An outdoor picnic is a wonderful way to relax and welcome the arrival of sunny, summer days. Grab a meal to-go at Glenwood Springs restaurants and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere at these locales.
Bring a blanket, find a comfy rock, make use of available tables and pack along something delicious for an alfresco meal in Glenwood Springs.
Packable Meals & Drinks in Glenwood Springs
Nearly all Glenwood Springs restaurants offer meals to-go. When planning an outing, consider how far you’ll be packing food. If it’s close to nearby parks or picnic tables, enjoy anything best served warm from pizza to pierogis and barbeque to bison burgers. If going farther afield, choose items that are easy to transport and consume such as gourmet sandwiches, meat and cheese trays, and salads of the pasta, couscous, or green varieties. Don’t forget drinks! Look for sodas, iced teas and lemonades at restaurants. Those over 21 can purchase beer, wine, and pre-packaged mixed drinks from local liquor stores. Just be sure you chose a spot where consuming alcoholic drinks is allowed.
Best Places to Picnic in Glenwood Springs
Riverside Spots
The Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers provide a relaxing focal point for casual outdoor dining.
Atkinson Canal Trail. This short, paved trail follows the Roaring Fork River south of Sunlight Bridge. Bike or walk to riverside picnic tables and beachy spots along the shoreline.
Two Rivers Park. Grassy areas, ample shade, and picnic tables throughout make this an ideal setting for a to-go breakfast, lunch or dinner. With a ballpark, children’s play area, amphitheater and boat launch, it’s also good for people watching.
Glenwood Springs Whitewater Activity Area. For some live action while you eat, set up on the viewing platforms overlooking the whitewater park on the Colorado River. Kayakers and stand up paddle boarders will show you their moves!
Veltus Park. The riverbank restoration not only enhanced river access, but the large rocks placed to prevent erosion now double as a picnic perch. Wooded spots, covered tables, and grass serve as alternative dining surfaces.
Mountain Views
Hikes, bike rides and drives are worth the extra effort to reach pretty picnic locations with spectacular views.
Red Mountain. On foot or by bike, follow the Grandstaff, Cross or Jeanne Golay trails to the summit of this in-town mountain. At the top, enjoy the views along with a well-earned snack.
Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus. Don’t want to break a sweat? Don’t worry. Take County Road 114 and a packable meal to the community college campus for a nosh with skyline vistas of Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range.
Glenwood Canyon
Accessible by car along 1-70 or via Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, Glenwood Canyon offers a variety of outdoor options for picnickers.
Grizzly Creek Rest Area. Select a table by the Colorado River or venture along the foot trail that follows Grizzly Creek, both offer picturesque settings for a leisurely meal.
Hanging Lake Trailhead. You’ll need to purchase a permit to access this popular trailhead. Make the most of it with a picnic either before or after your hike to the waterfall-fed lake.
Horseshoe Bend. This city park is best accessed on foot or by bike. It comes up along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path shortly after crossing the pedestrian/bike bridge over I-70. Covered tables, shade and river views add to the ambiance.
Urban Parks
From pocket parks to playgrounds, you don’t have to venture far to find an open-air place to eat in Glenwood Springs.
Bethel Plaza & Seventh Street. A downtown hot spot surrounded by restaurants, enjoy drinks and dining in this vibrant space with plenty of outdoor seating and tables.
Glenwood Downtown Market & Music Series. If you are in town on a late Tuesday afternoon, taste some savory and sweet bites made by locals at the weekly farmer’s market on 7th Street, between Colorado and Cooper Avenues.
Sayre Park. The park regularly hosts youth sports on its ball field, but also features a gazebo and picnic tables away from the action for relaxed food-centric gatherings.
Every day can be a picnic when you’re in Glenwood Springs. Learn more and make plans to visit today!
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