Freshen up your Colorado travel plans with these exciting new Glenwood Springs experiences arriving in 2022.
Glenwood Springs is on the move with several new experiences launching in 2022. Already a Colorado travel destination hot spot best known for its iconic hot springs attractions, this year visitors can look forward to even more, including expanded scenic rail travel, reimagined events, a gravity-defying new thrill ride and additional opportunities to relax and recreate.
Strawberry Days: Relocated & Reimagined
Strawberry Days is back bigger, better and in a new location. After a two-year hiatus, Glenwood Springs’ premier summer event returns June 17 – 19, and for the first time at Two Rivers Park. An ideal outdoor setting, the 22-acre park features ample space for all the festival’s activities with room to expand and evolve in the future. To celebrate its 125th year, organizers plan to pull out all the stops for an outstanding live music lineup, an increased number of artisan and food booths, enhanced family activities, a community parade and of course the traditional scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries. Make Glenwood Springs lodging reservations early for this fun-filled weekend.
Drop, Twist & Roll
Calling all adrenaline junkies. The highest elevation roller coaster in the U.S. is set to thrill starting this summer. Heralded as “Defiance,” the high point of the coaster sits at an elevation of 7,132 feet above sea level at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountain-top theme park. From the pinnacle, it drops 110 feet at a 102.3-degree angle, projecting riders through a series of high-speed, gravity-defying features that include the twisted top hat, banana roll and zero-g roll. The heart-pounding experience lasts 55 seconds and tops out at 56 miles per hour!
Pool Hopping
Soak in what’s new. Iron Mountain Hot Springs will be offering visitors even more options to relax, restore and rejuvenate both body and mind. The riverside thermal spring is installing 10 new soaking pools designated for adults 21 and older, as well as a large freshwater pool with a stunning waterfall feature. The mineral pools will feature pebble bottoms to stimulate pressure points on the feet and provide a gentle form of reflexology. While kids and families are always welcome at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, having an adults-only area provides a more spa-like experience for those who prefer a splash-free, quiet soak.
More Time To Ride
All aboard! Because of the overwhelming success of the inaugural tours in 2021, Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury sightseeing train is expanding the length of its season with trips and packages available beginning in April and running through October. The route, dubbed Rockies to the Red Rocks, travels between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado with a single overnight stop in Glenwood Springs. Scenic highlights along the way include panoramas of the desert southwest, Glenwood Canyon and the Continental Divide. What differentiates Rocky Mountaineer from competitors is the superior onboard experience: glass-domed coaches for viewing the landscape, locally inspired cuisine, signature cocktails and world-class hospitality throughout the journey.
For Boats & Bipeds
The Colorado River is a major focal point for recreation in Glenwood Springs. At Two Rivers Park, a new boat ramp improves access to the river for rafters, kayakers and anglers. The large ramp is three lanes wide, allowing ample space for safe trailering and maneuvering. New restrooms, a clothes-changing station and more picnicking areas add convenience, especially for rafters who end their whitewater experience at the park. Also new is the Trail Connecter at Two Rivers Park, a gravel nature path that hugs the riverbank and is part of the City of Glenwood’s extensive shoreline restoration project. A short trail, it joins the boat ramp with the pedestrian bridge and provides better river views and accessibility for shore fishing.
Enjoy all your favorite activities and experience what’s new in 2022 in Glenwood Springs! Download an Official Glenwood Springs Visitor Guide and plan to visit today.
