If you were planning a trip in the immediate future using I-70 to travel through Glenwood Canyon be prepared, because thanks to a massive rock slide, your travel time just got a lot longer, in fact you might want to pack a lunch!

Early Monday morning, a rock slide over took a 17 mile stretch of highway in Glenwood Canyon between mile markers 116 and 133, causing the Interstate to be closed in both directions. Thankfully, no one was injured in the slide but the Colorado Department of Transportation reported that the massive rock slide created half a dozen large holes in the road, and pushed some of the road barriers off the road. Both westbound and eastbound lanes have been severely damaged. The amount of damage is no surprise once you realize that some of the boulders that fell are larger than cars, ranging from 3 to 10 feet in diameter. The largest was estimated to weigh near 66 tons! Because of the size of the boulders blocking the road, crews are blasting them with explosives before even being able to move them. The massive boulders definitely left their impression, causing a 5×5 foot hole in one area and a 10×20 foot hole in a westbound bridge and lane.

With up to an estimated 25,000 vehicles traveling each day through this section of road, this slide will no doubt cause some inconvenience and CDOT is thanking travelers for their patience as they work to repair the highway. CDOT has  implemented emergency contracting procedures and will be meeting with contractors over the next couple of days as they develop repair plans. As of now they are not sure when the road will be ready to re-open, and unfortunately due to the rugged terrain, the shortest detour is more than 200 miles long.

Alternate Routes

CDOT has listed the following alternate routes while repairs are completed on I-70

• If you are driving across the state use U.S Highway 40 or U.S Highway 50

Eastbound Routes

• Take the Rifle exit, head north on Highway 13 into Craig where you will get on U.S. 40, this will take you through Steamboat Springs. On the recommended route you will continue on U.S. 40 through Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby, Winter Park and Empire before you are back on I-70. This is a BEAUTIFUL drive, and speaking as a 4th generation Coloradoan myself who grew up in this area, it’s a family favorite in fact. But if you are interested in a more direct route than a scenic one, we can suggest a couple you might try.
• Just before leaving Steamboat Springs, instead of continuing on U.S. 40, exit on Highway 131 toward Oak Creek. This route will take you through Yampa, Toponas and land you back onto I-70 at Wolcott, which is only 24 miles past the current closure. This route is best if you are traveling to Eagle, Edwards or Vail as it allows for the least amount of  back-tracking.
• If you are headed anywhere east of Vail, like Denver, your fastest route will be to get on Highway 9 in Kremmling (turn right at the stop light; and if you are wondering “Which Stop Light?”, don’t worry you can’t miss it, it’s the ONLY one in Kremmling) continue on Highway 9 past Green Mountain Reservoir and you will meet up with I-70 in Silverthorne.

Westbound Route

Depending on your starting point and your destination there are 4 route possibilities.

• Take the U.S. 40/Empire exit 232,  which will take you over Berthoud Pass, and through Winter Park, Kremmling, Steamboat Springs, and when you get to Craig exit onto Highway13 and it will take you back to 1-70 at Rifle.
• In Silverthorne take Highway 9 to Kremmling where you will get on to U.S. 40, take it through Steamboat Springs to Craig, where you will take Highway 13 back to I-70 at Rifle.
• If west of Silverthorne, take the Wolcott/State Highway 131 exit, to U.S. 40, then to Highway 13. If you are west of Denver you are going to end up going through Steamboat no matter what.
• If you are starting in Denver and heading to Grand Junction, take I-25 South to Highway 50 and take Hwy. 50 west all the way where it will meet up with I-70 in Grand Junction. On the way you will go through Pueblo, Penrose, Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose,  and Delta.

The Bright Side?

If this is part of your daily commute we feel for you, but if you are on vacation – why not turn this situation into a positive one! Although a long detour, driving up U.S. 40 is an absolutely beautiful drive with so many cute towns along the way. Each town provides a glimpse into Colorado history that you might have missed otherwise. Check out the related articles section in the sidebar, where you can read all about the towns in the different routes and decide which route would be best for your family. Each article contains details about the town and its unique attractions as well as where you can find gas stations and places to eat along the way. With so much to see along the way we’re sure your family will view this temporary detour as an adventure!

Glenwood Canyon Rock Slide Photo Gallery

Current Closed Area on I-70

Rate the Detours

Have you driven any of the detour routes recently? Please take a moment to rate them using our 5-Star rating system. We also encourage you to post a comment about your drive!
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