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SOUTHERN COLORADO -- Gas prices are on the decline, just in time for Memorial Day.

According to AAA, the national average was $3.85 per gallon Sunday, about 10 cents fewer than the week before. Yet prices at the pump are still at least $1 more per gallon than the same time last year.

High gas prices have a history of preventing many Americans from traveling during the summer.

"It's too expensive and too much of a hassle to fly, so driving is the only other option," Colorado Springs resident Lisa Brown said. "But with gas prices the way they are right now, even that's not an option anymore."

The average cost of gas in Colorado is less than the national average, steady at about $3.75 per gallon.  AAA analysts believe the cost of fuel has reached its peak. That has some travelers ready to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, but they are keeping their destination close to home.

"We're not going too far because of gas prices," one Colorado woman said. "We just can't afford to."

However, analysts also believe gas prices could drop as much as 50 cents by the end of the summer, giving hope to the family road trip.

"If gas goes down I will definitely have some plans or make new ones if we don't." Colorado Springs resident Julesha Franklin said.

Others say a 50 cent drop is still too high.

"Something needs to be done about it," Colorado Springs resident Alfred Brown said. "I think prices should be $2 again."

Two dollars a gallon may be wishful thinking, but the steady decline in gas prices provides a bit of relief from the suffocating costs.

"It makes it a little more affordable to at least take an in-state trip," Lisa said.

For the latest gas prices where you live, visit GasBuddy.com.

Reported by: Kelly Werthmann