Glenwood Canyon Signage Replacement Project
Following the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, MCWC led the design and installation of new educational signage, in English and Spanish, across Glenwood Canyon. The signs help visitors understand the Glenwood Canyon’s post-fire recovery, ecology, natural and built history, and how to steward and safely enjoy the canyon and the river.
Why It Matters
Glenwood Canyon sees heavy use by locals and visitors alike, but the post-fire landscape brought new risks: Changing water conditions, debris flows and reshaped terrain. Clear, accessible signage makes every visitor an active participant in the canyon's recovery.
Impact Numbers
A canyon reshaped by fire needed a new way to help every visitor understand it.
5 key locations updated with new signage, including trailheads and boat ramps
Jesse Weaver Trailhead
Grizzly Creek Boat Ramp
Shoshone Boat Ramp
Two pedestrian trail points
Multi-year collaboration across local, state and federal partners
Budget
Signage design and installation were completed through a partnership between MCWC, USFS and SE Group's planning and design team.
Timeline
Following the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, MCWC formed a planning committee to tour the canyon and document the existing sign inventory, much of which was damaged by the wildfire. The team worked with the USFS forest landscape architect and summer crews to research and draft content, then partnered with SE Group community recreation planners to design the final sign inventory. Installation was completed in 2025.
Connection to IWMP
This project advances MCWC's Wildfire Resilience and River Recreation focus areas, supporting public education and safe, informed recreation throughout the post-fire recovery of Glenwood Canyon.
Beneficiaries
| Long-term canyon recovery | Native fish and aquatic ecosystems | Canyon visitors and recreationists |
|---|---|---|
| Signage turns every visitor into a participant in the canyon's multi-year recovery, not just an observer. | Educating visitors on the ecological role of native fish helps build public support for protecting them. | Clear signage on river safety, access points and changing conditions helps visitors navigate the canyon safely and responsibly. |
Location
Glenwood Canyon, Garfield County, Colorado, including Jesse Weaver Trailhead, Grizzly Creek Boat Ramp, Shoshone Boat Ramp, and two pedestrian trail points
Status
Completed, installation finished
Funders & Collaborators
U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) teams
SE Group
Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance
