Colorado Department of Transportation

GSFD: I-70 reopens at South Canyon after brush fire

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

I-70 eastbound both lanes open at mile marker 109 (Canyon Creek). One lane open westbound I-70 at Glenwood Springs. There is still a westbound closure at Dotsero.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

UPDATE – 8:10 p.m. 6/9: I-70 eastbound is now open in both lanes.

I-70 westbound is opening in stages. Traffic at the Glenwood Springs exit, 116, is being released westbound through one open lane on I-70 in the first stage. Once that queue has been lessened, westbound traffic held at the Dotsero exit, 133, will be released.

Colorado Department of Transportation

I-70 both directions is CLOSED – 6:20 p.m. (6/8/2026)

I-70 remains closed in both directions from Chacra, Mile Point 109, to Dotsero, MP 133, due to an active fire. There is no estimated time for opening. Commuters are encouraged to use the norther detour route.

Westbound travelers:

> Take the Wolcott Exit, 159, north on CO 131, to US 40. Stay on US 40 past Craig, then take CO 13 southbound back to I-70 at Rifle.

Eastbound travelers:

> Take the Rifle Exit north on CO 13 to US 40. Take US 40 through Craig to CO 131. Take CO 131 south to Wolcott and back onto I-70.

For further updates, check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

UPDATE 7:30 pm – The aircraft has been released for the evening. Both eastbound lanes are expected to reopen shortly, along with one westbound lane.

UPDATE 6:42 pm – I-70 is expected to remain closed for an undetermined amount of time. We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as crews continue their work.

With back-to-back Red Flag days and challenging wind conditions, we are especially grateful to have air support assisting with fire suppression efforts. The safety of our community and responders remains the top priority, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Firefighting operations in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs

Truck and fire operations on hillside in South Canyon

Firefighters on hillside in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs

Paradise Fire helicopter with bucket

June 9, 2026, 4:40 p.m. – The fire size has been re-estimated at 8 – 10 acres in size.

Approximately 44 firefighters are working to stop fire growth in steep and rocky terrain. Due to high winds in the area, fixed wing aircraft are unable to operate at this time.

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado, Colorado Department of Transportation are responding to this incident in mutual aid.

June 9, 2026, 4:07 p.m. – This fire has been named the Paradise Fire and is estimated at 20 acres. Two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft are en route to assist with suppression efforts. Aircraft will be refilling bucket drops from the Colorado River. I-70 will remain closed at this time.
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ACTUALIZACIĂ“N 4:40 p. m.

El tamaño del incendio ha sido reestimado entre 8 y 10 acres.

Aproximadamente 44 bomberos trabajan para detener el crecimiento del fuego en un terreno empinado y rocoso. Debido a los fuertes vientos en la zona, las aeronaves no pueden operar en este momento.

Las siguientes agencias están respondiendo a este incidente en un esfuerzo conjunto de ayuda mutua:

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Colorado River Fire Rescue

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Colorado Department of Transportation

Todas estas entidades colaboran en las labores de respuesta y control del incendio.

_______________________________________________________________________

ACTUALIZACIĂ“N 4:07 p.m.

Este incendio ha sido nombrado Paradise Fire y se estima que abarca aproximadamente 20 acres.

Dos helicópteros y dos aeronaves están en camino para ayudar en las labores de supresión del incendio. Las aeronaves recargarán agua para las descargas con balde desde el río Colorado.

La I-70 permanecerá cerrada por el momento.

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ACTUALIZACIÓN: 3:15 p. m. Ambos sentidos de la I-70 están cerrado de la milla 112.

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Estamos respondiendo a un incendio junto a la I-70 en dirección oeste, en el marcador de milla 112 en South Canyon. El Departamento de Bomberos y Rescate del Río Colorado está respondiendo en apoyo mutuo. La I-70 en dirección oeste está siendo cerrada en el marcador de milla 112.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters respond to a brush fire in South Canyon near Glenwood Springs.

Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

June 9, 2026, 3:15 p.m. – Both directions of I-70 are now closed at the 112 milepost.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

June 9, 2026, 3:02 p.m. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department is responding to a brush fire on westbound I-70 at milepost 112 in South Canyon. Colorado River Fire Rescue is responding in mutual aid. I-70 westbound is being closed at milepost 112.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

June 9, 2026, 3:06 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 112 WB, South Canyon, due to a fire.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

GSFD: I-70 reopens at South Canyon after brush fire

GSFD / CDOT: I-70 westbound – right lane closed near No Name for fire activity

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White River National Forest

Crews expect full containment tonight on the two-acre Devil’s Hole Creek Fire, mile 123.4 in Glenwood Canyon. Firefighters have stopped the fire’s growth.

Great coordinated effort with federal, state and local resources. The other two fires mentioned below are named the Shoshone Fire (123.2), which is contained and estimated at two acres, and Grindstone Fire (119.5) which was contained at 0.1 acre by Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

White River National Forest
White River National Forest | facebook #WhiteRiverNF facebook

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

6:05 p.m. UPDATE: The 119.5 and 123.2 fires are contained. The 123.4 fire is more than 50% contained. Crews will remain on scene and continue to work the fires. Command has been turned over to U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest.

A special thank you to Defiance Rafting and Blue Sky Adventures for providing rafts that allowed firefighters to safely access the fire across the Colorado River. We appreciate their support and partnership. – Glenwood Springs Fire Department

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3:52 p.m. UPDATE:   A third fire has been located at milepost 123.2.  All three fires are south of the Colorado River near the railroad tracks.  A helicopter is conducting bucket drops.

_______________________________________________________________________

3:40 p.m. UPDATE:  An additional spot fire has been located adjacent to the railroad tracks near milepost 123.4.

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Shortly after 3:00 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a reported brush fire on the south side of the Colorado River near mile marker 119.5 eastbound on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.

Upon arrival, crews located a small brush fire burning in sagebrush. A Type 3 helicopter has been requested to assist with water bucket drops.  

For firefighter safety, the slow (right) eastbound lane of I-70 has been closed in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and watch for emergency personnel working along the roadway.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Photos courtesy of Glenwood Springs Fire Department.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
Glenwood Fire website | facebook: #GlenwoodSpringsFireDepartment

Glenwood Springs Fire Department - fire activity

A brush fire burns in Glenwood Canyon.

A U.S. Forest Service truck and a Glenwood Springs Fire Department fire truck on the scene of a brush fire in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, CO.

Colorado Department of Transportation

Right lane closed. Updated today at 3:52 PM MDT by Colorado Department of Transportation

Between exit 121: Grizzly Creek and exit 119: No Name (near No Name) at Mile Point 119.5. The right lane is closed due to fire activity. Slower speeds are advised.

Comment: Right lane closed ahead use caution

Colorado Department of Transportation
COtrip website

GSFD / CDOT: I-70 westbound – right lane closed near No Name for fire activity

Garco911 / CDOT: Highway 6 reopened east of Rifle

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority and Colorado Department of Transportation

5.6.26, 5:10 p.m. – Highway 6 is open at Mile Pond Road, both directions, east of Rifle.

Colorado Department of Transportation is strongly discouraging travel on Highway 6 tonight due to active work crews in the area.

Garco911 / CDOT: Highway 6 reopened east of Rifle

CSP: Train derailment following crash on Highway 6

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Colorado State Patrol

May 6, 2026, 12:12 p.m. – This morning, around 9:40 a.m., the Colorado State Patrol responded to the area of Highway 6 near Mile Pond Road (milepost 95) for a report of a passenger train that struck a semi-tanker truck on the train tracks.

The semi-tanker was split open due to the crash, spilling an estimated 6,000 gallons of road oil onto the ground. The driver of the semi-tanker was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries. Six passenger cars and two locomotives were derailed as a result of the crash, with the rail being damaged/split in areas. The rail line will be closed for an extended period of time for repairs. It is unknown at this time how many passengers were on the train; however, it is reported that no passengers suffered any injuries. Local buses will be transporting passengers to a safe location.

Highway 6 will be closed for an extended period of time. For road closure information, please visit COTrip.org for more information.

