Glenwood Canyon Signage Replacement Project Following The Grizzly Creek Fire 

The 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon had major impacts on Glenwood Springs’ water supply, Interstate 70 travel, local homes and businesses, canyon ecology, and downstream users. Following the fire, spring runoff and summer monsoons caused water-quality changes and debris flows that led to additional canyon closures. 

Because Glenwood Canyon is heavily used by both locals and visitors, public education has been essential for building awareness about the post-fire environment as well as promoting safety and watershed protection.

Signage Location 

The new signs were installed at key locations, including:

  • Jesse Weaver Trailhead

  • Grizzly Creek Boat Ramp

  • Shoshone Boat Ramp

  • Two points along the pedestrian trail

The updated signage explains how wildfire, floods, and erosion reshaped the canyon, detailing impacts to aquatic ecosystems, river access, and transportation corridors. They share information on native fish, river safety, changing water conditions, and the collaborative recovery work led by agencies such as USFS, CDOT, and BAER teams. The signs provide guidance on river safety, responsible recreation, access points, and the ecological role of native fish, helping visitors understand canyon conditions and respect the dynamic power of the Colorado River.

Planning

The planning phase of the signage replacement involved forming a planning committee and touring the canyon to document the existing sign inventory. The team worked closely with USFS summer crews to research and draft content for the new signs. Potential sign locations were identified, a final sign list was developed, and MCWC collaborated with SE Group’s planner and design team to create the complete replacement inventory and final sign designs. This thorough planning process ensured that the signs addressed visitor needs, environmental concerns, and post-fire recovery priorities throughout Glenwood Canyon.

Project Impact 

The Glenwood Canyon Sign Project benefited from multi-year collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, who helped determine which signs needed replacement due to the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, post-fire events, and natural weathering. With installation complete, the new signage engages visitors and encourages them to be active participants in the canyon’s restoration. While full recovery of the watershed will take many years, these signs provide a lasting tool for education, safety, and responsible recreation, ensuring that all users can contribute to the long-term health of Glenwood Canyon.

 To see the updated sign plan with the new designs, this link will take you to the Glenwood Canyon Sign Plan.