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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Implemented In Eagle County effective 6/27/25 until further notice.
Communications Resources
Communications Resources
Subscribe to:
www.ecalert.org for free, real-time local road and weather conditions sent via Everbridge and ReachWell App alerts and email.
Follow: @coloradoDOT
Call:
Local - 970-479-2226, State- 511
Tune In:
89.9 FM, 92.3 FM, 93.1 FM, 95.3 FM, 97.7 FM, 101.7 FM, 104.7 FM, 850 AM and 1610 AM
Cottonwood Pass - Jake Marine / Post Independent
GPS Doesn't Always Know Best
GPS Doesn't Always Know Best
COTRIP.ORG is your best resource for detour routes when roads are closed.
GPS/mapping apps may show unimproved, gravel mountain roads or passes (such as Cottonwood Pass pictured left) as detours. These routes may be impassable with low clearance, non-4X4 vehicles (including commercial trucks or buses). Choosing these routes may put you and your passengers in danger.
And if you get in trouble, cell service may not be available on many of these roadways.
Before hitting the road, visit COTRIP.ORG for accurate travel information and alternate routes during an incident.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before embarking on a car trip through the mountains, use these tips to help ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
Before embarking on a car trip through the mountains, use these tips to help ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
Prepare Your Vehicle:
A well-equipped vehicle with a vehicle safety kit is recommended emergency equipment for every car in every climate.
adequate tires
tire chains
tow rope
sand or cat litter for traction
shovel
tool kit
windshield scraper and brush
battery cables
first-aid kit
flashlight
extra batteries
blankets and/or sleeping bags
extra clothing
candles
waterproof matches
high-calorie packaged food for quick energy and an empty can to melt snow for drinking. A vehicle safety kit is recommended emergency equipment for every car in every climate.
From September 1 to May 31, the traction law is in effect 24/7. All drivers on I-70 must comply with one of the three following:
1: AWD/4WD vehicle AND required minimum tread depth of 3/16"
OR
2: 2WD vehicle AND M+S designated tires OR Winter designated tires OR All-Weather designated tires AND required minimum tread depth of 3/16"
OR
3: 2WD vehicle (without M+S/Winter/All-Weather tires) AND alternative traction device (like chains or an AutoSock)
Failure to drive with the proper combination of vehicle type, tire type, tread depth, and/or traction device listed above will result in fines that can range from $130 up to $650 for vehicles that block the road due to lack of appropriate tires.
Do your tires pass the quarter test? For more information about tire safety, visit the United States Department of Transportation website.
Vail Pass Detour Info
Vail Pass Detour Info
During weather events, follow suggested routes posted on www.cotrip.org, or the COtrip Planner App.
The shortest detour around Vail Pass is to use exit 171 from I-70 (U.S. 24 - Minturn/ Leadville) and south over Tennessee Pass to Leadville, then north on State Highway 91 over Fremont Pass, returning to I-70 at Copper Mountain (53 miles).
A longer detour around both Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel is via U.S. 24 (exit 171), south through Leadville to Buena Vista, then north on U.S. 285 to Denver (172 miles).
A third detour route is State Highway 131. From I-70, use exit 157 (Wolcott/Steamboat Springs), north on Highway 131 to Toponas, east on State Highway 134 over Gore Pass to U.S. 40, south on U.S. 40 to Kremmling. Two options at Kremmling: south on State Highway 9 to I-70 at Silverthorne (total - 103 miles) OR east on U.S. 40 through Granby and over Berthoud Pass, returning to I-70 near Empire (total – 139 miles).
All three routes are primarily two-lane, paved highways. Even if they are open to travel, these highways cross mountain passes and drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions.
I-70 Mile Markers through Eagle County
I-70 Mile Markers through Eagle County
I-70 Mile Markers through Glenwood Canyon
I-70 Mile Markers through Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon Detour Info
Glenwood Canyon Detour Info
Motorists traveling eastbound on I-70 can reach the Denver Metro area by turning north from I-70 onto Colorado Highway 13 at Rifle (Exit 90). Travel north on CO 13 to Craig, then turn east on US Highway 40 towards Kremmling. In Kremmling, motorists should head south on Colorado Highway 9 towards Silverthorne. In Silverthorne, motorists can rejoin eastbound I-70.
Motorists traveling westbound on I-70 can reach the Grand Junction area by turning north from I-70 at Silverthorne (Exit 205) onto Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling, continue on US Highway 40 to Craig, head south on CO 13 to Rifle. In Rifle, motorists can rejoin westbound I-70.
CDOT also asks that motorists NOT USE Cottonwood Pass Road (in Eagle/Garfield counties), Hagerman Pass, Eagle/Thomasville Road, or other county or forest service roads in Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties as a detour. These roads are gravel, 4x4, mountain roads and not built for heavy traffic or commercial oversize vehicles. Many of these roads require four-wheel-drive and do NOT have cell phone coverage.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you set out on a road trip in the mountains, use these tips to ensure you reach your destination safely.
Prepare your vehicle:
All-season or snow tires
Tire chains if you do not have snow tires
Tow rope
Sand or kitty litter for traction
Shovel
Tool kit
Windshield scraper and brush
Battery cables
First aid kit
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
Extra clothes
Candles
Waterproof matches
Non-perishable food such as protein bars or trail mix.
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