The Hanging Lake exit, parking lot, and trail will be closed temporarily due to the Shoshone Dam crane replacement project by Xcel Energy.
The following information was taken from Xcel Energy's website: https://www.transmission.xcelenergy.com/Projects/Colorado/shoshone-dam
During the months of September and October 2018, Xcel Energy is planning to replace The Shoshone Dam crane which is used to lift debris from the dam before gates open and water is sent downstream. The crane is located near the Hanging Lake parking area off of I-70 and this construction will impact access to some Glenwood Canyon recreation activities during the construction time period. We appreciate your patience during the construction efforts.
What to Expect: Construction Schedule
Work on the crane is scheduled to begin in mid-September and work on the transmission line will begin in late September or early October, with an anticipated completion date by the end of 2018.
Crane Replacement & Removal
- Will take place over the course of two three-day stretches of time.
- The first step in the crane replacement project is to remove the crane that is currently serving the Shoshone Dam. (Scheduled to take place September 17 through September 22).
- The second step is to place a new crane at the Shoshone Dam. (Scheduled to take place between October 15 and October 17).
- Please note: During the two closures, any cars left after 8 p.m. on the Sunday before the start of construction (September 16 and October 14) will be towed to an impound yard in Glenwood Springs (Mat Dog Towing and Repair - 970.987.3397). Message boards will be posted at the entrance to Hanging Lake and in the Hanging Lake Trail parking lot to remind motorists that cars cannot be left overnight and must be removed by 8 p.m.
- Safety is the foundation of everything we do. To ensure a safe environment for the public, the Hanging Lake exit, Hanging Lake parking lot, and the recreation trails (Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail - Shoshone Hydro Plant to Hanging Lake Trail to Bear Ranch and the Hanging Lake Trail) will be closed to car, pedestrians, and bicycles during construction. We apologize for this inconvenience.
For more information on the Hanging Lake Trail closure, please visit the Forest Service's website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=41225