The Colorado State Patrol is the lead investigating agency for this incident. Any new information will be released in an update to this press release.

A Colorado State Patrol photograph of the tanker and train collision near Rifle on May 6, 2026.

A Colorado State Patrol photograph of the tanker and train collision near Rifle on May 6, 2026.

A Colorado State Patrol photograph of the tanker and train collision near Rifle on May 6, 2026.

A Colorado State Patrol photograph of the tanker and train collision near Rifle on May 6, 2026.

A Colorado State Patrol photograph of the tanker and train collision near Rifle on May 6, 2026.
CSP: Train derailment following crash on Highway 6

Garco911 / CDOT: I-70 eastbound re-opened at Glenwood Springs

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Colorado Department of Transportation

1.23.26, 9:35 p.m. – Between exit 116 – Glenwood Springs/Aspen and exit 119 – No Name at mile point 118.5 the roadway is reopened to traffic.

1.23.26, 8:30 p.m. – Crash on eastbound I-70 between exit 116 – Glenwood Springs/Aspen, and exit 119 – No Name, at mile point 118.5. Road closed, expect delays due to a crash.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

1.23.26, 8:21 p.m. – I-70 is closed at mile marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs exit, due to a multi-vehicle accident.

Garco911 / CDOT: I-70 eastbound re-opened at Glenwood Springs

CDOT / Garco911: I-70 westbound open

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

9.27.25, 12:40 am – I-70 is open at mile marker 130 westbound, Dotsero.

Colorado Department of Transportation

9.26.25, 9:03 pm – Westbound I-70 is closed to through traffic at Wolcott, Exit 157, due to a rolled over CMV crash that took place in Glenwood Canyon at around 6 p.m. this evening. CDOT and its partners worked tirelessly to avoid putting a detour in place — estimated to add four hours of travel time — but unfortunately, I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is an extremely challenging section of road with limited space for operations. There is no estimated time of re-opening.

The detour that is in place directs commuters onto US 6 via exit 157, Wolcott, north on HWY 131 toward Steamboat, west on US 40 towards Craig, south on HWY 13, and back on I-70 near Rifle.

Front of commercial vehicle on side on I-70

Commercial vehicle on side on I-70

Check COtrip.org or the #COtrip Planner app for more information and road updates.

#KnowBeforeYouGo

CDOT / Garco911: I-70 westbound open

CDOT: Avalanche mitigation along I-70 completed following multiple storms over holiday weekend

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Colorado Department of Transportation

Avalanche debris covering US 6/ Loveland Pass from the Seven Sisters slide paths.
CDOT photo of avalanche debris covering US 6/ Loveland Pass from the Seven Sisters slide paths that was remotely triggered using Gazex Avalanche Control System on Tuesday, Feb 17, by CDOT teams.

Winter operations teams have safely triggered and cleared avalanche slide paths along I-70 through the mountain corridor following successive storms from last Thursday night through Tuesday morning. Measurements taken this morning on the summit of Vail Pass counted 28 inches of snow and 2.2 inches of snow water equivalent.

Those storms brought heavy accumulations of snow and high winds, which made for extreme conditions over long stretches of the Presidents Day weekend. With high volumes of car and truck travel, CDOT crews and law enforcement cleared vehicle spinouts, in addition to clearing roads of snow throughout the extended holiday weekend. Some periods of time saw short and intense bursts of snow that impeded visibility.

“Mother Nature did not take off for the holiday weekend. To the contrary, we saw some of the most intense snow totals of the season in the high country and multiple consecutive storms. Mountain Corridor ski resorts reported more than a foot and a half of fresh snow in 48 hours and more than four feet of snow in the past seven days. CDOT crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and mitigate avalanche risk, including a number of mitigation missions this morning. We remind drivers that conditions remain challenging. Please drive carefully through the tail end of this weather system, and watch out for snow plows and law enforcement who are working hard to keep the roads safe,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

Every winter, CDOT and its sister agency, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), regularly monitor and control 278 of 522 known avalanche paths located above Colorado highways. These efforts help prevent avalanches from impacting motorists on the highways below. When there is a high risk of avalanche danger, CDOT will close the highway at the location of the avalanche path to conduct avalanche control. After the highway is closed, CDOT crews bring down the unstable snow from the mountain side and clear all snow and debris from the roadway before reopening the highway to traffic.

