Glenwood Canyon Trail (Upper section)

The eastern end or upper end of Glenwood Canyon has a completely different feel from the lower or western end, as the canyon is far broader and more arid.



I-70 has curves that are less tight and entrance/exit ramps are more normal for an expressway.



Shoshone Dam is in this section. The power plant appeared to be shut down for remodeling and the dam gates were open. Normally, the gates are closed and a small lake is created and water is diverted through the power plant and then immediately returned to the Colorado River. Water is also captured high above at Hanging Lake and piped down to the power plant.



Then the canyon tightens and I-70 engineers had to bridge the traffic over to the other side and bore dual tunnels through the mountain for 3/4 of a mile. An interesting note: They also built a 4 story control tower inside to operate all the equipment (fans, lights, etc.) and they installed an AM/FM rebroadcast system so motorists never lose a beat on their radios while in the tunnel. Meanwhile, the trail stays on the northern side of the river and is rid of the traffic sounds as it passes around the lake created by the dam.



This shot shows the bridges that bring the traffic back across the river after emerging from the tunnels. The trail does some funky things as it negotiates the area beneath the pillars. This trail as not an afterthought, but rather was included in the initial plans as a community trail, and extensive environmental studies and precautions were taken during the lengthy planning and construction phases.



Photos/info of the lower Glenwood Canyon Trail