Colorado rest area to close until October 2023

Colorado transportation officials are warning drivers to prepare for the long-term closure of a popular rest area.

Starting on May 2, 2022, the Vail Pass Rest Area located in northwestern Colorado will close to allow crews to demolish and then rebuild the facility. Crews will also be making improvements to access roads and parking facilities, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

The rest area, including restroom facilities, will remain closed through October 2023.

According to CDOT, the rest area upgrade is needed to:

• Update the restroom facilities to meet current and future capacity needs
• Replace the existing drinking water system with a new reliable system to meet the current and future volume of use
• Increase parking capacity for users
• Address the current ingress and egress traffic pattern to improve user safety, circulation, and accessibility to the rest area, other connecting roads, and trails for all users
• Improve winter maintenance operations by adding snow and equipment storage

CDOT encourages drivers to use other rest areas nearby, including the Gateway Visitor Center in Georgetown and the Edwards Rest Area in Edwards. Motorists should anticipate rest area closures in Glenwood Canyon if there is rain in the forecast.