I-70 Glenwood Canyon

Glenwood Canyon header graphic with a picture of the scenery and river running through the canyon.

About the I-70 Mountain Corridor Through Glenwood Canyon

Today, traveling on the I-70 Mountain Corridor through Glenwood Canyon is more than just a trip from one place to another—it's an experience. This breathtaking stretch of highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the United States, but it's far more than just a beautiful route. Glenwood Canyon is a vital economic artery for Colorado and the greater Mountain West, connecting major cities and serving as a key route for commerce, tourism, and transportation.

Whether you're just passing through on your way to destinations like Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, or you're planning to spend time exploring the canyon, Glenwood Canyon has something for everyone—families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. It’s not only a natural wonder but an essential link that supports the region's economy and connects communities across the state.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions area for more information.

I-70 Mountain Corridor in the Winter

Weather & Conditions to Keep in Mind

Before you head out, it’s important to be aware that weather in Glenwood Canyon can change quickly. In winter, snowstorms can make the road challenging, and summer storms may bring flash floods. Always check road conditions before you go through the COtrip Planner mobile app or by visiting COtrip.org, especially if you’re planning to stop and explore.

I-70 Safety Messages

Motorists planning to travel on I-70, visit rest areas or use the recreation path in Glenwood Canyon should pay attention to road conditions on COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner App, as well as nearby overhead I-70 digital message boards and weather forecasts. In the instance an extended closure is expected, CDOT will send information to stakeholders. 

I-70 Glenwood Canyon in the SummerWhat You Can Do Along the Way

If you’re traveling through Glenwood Canyon, there’s a lot more to see and do than just drive. The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Here are a few highlights for those stopping along the way:

Rest Areas & Scenic Stops

There are several rest areas along I-70, including No Name, Grizzly Creek, Hanging Lake and Bair Ranch where you can stop, stretch your legs, and learn about the area. Hanging Lake, in particular, is famous for its clear blue waters and stunning waterfall—just make sure to plan ahead, as the hike requires a reservation.

Hiking & Biking

  • The canyon has a dedicated recreation path for walking, biking, and jogging that runs alongside the highway. Whether you want a short stroll or a more challenging bike ride, this path gives you a great way to explore the canyon up close.

Rafting

  • The Colorado River, which runs through the canyon, is popular for whitewater rafting. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, there are local companies that offer guided rafting trips through the canyon's fast-moving waters.

Wildlife Watching

The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, eagles, and other birds. While driving through, it’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of these animals, especially in the quieter morning or evening hours.

Prepare for Traveling on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon 

  • Plan ahead, know before you go and check for the latest road conditions by going to COtrip.org
  • Know the latest weather conditions
  • Give yourself extra time and avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions
  • Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra food, water, medicine, clothing, batteries and other necessities – enough to sustain you for 10 hours
  • Make sure your car is in safe driving condition with adequate tires
  • When on the road, obey the speed limit and don’t follow too closely; speeding and tailgating are among the leading causes of crashes, injuries and fatalities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should motorists expect and do to plan ahead on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon?
This summer, construction and routine maintenance will impact both directions of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon - more information on the I-70 Mountain Corridor: Golden to the Utah Border webpage. To ensure safety, motorists should anticipate reduced speed limits, occasional lane closures, and to drive with caution.

Travelers planning to drive through I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, visit rest areas, or use the recreation path in Glenwood Canyon should monitor road conditions on COtrip.org, the COtrip Planner App, nearby I-70 digital message boards, and weather forecasts. Regardless of the season, CDOT recommends that travelers always be prepared with an emergency kit containing water, snacks, a flashlight, and a blanket, as mountain conditions can change suddenly.
I heard the rest areas and recreation path might close before I-70 if there’s rain in the forecast. Will that happen this year?
No, this was the case in past years. As of June 2025, officials believe these measures are no longer required. If conditions change, they will be reassessed. Rest areas include: No Name (Exit 119), Grizzly Creek (Exit 121), Hanging Lake (Exit 125), and Bair Ranch (Exit 129). Please note that the Hanging Lake Rest Area (Exit 125) is only open to motorists with permits for the Hanging Lake trail.
When will there be safety closures of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon?
Safety closures may be required due to vehicle crashes or other events. In such cases, information will be provided through on COtrip.org, the COtrip Planner App, and nearby overhead I-70 digital message boards.
What happens during a safety closure of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon?
During a canyon closure due to an unforeseen event, CDOT personnel and equipment are prepared to clear debris and assess damage before reopening the road. Motorists passing through the area should be prepared to be redirected onto I-70 in the opposite direction to help prevent traffic congestion in neighboring communities, including Eagle County and the Roaring Fork Valley. Additionally, vehicles must not block roadways, driveways, or other access roads while waiting in the queue for an opening. A closure may also be enforced following a major vehicle crash in Glenwood Canyon or nearby on I-70.

If a safety closure of I-70 is expected to last longer than one hour, CDOT recommends motorists take an alternate route to reach their destination. Please see below for the recommended alternate route. CDOT will reopen I-70 in Glenwood Canyon once it is safe for the traveling public.
What alternate route should I take during an I-70 closure in Glenwood Canyon?
If a safety closure of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is expected to last longer than one hour, CDOT recommends a northern alternate route using CO 9, US 40 and CO 13. CDOT will suggest this alternate route when a closure is anticipated to extend for an extended period, to ensure emergency services can respond quickly, and to prevent motorists from being stranded on I-70 for several hours.

The alternate route will add approximately two and a half hours of travel time compared to taking I-70 through Glenwood Canyon. By following the recommended route, motorists can avoid major delays caused by rough roads and other hazards.
  • Westbound I-70: Motorists coming from the Denver metro area or Interstate 25 can travel westbound on I-70 to Silverthorne, then head north on CO 9. In Kremmling, travelers should turn onto westbound US Highway 40 toward Steamboat Springs. After reaching Craig, motorists can head south on CO 13 toward Rifle, where they can rejoin I-70 westbound.
  • Eastbound I-70: Motorists traveling eastbound from Utah or Grand Junction can follow the same route in reverse to reach the Denver metro area. In addition, for destinations south of the I-70 Mountain Corridor, motorists can travel on US 50 from Grand Junction.
Before detouring onto any alternate route, motorists should check COTrip.org or the COTrip Planner App for the latest road conditions.
What alternate routes should I avoid during an I-70 closure of Glenwood Canyon?
CDOT strongly discourages travelers from using highways south of I-70 as an alternate route due to extensive construction closures. Additionally, CDOT requests that motorists avoid using Cottonwood Pass Road (in Eagle and Garfield counties), Hagerman Pass, Eagle/Thomasville Road, or other county and forest service roads in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties as detours. These roads are not designed for heavy traffic or commercial oversize vehicles, and many are four-wheel-drive roads with no cell phone coverage.
What about the Hanging Lake trail?
The U.S. Forest Service will reopen the Hanging Lake trail to permitted hikers July 1. More information is available at visitglenwood.com/hanginglake. The Hanging Lake Rest Area (Exit 125) is only open to motorists with hiking permits.

Real-time road updates and conditions are available 24/7 at COtrip.org or on the COtrip Planner App.
What about the Glenwood Canyon recreation path?
As of late May 2025, the Glenwood Canyon recreation path is open for recreational travel for the summer season.

Please note that high runoff may cause sections of the path to close on short notice and for an undetermined length of time. For the most current information about Glenwood Canyon or the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, contact CDOT Region 3 offices Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1-970-243-2368, ext. 9.