Four avalanche slide paths between the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel and the town of Silverthorne released debris onto the lanes of I-70 early this morning as crews performed mitigation missions. I-70 was briefly closed while these slides were triggered and crews cleared the road.

“The mitigation methods used in the early morning hours, before daylight, allowed our crews to work when traffic volumes are low,” said CDOT Director of Maintenance and Operations Shawn Smith. “This work is critical for keeping our roads safe, especially after the volume of snow we have seen over the past few days. We appreciate drivers’ patience as the team performs this important work of triggering avalanches and subsequent cleanup, which significantly reduces the risk of natural slides.”

“CAIC forecasters have been busy reading the snowpack for both backcountry users and Colorado highways,” said Ethan Greene, Director of the CAIC. “With avalanche danger rated as HIGH in the Northern Mountains, we’ve been diligent about communicating this danger to the public and working closely with CDOT maintenance crews.”

During a later morning mission, crews performed essential winter maintenance operations on Vail Pass, between Exit 180/ East Vail and Exit 195/ Copper Mountain, around 9 a.m. with five snowslides mitigation and one reaching the interstate lanes, as much as four feet deep and 175 feet in length.

Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website, colorado.gov/avalanche, for avalanche forecasts.

A map of snowfall in Colorado from February 14-17.
CDOT map indicating accumulated snowfall seen throughout the state from Friday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 17.

CDOT: Avalanche mitigation along I-70 completed following multiple storms over holiday weekend

CDOT: Critical winter safety operations will close Vail Pass Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.

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Colorado Department of Transportation


Winter travel alert: Treacherous conditions remain on I-70 mountain corridor for Presidents’ Day traffic – CDOT maintenance teams perform critical winter safety operations beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Vail Pass to close for lengthy delay


12.17.25 Eagle County — Travelers on Interstate 70 are urged to be prepared for continued severe weather and treacherous driving conditions today. Motorists will encounter slick, ice and snow-packed roads. Additionally, heavy snows and strong winds will bring low visibility and potential whiteout conditions at times.

The severe weather and roadway conditions have caused numerous closures. Some closures have been implemented for safety, but several closures have been the result of vehicle spin-outs, slide-offs, and crashes.

CDOT photos above: Crash images captured from Monday’s I-70 westbound closure near Empire Junction/ Exit 232 and Georgetown/ Exit 228.

Natural avalanches have also been visible in the mountains today. While a video captured earlier today by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) showed an avalanche that did not reach the roadway of I-70 through Ten Mile Canyon, the danger of additional slides remains high. In addition, CDOT and CAIC teams saw results of slide control work on Berthoud Pass early this morning, after avalanche mitigation debris did reach the roadway. US 40 required clean-up and re-opened safely to vehicles.

Visitors to the high country who plan to return to the Front Range should prepare for a difficult trip. Travelers should keep extra food, water, and warm clothing readily available and be prepared for lengthy delays in severe weather conditions. COtrip.org will continue to show current road and weather conditions, as well as any road closures. Even so, the extreme weather conditions may cause additional incidents on the road as people try to return from the mountains while the storm continues to deliver heavy snowfall and high winds.

I-70 Vail Pass closure Tuesday morning

The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform winter maintenance operations on Interstate 70 Vail Pass tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18. Operations will begin at 9 a.m., and motorists can expect a lengthy delay lasting for much of the morning. There is not an exact time estimated for opening, as operations are dependent upon weather conditions and the amount of snow crews must clear from the roadway.

Traffic impacts and closure points

• Eastbound travelers will be stopped three miles east of Vail at exit 180. This closure point allows motorists to switch travel directions and turn westbound back toward Vail
• Eastbound commercial traffic is urged to stop and wait at the Dotsero commercial motor vehicle parking lot, exit 133
• Westbound travelers will be stopped at exit 195 near Copper Mountain
Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure time of 9 a.m.

Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions.

Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website for avalanche forecasts.

CDOT: Critical winter safety operations will close Vail Pass Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.

CDOT: Sun glare safety closures on eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill begin in November

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Colorado Department of Transportation

Travel alert – Sun glare safety closures on eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill begin in November Motorists should expect delays in the early morning hours on sunny days I-70 Mountain Corridor — Sun glare season is here and that means on sunny mornings, eastbound Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill east of Idaho Springs will close from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. from early November through February. When closures occur, drivers traveling on eastbound I-70 should prepare for delays of up to an hour. The first closure could occur at sunrise on Sunday, Nov. 3 if the weather is clear and sunny.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) want to remind drivers that the closures are necessary to prevent crashes because the sun glare on eastbound I-70 is blinding. The sun’s angle, in combination with the hill and the highway’s configuration, can create a blinding sun glare for drivers as they head eastbound up Floyd Hill (about Mile Points 244 to 248 – east of Idaho Springs). The intense sun glare occurs as far east as Genesee beginning around sunrise and lasting until around 8:30 a.m.

Sun glare along eastbound I-70 near Floyd Hill.

Detour route

  • If a sun glare safety closure is in place along eastbound I-70:
  • Traffic headed eastbound on I-70 will be rerouted at Exit 244 (US 6) which is at the bottom of Floyd Hill.
  • Motorists can either stay the course on US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, or they can take the eastbound I-70 frontage road (US 40) and get back onto I-70 at Beaver Brook (Exit 248).
  • Truckers should be aware, there are height restrictions in the tunnels along US 6 Clear Creek Canyon, no vehicles over 12′ 7″ can travel this route.
  • The closures average around 45 minutes to an hour and can occur between sunrise and 8:30 a.m. from November through February each year.

Drivers who travel eastbound I-70 in the early morning hours during fall and winter are urged to pay attention to the overhead message boards beginning just east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel. The signs will have the latest information on sun glare closures. Drivers can also check the travel alerts by going to COtrip.org.

The sun glare closures at Floyd Hill are for the safety of the traveling public. The decision is made on a case by case basis each morning with collaboration between CSP and CDOT personnel who are stationed near Floyd Hill. The eastbound sun glare can become blinding for drivers, especially when there is leftover moisture on the roadway from a storm or from pre-storm road treatment materials. On top of that, mountain driving conditions include steep hills, sharp turns, and possibly wildlife crossing the highway. For these reasons, the sun glare safety closures at Floyd Hill become necessary. This is a unified effort between CSP and CDOT to keep motorists as safe as possible.

Other driver recommendations

  • Adjust your eastbound I-70 travel plans near Floyd Hill to before sunrise or later in the morning. Prepare for a sun glare safety closure to occur if you are traveling eastbound up Floyd Hill between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on sunny days November through February.
  • Make sure your windshield is clean – inside and out. Ensure your vehicle has plenty of windshield wiper fluid.
  • Wear a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading.
  • Expect traffic slowdowns between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. along I-70 eastbound near Floyd Hill, and adjust your speed to avoid sudden reactions.
  • Let off the accelerator and slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes, if suddenly blinded by the sun.
  • Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Drivers can check the latest road and weather conditions by going to COtrip.org.
  • For more information visit sun glare safety — Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT: Sun glare safety closures on eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill begin in November

Garco911 and CDOT: I-70 eastbound partially open at Glenwood Springs

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Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

10.11.24, 1:03 p.m. – I-70 is open at mile-marker 114 EB, West Glenwood Springs. Right lane at mile marker 116 EB, Glenwood Springs is still closed.

Colorado Department of Transportation

10.11.24, 6:09 a.m. – I-70 eastbound: Road closed. Between Exit 111: South Canyon and Exit 114: West Glenwood (Glenwood Springs) at Mile Point 114. Road closed expect delays due to a crash. Slower speeds are advised.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

10.11.24, 4:40 a.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 114 EB, West Glenwood Springs, due to an accident.

Garco911 and CDOT: I-70 eastbound partially open at Glenwood Springs