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Get Ready to Have a Blast: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit in Glenwood Springs, Colorado!

Hanging Lake costs nothing at all to hike, though the permit has to be reserved well ahead of time. Two Rivers Park costs nothing either, and the summer concerts running through it are free as well. The hot springs are where all of the money actually goes, and they are worth the whole of it. Doc Holliday’s grave costs nothing at all either. Walk up there.

Planning a trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a good decision if you are worn out. This charming mountain town runs some of the strongest activities in the state, and most of them are about putting you back together. Outdoors person, history person or somebody who simply wants to eat well, Glenwood Springs has a version of it.

Outdoors people get miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the mountains around town. Take a soak in the famous hot springs, or raft down the Colorado River. And the local adventure parks handle the adrenaline, with zip lines, rock climbing and a giant canyon swing out over the drop.

When the slowing down starts, head to one of the town’s spas for a massage or a soak in a hot tub. And history people should work the museums and historical sites that carry Glenwood Springs’ long past. So pack the bag and take a proper break in one of Colorado’s most charming towns.

Key Takeaways

• Glenwood Springs offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike.
• The town is known for its hot springs, adventure parks, and scenic hiking and biking trails.
• Don’t miss the chance to explore the town’s rich history and indulge in some relaxation at one of its many spas.

A Brief History of Glenwood Springs

So you are in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and wondering how the place came about. It is a good story.

Go back to the Ute Indians, who lived here first. They used the hot springs for healing and for rest. Later, in the 1800s, James Landis homesteaded the ground where Glenwood Springs was eventually built.

But the early 1880s is when it turned. Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux found the hot springs on a hunting trip. They saw a resort town in it and started building. Soon people were arriving in Glenwood Springs to soak in the water and take the mountain air.

Historic Hotel Denver went up in 1915 and it is the building people photograph in Glenwood Springs. It has been part of the town ever since and has taken its share of famous guests. Legend has it President Teddy Roosevelt stayed there.

Hot springs and historic hotels are only part of Glenwood Springs. There is adventure here too, hiking through rafting through ziplining. But whatever you are doing, it is worth stopping to notice how old this place is.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Glenwood Springs is where nature people end up. Adventure or simply sitting outside doing nothing, both are on. This Colorado town covers the whole range.

Hiking Trails

Glenwood Canyon holds some of the finest hiking trails in the country. The Grizzly Creek Trail takes hikers of every skill level, with the Colorado River and the mountains open across the view. For the harder walk, take the Hanging Lake Trail, which finishes at a clear lake and waterfalls.

River Adventures

The Colorado River is where the outdoor people go, for whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. Bair Ranch is where to start, with guided tours and equipment rentals on site. For something slower, fish it or simply sit beside it.

Mountain Biking

The Colorado Rocky Mountains are where mountain bikers come, with miles of trails through them. Red Mountain takes riders of every level, running trails from easy through to hard. And for something else entirely, paragliding puts the whole landscape underneath you.

Whichever outdoor thing you pick, Glenwood Springs delivers it. Take the boots, the bike or the paddle and get out.

Hot Springs and Spas

For proper rest, Glenwood Springs has the hot springs and spas for it. Here are the ones to work through:

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

You cannot discuss hot springs in Glenwood Springs without the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. This is the world’s largest hot mineral pool and it holds at a comfortable 93 degrees. For something hotter, the small therapy pool reaches 104 degrees. The whole family can sit in it for hours, which is the point.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is Colorado’s newest, running 16 soaking pools and a family pool at temperatures from 99 to 108 degrees. The pools sit right alongside the Colorado River with the mountains across the view. And the freshwater family pool takes the kids.

Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves

For something different, take the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. The vapor caves are natural underground geothermal steam baths and they are said to heal. The Yampah Spa runs the rest, massages and facials and body wraps among them. This is where a full spa day happens.

Whichever hot spring or spa you pick, you come out looser than you went in. Take the hot tub, sweat it out in the sauna, or sit in a mineral spring. The body and the head both benefit.

Thrilling Attractions

For the adrenaline, Glenwood Springs has plenty. Roller coasters through to high ropes courses, the thrill end is well covered.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the busiest attraction in Glenwood Springs. The park runs rides and attractions, the Alpine Coaster, the Haunted Mine Drop and the Giant Canyon Swing among them. But the cave tours are the real thing here. You walk the underground caves and formations while the history of the area gets explained.

