Clear Creek Canyon on US 6 is one of Colorado's active rockfall areas

The fast way from Golden up into the mountains is US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon. It is a beautiful drive, but it is also one of the more active rockfall areas in the state, and that is worth keeping in mind behind the wheel.

The canyon is cut into very old, hard rock, with steep walls right above the road. The Colorado Geological Survey notes that rocks come loose here every year. The triggers are ordinary Colorado weather: water freezing and thawing in cracks, melting snow, and heavy or long rain. Most fall is small, but larger slides happen. In one well-documented event, a road cut let go and buried part of US 6 with debris.

The state knows this stretch well. After that slide, crews removed the loose rock and reinforced the slope with rock anchors and wire mesh. You may notice mesh or bolts on some of the canyon walls as you drive.

For drivers, the takeaways are simple. Watch for rock and debris in the lane, especially in spring and after storms. Do not stop under the steepest walls. And if a section is ever closed for rock work, give it the time it needs.

For the geology and the mitigation project, see the Colorado Geological Survey and CDOT; check live conditions on COtrip before you drive.