Refreshing, invigorating and relaxing: That’s summer in Glenwood Springs. From soaring down a mountain on a single-track trail to absorbing minerals in the hot spring pools to dining al fresco to dancing under the stars, summer is quickly approaching in Colorado’s favorite hot springs adventure town.
Go all-in this summer, the full immersion experience, to make the most of your Glenwood Springs, Colorado summer vacation. Water-centric activities launch the season into high gear as early as March and April. Try Glenwood Canyon river rafting, Hanging Lake hiking and Roaring Fork River fly fishing. New since last summer, check out even more breweries, a revitalized downtown, award-winning biking trails and an aquatic adventure park!
Experience Thrills in Glenwood Springs
Sopris Splash Zone
The Sopris Splash Zone at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is a splash for water enthusiasts. Depending on weather conditions, it will be open during weekends for spring breaks and throughout the summer and fall months. The “zone” features Shoshone Chutes, a fast-moving adventure river ride that simulates a whitewater rafting experience on an inner tube. There’s also a family splash pad and interactive elements including mini water slides, wading pools and a gentle waterfall.
Pubs and Tap Rooms.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a cold one in Glenwood Springs. Ball Brewing is the latest brewery and taproom to join the scene. Ball’s location south of town is ideal for sampling what’s on tap as well as taking in views of the mountains. Glenwood has two other award-winning breweries, Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company and Casey Brewing Taproom.
Street Parties.
The public event spaces along Seventh Street and under the Grand Avenue Bridge at Bethel Plaza have been completed down to the last cobblestone and landscaping planter box. Get ready to mix and mingle at family-friendly events that will take place here throughout the summer.
Gold-Level Mountain Biking.
It’s official, our mountain biking trails are amazing! The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has named the Roaring Fork Valley a Gold-Level Ride Center, the first in Colorado and only the fifth in the U.S. From Glenwood Springs to Aspen visitors can ride over 300 miles of high-quality trails.
For Exceptional Experiences, Just Add Water
Glenwood Canyon Rafting.
Take a break from the summer heat with a rafting trip like no other. Paddle whitewater rapids through scenic Glenwood Canyon. Interspersed with churning rapids are stretches of calm water and even some natural hot springs; Glenwood Springs rafting is an unforgettable experience.
Hanging Lake.
For a bucket-list Colorado hike, the way you’ve always imagined it, make reservations to hike this beauty today. Permits are required to hike Hanging Lake, but they are easy to procure online. With fewer people on the trail, you can take your time to soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Gold-Medal Fishing.
Float in a boat or get in up to your knees, and with many nearby rivers, streams and lakes, the choice is yours. If you’re not familiar with the area, fly fishing outfitters can take you to their favorite fishing holes where chances of catching a trophy-sized Colorado Rainbow trout are great.
Hot Springs Mixture.
Glenwood Springs has geothermal diversity—each of the three hot springs attractions is distinctly different. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has more than two dozen smaller pools and a family pool for a spa-like soaking experience. Glenwood Hot Springs is one of the most historic and the world’s largest mineral hot springs. Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves offers the unique opportunity to relax and detox in an enveloping steam cave setting.
Rapids on Repeat.
Made for making waves, the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Activity Area in the west part of town has become a liquid landmark, attracting playboaters of all kinds. Surf the manmade waves and show off tricks over and over on this premier river feature.
All-time Fun in the Sun Glenwood Springs Activities
Adventure Park Amusements.
As America’s only mountain-top theme park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unmatched for high energy excitement. It begins with a ride to the park entrance aboard the Glenwood Gondola. The park’s thrill rides are an adrenaline-pumping experience, cave tours explore the wonders of the underground world, while family-oriented attractions, games and events will keep you smiling all day long.
Paved Biking Trails.
Glenwood Springs is a cycling destination, but you don’t have to be a hardcore devotee of either mountain biking or road biking to enjoy and an afternoon of leisurely pedaling. Two paved trails that go for miles allow riders of all ages and abilities to explore by bike. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, while the Rio Grande Trail tracks along the Roaring Fork River all the way from Glenwood Springs to Aspen.
Ah… Those Summer Days and Nights
Concerts and Shows.
Nothing says summer like listening to music and swaying to the rhythm under a starry Glenwood Springs sky. Catch concerts all summer long at Two Rivers Park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, along Seventh Street and at major annual events like Strawberry Days and the Fourth of July celebration. For comedy, nothing beats a Glenwood Vaudeville Revue show for lots of laughs.
History Notes.
Experience Glenwood Springs history in real time. The Hotel Colorado reprises the past on history tours in the summer months. You can also embark on a self-guided tour of downtown, available at both the Glenwood Springs Visitor Center and the Frontier Historical Museum. For Doc Holliday fans, be sure to stop by the Doc Holliday Collection and hike to his memorial marker in Linwood Cemetery.
Local Flavors.
You’ll never go hungry in Glenwood Springs. The dining scene is bursting with flavor and fresh takes. As the weather warms up, so do the options for outdoor dining. Savor delicious meals in one-of-a-kind settings, from rooftops and courtyards to sidewalk cafes and open-air dining rooms.
Pillow Talk.
Dreamy vacations begin with great lodging. The perfect place to stay is a personal choice. Having a multitude of options for accommodations in Glenwood Springs—hotels, motels, glamping, camping, B&Bs—enables you to find your comfort zone.
Summer starts soon in Glenwood Springs, make your plans to soak it all up at VisitGlenwood.com.
