Traveling West: A Guide To Going From Colorado To California

There are several ways to travel from Colorado to California. The fastest way is to fly, which takes around 4-5 hours and costs $70-850. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive, which takes around 15-22 hours and costs $100-250. The distance between the two states is around 736-1023 miles.

If you're looking for a road trip experience, there are a few routes you can take. One option is to drive from Ventura in Southern California to Colorado Springs in Central Colorado, which can be done in 18 hours. This route may not be the most scenic, but you can make stops along the way, such as the Grand Canyon, Telluride, and Moab/Arches National Park. Another route is through Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which offers more scenic views but takes longer, around 6.5 hours.

When planning your trip, consider your preferred mode of transportation, budget, and the amount of time you want to spend travelling.

Travel restrictions and advisories

When travelling from Colorado to California, there are no specific travel advisories or restrictions in place for either state. However, it is important to be aware of the general travel advisories and restrictions that apply to the whole of the United States. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The US has a high rate of firearm possession, and it is legal in many states for citizens to openly carry firearms in public.
• There is a threat of terrorism in the US, with potential targets including government buildings, airports, public transport hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
• Zika virus may be a risk in some areas of the US. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult a health professional before travelling to these areas.
• The currency in the US is the US dollar (USD). Canadian currency and personal cheques from Canadian banks are not widely accepted.
• There is no limit to the amount of money you can carry into or out of the US, but you must declare amounts over $10,000 to US Customs and Border Protection.
• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, bush and forest fires, and tsunamis pose risks in certain areas of the US. Stay informed about potential disasters and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• The US has strict drug laws, and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can include lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Driving laws can vary from state to state. Many states have mandatory automobile insurance requirements, so check the specific regulations for your destination.

Transportation and safety guidelines

Transportation

There are several ways to travel from Colorado to California. You can travel by plane, tram, bus, night bus, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two states is by plane, which takes around 4 hours and costs $250-$800. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs $110-$260 and takes 22 hours.

If you prefer to drive, the distance between the two states is around 1022 miles, and it will take approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes. A road trip allows you to make stops along the way and explore national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Telluride, and Zion National Park.

Safety Guidelines

• Know your destination: Research your destination thoroughly before your trip. Check for health and safety concerns, and consult local sources for information about safe neighbourhoods, accommodation, and crime rates.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places or when using public transport. Be cautious when talking to strangers, and trust your instincts—if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area.
• Keep a low profile: Try not to stand out as a tourist. Dress inconspicuously, and be discreet when looking at maps or asking for directions.
• Make copies of important documents: Keep a copy of your passport, driver's license, and other identification documents. Save digital copies online and print out several hard copies. Leave a set of copies with a trusted contact, and keep the others separate from your originals.
• Stay connected: Share your itinerary and regular updates with family or friends. Ensure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency, and keep emergency contacts with you at all times.
• Secure your accommodation: Whether you're staying in a hotel or rented accommodation, take steps to secure your room or property. Keep doors locked, and windows shut. Use a 'jammer', a portable device that slips under the door for added protection.
• Be cautious online: Avoid using public Wi-Fi, as it may expose your valuable information to hackers. If you need internet access, consider setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing.
• Be vigilant with food and drinks: Choose safe food and drinks to avoid travellers' diarrhoea and other diseases. Generally, hot foods, dry and packaged foods, bottled or canned drinks, and hot drinks are safe options.
• Protect yourself from insects: Use insect repellent to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme.
• Stay safe in the sun: Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, especially when travelling during summer, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Practise good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Be cautious around animals: Avoid contact with animals, including pets, local farm animals, and wild animals, to minimise the risk of bacterial infections and rabies.
• Choose safe transportation: Always wear a seat belt when travelling by car, and ensure children are securely seated in car seats. Be cautious when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road.
• Prepare for emergencies: Enrol with the Department of State's Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP). This ensures that the relevant authorities know your whereabouts and can provide assistance in case of legal, medical, or financial difficulties.

Testing and quarantine requirements

Testing Requirements:

• It is recommended to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and their recommended doses.
• Testing for COVID-19 is advised if you are experiencing symptoms of the illness.
• For domestic travel within the United States, vaccinated travellers do not need to get tested before or after their trip unless their specific destination requires it. It is important to check local requirements and plan accordingly.
• For international travel, guidelines suggest getting tested 3-5 days after the trip. As of December 6, 2021, air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travelling to the United States.

Quarantine Requirements:

• Non-essential travel is not recommended for individuals who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19, refrain from travelling. Wait 10 full days after your symptoms started or 10 days after testing positive if you are asymptomatic.
• If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, avoid travelling until you have completed a 5-day quarantine. Ideally, refrain from travelling for the full 10-day quarantine period.
• If you are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, do not travel. If you receive a positive result while away from home, isolate yourself and postpone your return until 10 full days have passed since the onset of symptoms or your positive test. Your travel companions may also need to quarantine.
• Individuals who are sick, have recently tested positive, or have been exposed to COVID-19 should not travel as they pose a risk to others.
• If you develop symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19 while visiting California, you may be subject to public health orders from local or state agencies that require quarantine or isolation. These orders may restrict your travel, including your return trip, to ensure the safety of those around you.

Mask mandates and recommendations

As of May 2024, there are no statewide mask mandates in either Colorado or California. However, it is still recommended to wear masks in certain situations, especially in indoor public settings when COVID-19 case rates are high.

In Colorado, the state provides free KN95 and surgical masks to members of the public at certain locations. While mask-wearing is not mandatory, it is encouraged, especially for those who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends that all Coloradans keep masks with them in public and wear them when asked. Ultimately, the choice to wear a mask depends on an individual's risk factors and comfort level.

In California, masking is still considered an important tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends wearing masks in indoor public settings when community COVID-19 case rates are high, and especially for those who are at higher risk of severe disease, such as older adults and those with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems. Additionally, masks are recommended for those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms themselves.

Both Colorado and California recommend following local masking rules and requirements, as some communities may have their own mandates or guidelines in place. It is always a good idea to check the latest guidance from local health authorities before travelling.

Vaccination status and recommendations

As of May 2023, the US no longer requires visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. However, it is still recommended that you get vaccinated before travelling, as air travellers should be fully vaccinated regardless of the risk level in the country you are visiting. You may also need to show your vaccination card, so make sure it is filled out with the date of your dose or doses. It is also a good idea to make a copy of the card or have a photo on your phone as backup.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need to be vaccinated to re-enter the country. However, if you are returning to the US from abroad, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than three days before your travel date or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past three months. This can be either a molecular test, which is the most precise, or an antigen test, which can be done as a self-test.

In addition, some countries may require proof of vaccination to enter, and many countries are asking airline personnel to verify a negative COVID-19 test. Therefore, it is important to check the specific travel requirements for your destination through the US State Department website or your destination's Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health. The CDC also provides guidance on travel to other countries, ranking them from "very high" risk to "low" risk. It is recommended to avoid countries in the "very high" category unless it is essential travel.

Furthermore, some countries may require additional measures, such as wearing a face shield in crowded spaces or quarantining for a certain period upon arrival. Therefore, it is important to stay informed about the ever-changing guidelines and restrictions for your destination. You can sign up for notices on international travel from the State Department to stay updated.

Finally, it is recommended to bring proof of health insurance when travelling internationally. Even if your insurance carrier covers you overseas, check specifically for COVID-19 coverage. Some countries may also require that you have a notice from your health insurer mentioning COVID-19 coverage.

Frequently asked questions