Sunlight Mountain Resort

For skiing and snowboarding, Sunlight Mountain Resort is the answer. Over 700 skiable acres and 67 runs mean the terrain does not run out. And for the harder version, take the expert-only terrain park or the steep black diamond runs.

High Ropes Course

For a different kind of thrill, head to the High Ropes Course at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. This course puts you high off the ground across ropes, bridges and obstacles. It tests the balance and the nerve with the scenery of Glenwood Springs around you.

A heart-pumping roller coaster or a hard ropes course, Glenwood Springs runs both. These are among the strongest thrill attractions in Colorado.

Local Cuisine and Breweries

Glenwood Springs feeds and waters you properly. Craft beer or a proper meal, the town covers it. Here are the places to take:

Glenwood Canyon Brewpub

Craft beer people should take Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. The taps run broad, IPAs through stouts and everything between. And the location is hard to beat, right in the heart of Glenwood Springs.

The beer is only half of it, because the food holds up too. The menu runs full pub fare, burgers and sandwiches and salads. And for something less usual, the elk burger is what the locals order.

Best Restaurants

For a proper meal, Glenwood Springs has options. Here are the restaurants to take in town:

• Riviera Scratch Kitchen: This restaurant is all about scratch-made food and craft cocktails. They have a seasonal menu that changes frequently, so you’ll always find something new and exciting to try. Plus, their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal on a sunny day.

• The Pullman: This restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and creative cocktails. They source ingredients from local farms and ranches, so you know you’re getting the freshest food possible. And their cocktail menu is always changing, so you’ll never get bored.

• Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse: If you’re in the mood for a great steak, then Juicy Lucy’s is the place to go. They have a wide variety of cuts to choose from, and they’re all cooked to perfection. Plus, their sides are delicious too – don’t miss the truffle fries.

• Smoke Modern BBQ: This restaurant is all about barbecue with a modern twist. They use traditional smoking techniques, but they also add their own unique flavors to the mix. And if you’re not in the mood for barbecue, they also have other options like salads and sandwiches.

Wherever you land in Glenwood Springs, the food and drink hold up. So go ahead and enjoy it, since you are meant to be resting.

Steam comes up off the water long before you even see the pool itself out there. The canyon walls close in on both of the sides and the river runs through the middle. Inside the vapor caves the air runs thick and warm and it smells of the minerals. The mountains hold the whole of the town in place all around it. And everything slows down.

Historical Sites and Museums

History people do well in Glenwood Springs. The city runs historical sites and museums that put the years back on you. Here are the two to take:

Doc Holliday’s Grave

You have probably heard of Doc Holliday, the gunslinger and gambler. He died in Glenwood Springs in 1887 and was buried at Linwood Cemetery. Head up to the cemetery and find the grave. It is easy to spot, with the large headstone carrying his name.

While you are up there, walk the rest of the cemetery for the views out over the mountains. Other notable graves sit here too, Kid Curry and James Diamond Jim Brady among them.

Hotel Colorado

Hotel Colorado is the other one and it is unmissable. This elegant hotel was built in 1893 and has taken famous guests since, President Theodore Roosevelt and the Unsinkable Molly Brown among them.

Take the tour of the hotel and look at what it was built to be. The architecture holds up, from the stained glass windows to the hand-carved wooden staircase. And the Teddy Roosevelt Suite, where the president stayed, is on the route.

If the appetite arrives, the hotel restaurant handles it. The menu runs classic American cooking with some modernity behind it, and the room is cozy and easy.

Glenwood Springs carries more history than a town this size normally does. Gunslingers or elegant hotels, both are here. Pack the bag and step back a century.

Planning Your Vacation

So a trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado it is. Good call. A romantic break or a family vacation, this mountain town runs a version of it.

First, how are you getting here? For the scenic answer, Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs daily from Chicago to San Francisco and stops in Glenwood Springs. You get the Rockies out the window without driving or navigating anything. And you can bring your own snacks and drinks aboard.

Once you are in Glenwood Springs, the itinerary starts. There is plenty on, so the time is worth planning. Here are some tips for putting the vacation together:

• Check the weather before you go: Glenwood Springs can experience extreme temperatures, so make sure you pack accordingly. Layers are your friend – you’ll want to be able to add or remove clothing as needed.
• Book your accommodations in advance: This is especially important if you’re visiting during peak season (June through August). Glenwood Springs is a popular tourist destination, and hotels and vacation rentals can fill up quickly.
• Make a list of must-see attractions: Whether you’re interested in hiking, hot springs, or history, there’s something for everyone in Glenwood Springs. Do some research ahead of time to figure out which attractions you don’t want to miss.
• Don’t overbook yourself: While it’s tempting to try and cram as much as possible into your vacation, remember to leave some downtime for relaxation and spontaneity. Sometimes the best memories are made when you’re not following a strict schedule.

