For those making the drive from Denver to Basalt, below is Kristin’s guide to I-70. It is mostly notes on bathroom stops, food, cheap gas and scenic views:
Exit 228 – The Gateway Visitor Center in Georgetown is an easy off/easy on rest stop, that will more likely be a place to stop on the way from Basalt TO Denver, as it is about 2 hours in to the car ride. If I-70 looks to have traffic going East bound, this is a great place to go to the bathroom.
Exit 216 – This is the Loveland Pass exit, and the Loveland ski resort is to the left/above the tunnel. This is the last exit before the Eisenhower tunnel. If you hear traffic reports, this is The Tunnel they are referencing. The exit takes you on a very scenic drive and you can stand on the Continental Divide. Loveland Pass reconnects with I-70 in Silverthorne, so if you have time on the drive, it’s a very scenic detour (20-30 minutes longer depending on how much you want to gawk).
Exit 205 – Silverthorne/Dillion is great option for a break – with many options for bathrooms, food and gas. For a quick rest stop, follow the signs to the Colorado Welcome Center, which will be to the right when you exit (and say hi to Norm). This exit is one of the few places for less expensive gas between Denver and Glenwood Springs, but be sure to drive about a half mile in either direction from the highway to get the best prices. The gas station by City Market/REI is pretty good, with a Starbucks around the corner. For the East Coasters – this exit is the last Dunkin’ Donuts stop on the drive. Silverthorne also has a few outlet stores.
Exit 170 – The Vail Pass Rest stop area is under construction and CLOSED. More importantly – this exit is right before the Vail Pass summit (10,666 ft). From the peak, the highway will go downhill for a while – WATCH YOUR SPEED, as state troopers are always out in this area. There is also road construction occurring in this downhill section.
Exit 180-163 – The Vail through Avon exits include the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts. Jared used to live off of Exit 167 in Avon. This is another great option for a pit stop, although the rest areas are a bit harder to find. If you need a break and want to walk for a bit, take exit 176 to explore Vail Town Center (“Main Vail”). Parking and bathrooms are available at the Vail Transportation Center parking structure. The Bavarian-inspired pedestrian-friendly Vail Village has many high-end shops – if you need a new fur coat, you’re covered.
Exit 147/140 Eagle and Gypsum – Both exits will get you to a Costco Gas Station (cheapest gas around if you have a membership). Heading Westbound, Exit 140 is closer, but requires backtracking. If you get off at Exit 147, you will drive through Eagle (a cute town) on your way to Costco. It is next to the Eagle County Airport, so follow those signs to Cooley Mesa Rd.
After Exit 140 – You will start going through the Glenwood Canyon, which is a cool scenic portion of the drive. NOTE: The speed limit drops here for a reason: it is very winding in there, so drive 60 mph tops. This area experienced a wildfire in 2020, so be sure to look out for the burn scar. The road parallels the Colorado River for most of the drive. There are a few rest stops within the canyon’s 20ish mile drive in case you need to stop OR want to pull over to check out the views.
Exit 116 – THIS IS US! Right after exiting the canyon, you are about a mile from the exit for Glenwood Springs/Aspen. The highway is right near the hot springs, so if it smells funny – it is likely the sulfur from the hot springs. If you need to get fuel for the car – Glenwood is the place to do it, as it has the best prices
Exit 114 – If you happen miss exit 116, get off at Exit 114, which is near Target, to loop back.