 The freeway follows Clear Creek down the eastern side of the Rockies , passing through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels near Idaho Springs . Farther to the east , I @-@ 70 departs the US 6 corridor , which continues to follow Clear Creek through a narrow , curving gorge . The interstate , however , follows the corridor of US 40 out of the canyon . The highway crests a small mountain near Genesee Park to descend into Mount Vernon Canyon to exit the Rocky Mountains . This portion features grade @-@ warning signs with unusual messages , such as " Trucks : Don 't be fooled , " " Truckers , you are not down yet , " and " Are your brakes adjusted and cool ? " Runaway truck ramps are a prominent feature along this portion of I @-@ 70 , with a total of seven used along the descent of either side the Continental Divide to stop trucks with failed brakes . 
