors can make getting around impossible in a regular car. If you're looking at wonderful property in the summer, keep in mind what it might be like in the winter. Do you have to plow a 1/2 mile of driveway, or is there an incline that might be hazardous?

Snow Plowing
Many areas are kept plowed throughout the winter months, but even more aren't. Around town, you can immediately see if there's a red box on the street sign that says "Not Maintained." The County is currently experiencing a budget deficit and the issue of plowing subdivisions and other non-primary or non-secondary roads has come up repeatedly. Be aware that if roads are currently being plowed, that may change. Talk to your potential neighbors and get an update on your location.

Dirt and Gravel Roads
The vast majority of Archuleta County is made up of dirt and gravel roads. They can become filled with potholes and ruts on a regular basis, making driving more difficult and the wear on your car and tires more significant. Chemicals used to treat the roads can also be hard on your vehicle's paint.

Darkness
There are few to no street lights on many roads in the area. This makes it harder to judge the contours of the road, especially if the driver is unfamiliar with it. The lack of light pollution, which is great for stargazing, can also make it difficult to see wildlife in the road. Slowing down is effective in counterbalancing the darkness, as well as having a good copilot who can scan the sides of the road for activity.

Remote Areas
Due to mountain obstructions and lack of numerous cell towers, there are many dead spots on the roads where cellular phones do not work.

Ice and Mud
Depending on the season, roads can be quite slippery, especially dirt roads. Often storms can sneak up on travelers, and it is advised to be prepared. Simple preparations would include having a sleeping bag or warm blanket in your car, as well as snow boots, shovels, snacks and water. In the summer, afternoon rains can come in fast and make a dirt road as slippery as a sheet of ice. When possible, try to wait until the road has dried up some to avoid accidents. Also, watch for river crossings that may have swelled and are now too swift to cross back over.

Stay on Designated Roads or Trails
While many automobile commercials show SUVs and jeeps driving all over the place, this is not legal or responsible driving. There are many fun and exciting trails for cars and jeeps- so please stay on them and leave no trace.

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