The Colorado State Patrol is urging motorcyclists planning summer rides through the Rocky Mountains to research their routes in advance and mentally prepare for rapidly changing road and weather conditions.

In 2025, Colorado State troopers investigated 688 motorcycle crashes statewide, 441 of which caused injury and 54 were fatal. Of those, 156 crashes occurred on the western slope. The top causal factors were lane violations, speed, and distracted driving. Troopers also cite dozens of riders each year for operating without the proper motorcycle endorsement on their license.

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"Taking the time to watch some of our troopers' dashcam video footage of popular routes can be a helpful way to plan and anticipate a variety of conditions that are common here on the western slope," said Major David Rollins, District 4 Commander of the Colorado State Patrol. "The roads are often bumpy and uneven due to extreme weather, and while these things aren't new to bikers, we want you to stay alert and focused on the road as you enjoy the serenity of riding in the mountains."

Popular western slope routes include the San Juan Mountain Skyway, the Waldon Loop, and the Peak to Peak Highway. Riders should plan to encounter blind corners with sheer rock face on both sides of the road, no shoulders or narrow shoulders with sharp drop-offs, rocks and gravel from snow melt, switchbacks and tight corners with little preparation time, congestion from RVs and vehicles towing boats and ATVs, potholes and weather-damaged surfaces, and wildlife.

The Colorado State Patrol's "Super Cruising in Colorado" web resource offers dashcam videos of popular routes and information on common traits of two-lane mountain roads. Riders can access it at csp.colorado.gov/super-cruising-in-colorado.