Although gas prices in Durango may be beginning to dip while other parts of the state are starting to go up, it appears a continuing downward trend won’t set in for a little while.
“(Travelers are) not done heading to the high country,” said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley. “… I suspect August will see some sustained tourism in Durango and in other parts of the state.”
McKinley said gas prices in places like Durango differ from other parts of the state because of demand fluctuations with summer tourism.
As of July 26, the average price of gas per gallon for regular gasoline in Durango was at $3.78, according to AAA. As of Friday, it was down to $3.72.
During those two same dates, Grand Junction’s prices increased from $3.29 to $3.35; Pueblo increased from $3.32 to $3.44; Colorado Springs increased from $3.27 to $3.42; and Denver increased from $3.29 to $3.38. Statewide, the average price increased from $3.34 to $3.42.
However, the latest price in Durango is still 4 cents higher compared to a month ago.
McKinley said prices are still ping-ponging because people on the Western Slope may still want to get that “one last hurrah” vacation out of the way in August.
Visit Durango spokeswoman Rachel Welsh said weather plays a big role when it comes to continuing demand.
“People in Arizona, it’s just so incredibly hot,” she said, adding that the tourism department met some people from that region eyeing a cooler climate.
Welsh also said some families may have opted to take their weekend getaway in late July as opposed to Independence Day weekend when tourism hit its summer peak, adding they may have found a better hotel deal in late July.
McKinley said it is too early to determine whether another uptick is on the horizon or whether the latest drop may be tied to decreasing demand. However, he expects prices will start falling considerably after Labor Day weekend.
As September approaches, Welsh said she expects the roads will be less congested because there will be fewer families coming into town. Instead, Durango will be more likely to see more “weekend warriors” and couples who don’t necessarily have to work around a school schedule.
Welsh also said she expects more families to stay at home in the coming weeks with school starting back up.
mhollinshead@durangoherald.com
