Interstate 70: Frisco to Glenwood Springs – Colorado

Join us as we cover 87 miles of pure Colorado majesty, traveling west on Interstate 70 from Frisco to Glenwood Springs. This stretch is one of the crown jewels of I-70, carving through the Rockies, high mountain passes, and the dramatic cliffs of Glenwood Canyon — all while connecting cozy alpine towns and lively resort communities along the way.

We kick things off in Frisco, merging onto I-70 from Colorado Highway 9 near Exit 205, roughly an hour west of Denver. Right from the start, the road takes us southwest toward Copper Mountain — a favorite winter getaway with slopes visible right from the interstate. At the CO-91 interchange, we swing west and climb steadily up to the Vail Pass Summit. Here, the elevation tops out at over 10,600 feet, so keep an eye out for breathtaking panoramic views and, depending on the season, snowbanks lingering well into spring.

Once over the summit, we descend toward the famous ski town of Vail. A quick detour off the highway here can get us a hot drink or fuel stop near U.S. Highway 24 — a handy break before continuing west through Avon and Edwards. These communities bustle year-round thanks to tourists heading for the slopes or summer hiking trails. Past Edwards, I-70 meanders northwest toward Wolcott, where we intersect CO-131. This junction serves as a gateway to more remote mountain backroads and ranchlands.

Rolling further west, we reach Eagle, a popular launch point for rafting and fishing along the Eagle River. Not long after, we cruise through Gypsum, passing by regional airports and quarry operations that hint at the area’s rugged character. Soon enough, the terrain transforms dramatically as we enter Glenwood Canyon — easily one of the most scenic segments of Interstate 70 anywhere in the United States. Here, the highway hugs the Colorado River through tight cliffs, winding through tunnels and across elevated viaducts engineered to protect the natural canyon floor below. It’s a marvel of road design and an unforgettable ride no matter how many times we’ve done it.

Our drive wraps up as we descend nearly 1,300 feet in elevation and roll into Glenwood Springs. This town is a perfect base for soaking in the world-famous hot springs, exploring local shops, or catching a scenic detour south on Colorado Highway 82 toward Aspen. From ski resorts to canyon drives, this leg of I-70 shows off Colorado’s finest — mile after mile.