Glenwood Canyon
Millions of years ago, the Colorado river carved Glenwood Canyon. A narrow winding way with walls 1000 feet high, the canyon's first human traffic made way on foot. When westward pioneers arrived in wagons, they dug out a wider trail passable only in summer. Then the railroad blasted through, then a dirt road, then a paved two lane highway. But when an interstate was proposed, there was pushback. John Denver joined the resistance and threw a rock across the canyon to prove its narrowness. Studies to minimize impact went back and forth for years. To snake an interstate through this slot required innovations. And when I-70 finally opened in 1992 this 12-mile section marked the end of a nationwide project begun in the Eisenhower era. Watch for rock slides now and then. But also Marvel at the majesty of Glenwood Canyon.
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Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. See more postcards.