With those in mind, the Glenwood Springs trip more or less plans itself. Safe travels.

Unique Experiences

After experiences you will not get elsewhere in Glenwood Springs? Here are the ones that make the trip stick:

Cave Tours

Explore the depths of Glenwood Caverns on a cave tour. This national natural landmark holds formations and clear water underground. You get the history of the caves and the geology that made them. And it beats the heat on a hot day. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, because it runs cold down there.

Paragliding

For a genuine thrill, take paragliding. You go up over the mountains and Glenwood Springs opens out underneath you. It is the version of the area nobody sees from the ground. Beginners are fine, because experienced guides run the whole thing.

Golfing at Bair Ranch

For something slower, head to Bair Ranch for a round of golf. This family-owned 18-hole course works for every skill level, with the mountains open around it. Afterwards the jetted spa and the family pool are right there. It closes a busy day properly.

Whichever you pick, these are the ones that stay with you from Glenwood Springs. Collect the people you came with and go.

Shopping and Souvenirs

You should not leave Glenwood Springs without a souvenir. A gift or simply a reminder of the trip, the shops and boutiques here have it.

For something to mark the Sopris Splash Zone, head to the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Gift Shop. Swimwear, towels and the rest of the pool essentials are all here. And the souvenirs run t-shirts, hats and keychains.

For something less usual, take Sioux Villa Curio. This quirky shop is stacked with odd things, vintage postcards through to handmade jewelry. You never know what is in there.

And no trip to Glenwood Springs is complete without the famous mineral pool. For a memento of the soaking, stop at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves Gift Shop. Natural skincare products fill it, along with souvenirs like candles and bath salts.

For serious shopping, head to the Glenwood Springs Mall. The stores run national chains, Bath & Body Works and Claire’s among them. And there is a food court when the retail therapy runs out.

Wherever you shop, take the time over it. Half of souvenir shopping is the hunt for the right thing anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Glenwood Springs Hot Springs?

You mean the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool. That is a genuinely big deal. It has run since 1888 and it is the reason people come to Glenwood Springs. Soak in the warm therapeutic water with the mountains across the view. Bring the swimsuit, unless you would rather not.

Can you recommend any free activities in Glenwood Springs?

Sure. Two Rivers Park takes the walk, and Hanging Lake takes the hike, with the permit reserved in advance. The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts is the indoor answer. And through the summer there are free concerts and movies in the park. None of that costs much at all.

What are some must-visit outdoor attractions in Glenwood Springs?

Besides Hanging Lake, which we covered, take the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs and the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. And for the adventurous version, raft the Colorado River or take a paragliding lesson.

Are there any family-friendly things to do in Glenwood Springs?

Plenty. Take the kids to the Glenwood Springs Aquatic Center for the pools and the waterslides. Or take the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue for a comedy show the whole family can sit through. And the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park runs the roller coasters and the cave tours.

Where should I stay in Glenwood Springs?

There are plenty of options for lodging in Glenwood Springs. To be near the hot springs and downtown, take the Hotel Colorado or the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. For something quieter, take the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves or the Glenwood Canyon Resort.

Is it true that Glenwood Springs is not walkable?

It is not a big city, but the downtown and the nearby attractions all walk fine. For the wider area you will want a car. Walking does you good anyway, so take a stroll and get the mountain air into you.

Frequently asked questions about Glenwood Springs, Colorado

How hot exactly does the water actually run at the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, then, really now, in the end?

The big pool sits at 93 degrees the whole way through the year out there. The small therapy pool runs a great deal hotter than that, reaching a full 104 degrees. It is the largest hot mineral pool anywhere in the whole of the world. Swimsuit.

How many of the soaking pools does Iron Mountain Hot Springs actually run out there, then, really now, in the end?

A full 16 of them out there, along with a separate family pool as well as that. Temperatures across the whole set run from 99 right the way up to 108 degrees. The pools sit alongside the Colorado River with the mountains out right across the view. Freshwater.

Which one of the trails around Glenwood Canyon takes you up to Hanging Lake, then, really now, in the end?

Hanging Lake Trail out there, and the whole of that one is the harder of the two. Grizzly Creek Trail is the easier one of them, running along the Colorado River instead. A permit has to be reserved well ahead of turning up at Hanging Lake itself. Waterfalls.

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