Glenwood Springs, CO Accessible Via Alternate Routes and Soon-to-open Interstate-70
Through Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Springs, CO - (March 10, 2010) - Travelers can still access Glenwood Springs despite a rockslide that occurred early on Monday, March 8, 2010 in Glenwood Canyon. Colorado Department of Transportation officials are optimistic about reopening travel through Glenwood Canyon before the weekend. However, until Glenwood Canyon is deemed safe for vehicular travel, drivers have several alternate routes to take them to their Spring break vacations in Glenwood Springs.
Colorado Department of Transportation officials are working round the clock to clear debris and repair damage to Interstate-70 though Glenwood Canyon that occurred as a result of a rockslide near mile marker 125 on Monday, March 8, 2010. Much progress has already been made and crews are currently in the process of making the highway safe and passable for at least one lane of traffic in both the east and westbound direction. This may occur as early as Wednesday evening and almost certainly before the weekend. These opening estimates are based on current successful work in mitigation, and may be subject to change. For continuous updates on Glenwood Canyon, please visit the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association's site http://www.visitglenwood.com/I-70-update.
Though the rockslide that occurred nine miles from Glenwood Springs along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is a big bump in the road for travelers, visitors can still access the resort town though they should plan on leaving more time for travel. “We want visitors to Glenwood Springs to know that when Glenwood Canyon opens shortly, it will be a safe and direct route to a wonderful vacation experience. Mother Nature is always a force to be reckoned with and despite this rockslide, she has worked countless wonders in Glenwood Springs that draw visitors for Spring break year after year,” said Kate Collins, Vice President of Tourism Marketing for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.
Safety is the paramount concern of Colorado Department of Transportation officials and when the canyon does reopen for through traffic; travelers can be assured that driving through Glenwood Canyon is safe, though some delays can be expected, since only one lane of traffic in each direction will be open.
Visitors with Spring break plans in Glenwood Springs can feel confident that all the great things they have been looking forward to are waiting to be enjoyed including Spring skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort, swimming at the Glenwood Hot Springs, relaxing at the many spas, exploring at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, as well as dining and shopping. The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association invites visitors to extend their stays with its Buy 2, Get 3 lodging package. Visitors can choose amongst sixteen lodging options to suit their personal preferences and budgets and at each one the third night is absolutely free. To get started, enter stays for 3 nights or more at http://www.visitglenwood.com/packages. For stays of 6 nights or more, please call 888.445.3696.
Though Glenwood Canyon is expected to open in the near future, there are several suggested alternate routes to Glenwood Springs. Maps depicting the various routes are accessible at http://www.visitglenwood.com/I-70-update.
Northern Alternate Route: For those who are making the trip from the Front Range to Glenwood Springs there are two driving options. CDOT recommends that travelers coming from the east drive west on I-70 to the Wolcott (Exit 157); at Wolcott take CO-131 north toward Steamboat Springs; just before Steamboat Springs turn left on US-40; continue west on US-40 through Steamboat Springs to Craig; at Craig turn left on CO-13; continue south on CO-13 through Meeker to Rifle; at Rifle go east on I-70 to Glenwood Springs Exit 116.
Another alternative is to drive west on I-70 to Silverthorne (Exit 205); in Silverthorne turn right onto CO-9 headed north to Kremmling; in Kremmling turn left onto US-40 through Steamboat Springs to Craig; at Craig turn left onto CO-13; continue south on CO-13 through Meeker to Rifle; at Rifle go east on I-70 to Glenwood Springs Exit 116.
Southern Alternate Route: Travelers can access Glenwood Springs from a southern route as well. Take US-285 south to Poncha Springs; at Poncha Springs turn right onto US-50 and continue over Monarch Pass through Gunnison. Continue on US-50 for approximately 26 miles and turn right on CO-92. Follow CO-92 through Crawford to Hotchkiss; at Hotchkiss turn right onto CO-133, continue on CO-133 through Paonia over McClure Pass and into Carbondale. At Carbondale, a left on CO-82 will take travelers into Glenwood Springs.
Visitors also have the option of arriving in Glenwood Springs via Amtrak. Though the train goes through Glenwood Canyon, it is on the opposite side of the Colorado River and completely unaffected by the rockslide. Amtrak operates daily, leaving Denver at 7:30 AM and arriving in Glenwood Springs at 12:30 PM. For complete Amtrak schedules and prices, visit www.amtrak.com. Once in Glenwood Springs, many hotels and visitor destinations are within walking distance or are easily accessible via the free in-town bus service.
For those arriving by air, travel agents or airlines can assist visitors with rerouting flights or adding a leg to arrive in western Colorado. There are several possible airport choices to consider including Aspen Pitkin County Airport, Grand Junction Walker Field, Montrose County Airport, Yampah Valley Regional Airport and Gunnison County Airport.
About Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is located between Aspen and Vail, 165 miles west of Denver or 90 miles east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 off exit 116. For more information about Glenwood Springs, Colorado, call 970-945-6589 or go to http://www.visitglenwood.com/.<br.
For lodging reservations, call 888 4 GLENWOOD (888-445-3696).
A complete press kit and press releases are available at http://www.visitglenwood.com/press-kit and
http://www.visitglenwood.com/press-releases.
Access to downloadable photos is available at http://www.visitglenwood.com/photos.
Media Contacts:
Kate Collins, Vice President of Tourism Marketing
Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association
970-945-6589 ext. 105
[email protected]
or
Vicky Nash, Public Relations Representative
Resort Trends, Inc. - Tourism & Resort Communications
970-948-4923
[email protected]
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