Crossing the Rockies
Crossing the front range of the Rocky Mountains on Interstate 70 from Denver to Vail is a truckers challenge. It requires skill and experience considering the steep grades, high traffic and potential for considerable snow and ice. Understand of course that this is an Interstate highway, built to Interstate standards, but none-the-less requires your professional skill and caution. CMCA has prepared a CD called "Crossing the Rockies" to provide some assistance to those making the crossing. You can obtain a copy of the CD for free at CMCA, but using this website, you can also hear the contents "click by click" as you navigate along I-70.
Hear it Now
Just click on the red milepost markers on the map and you will hear the reassuring explanation of C.W. McCall (AKA Bill Fries) coach you through the Rockies. Music is provided by Mannheim Steamroller. You don't have to finish a selection to move on to another. End Audio will stop the play anytime. It may take a minute to download each selection, so you many want to click on the next selection while you are still listening to the previous one. The button below will allow you to test the audio capability of your computer.
West Bound (Denver to Vail)
Introduction - Westbound
Mile Marker 221
Eisenhower Tunnel
1.7 miles long, highest tunnel
Then 6-7% downgrade
mp 212 - Runaway Ramp
mp 208 - Runaway Ramp
Mile Marker 206
Dillion & Silverthorne
Heart of Ski Country
Frisco Overlook
Frisco and Copper Mountain
mp 196 - chain up area
Mile Marker 193
Vail Pass
mp 183 - Runaway Ramp
6-7% downgrade
mp 182, end of grade
Mile Marker 180
End of Vail Pass
Mile Marker 270
Denver
TA Truckstop at mp 266
First view of the Rockies
Genesse - Vernon Canyon
Where the Buffalo roam, mp 254
Golden, Lookout Mountain
Mile Marker 249
Floyd Hill
Clear Creek Canyon
grades and lane changes
Mile Marker 241
Idaho Springs
SR 103 to Mt Evans
Dumont POE
Listen on 5030 AM, 102.7 FM
Mile Marker 236
Dumont Port of Entry
Mile Marker 232
Junction, U.S. 40
US 40 at Empire
Georgetown, 6-7% upgrades
mp 222 - chain up area
Silver Plume, mp 226
East Bound (Vail to Denver)
Introduction - Eastbound
Mile Marker 230
Dumont Port of Entry
Idaho Springs
Mile Marker 242
Floyd Hill
Hidden Valley
mp 244 junction of US 6
2 mile uphill to top of Floyd Hill
Mile Marker 252
Truck Runaway Ramp
Mt. Vernon Canyon
mp 254, drops over 6-7% grade
mp 256.8 - Runaway Ramp
Dead Man's Curve
Mile Marker 189
Vail Pass
Wide spot to check brakes
Long downgrade
Officers Gulch
Mile Marker 210
Eisenhower Tunnel
Parking on right side
Over-height detectors
Haz Mat Load warning
Mile Marker 224
Silver Plume
Steep Grade, 5-6%
Georgetown
Crossing the Rockies CD
This CD was is an update of an earlier version that is designed to improve mountain driving for drivers by "talking" them through the grades, curves and traffic from Denver to Vail and back again.
The CD also includes a bit of Colorado history as well as general safety and courtesy trips on such topics as brakes and noise reduction.
Bill Fries, aka C.W. McCall graciously recorded this for us and also provided music by Mannheim Steamroller.
Web Note
Links on this page play MP3 files that are downloaded to your computer when you click on a red milepost marker on the map. Your Media Player is then automatically launched to play the files.
A high speed Internet connection is required to play these audio files in any practical way.
If it doesn't work for you, your local browser may not be configured to play audio files or may display the media-player screen overtop our pages. These are configuration setting on your Browser.
CD Copies Available
Free CDs of Crossing the Rockies" are available from CMCA. Just contact Patti Olsgard by phone or email.
CMCA Services
Training Opportunities
CMCA Offers a rich variety of training opportunities for both members and non-members. The modern CMCA training center in Denver is the location of most seminars. As demand warrants, CMCA also conducts seminars at other locations around the state. Take a look at this year's seminars on the training page.
2012 CMCA Convention
A highlight of the CMCA year is the annual CMCA convention. It is a chance for members to network and renew their knowledge of CMCA programs and successes.
The 2012 annual meeting will be held September 20-22 at the Ritz-Carton Bachelor Gulch, Avon, Colorado at peak fall foliage.
CMCA staff is working to line up speakers for the event. Online registration will open in June 2012. There is a dedicated page on this website to provide details of the convention.