Fresh air and plenty of room to roam await those who travel Glenwood Springs’ less frequented paths. Unfamiliar to many visitors, these hiking trails are loved by locals and offer terrain that rivals the area’s more popular trails.
Follow Robert Frost’s advice and choose the road less traveled. Many of Glenwood Springs’ trails are well-trod because they are easily accessible and provide an opportunity for a quick jaunt in the outdoors. But the hot springs town also has several lesser-traveled trails primed for exploration.
Encounter Solitude on these Glenwood Springs Hikes
Mitchell Creek
Located in West Glenwood Springs, there are two ways to tackle this trail that is a favorite with local fitness groupies. One is to park along the road and walk up the blacktop to Glenwood Springs Fish Hatchery. The road is a great way to go if you prefer a smooth walking surface. After admiring Colorado rainbow trout in various stages of maturity at the hatchery, turn around and enjoy a less intense walk back down. Alternatively, park at the fish hatchery and follow the road upwards past private homes to Mitchell Creek trailhead. The singletrack out-and-back trail goes for miles and spills out on the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. From the start, the hike is steep and rugged; it includes scrambling over boulders as well as several creek crossings. Be prepared with sturdy shoes, hydration and snacks. Please remember to pack out what you pack in!
Babbish Gulch
A few miles out of town at Sunlight Mountain Resort ski area, the trails at Babbish Gulch typically draw back-country skiers and snowshoers in winter. Once the snow melts, however, the aspen and evergreen forest becomes a magical place to wander. Stroll the network of trails, all of which are clearly marked with their names on skis attached to trees. The trails are interconnected, most forming a loop for an ever-changing variety of views and terrain. Be sure to check out the warming hut, a shelter that doubles as a perfect place for an afternoon picnic. You also can hike straight up the slopes if you prefer. Out in the open, Colorado’s sunshine is intense so pack along a high SPF sunscreen and consider bringing bug spray.
Wulfsohn Trails
Go shopping, then go hiking! Yes, you can fit it all in when you hike the Wulfsohn trails behind Glenwood Meadows Shopping Center. The best place to park is at Glenwood Springs Community Center. The serpentine trails meander across a natural alluvial fan covered with native grasses and trees. For those interested in more options, take the Olson connector trail that links to the ever-popular Red Mountain network of hiking and biking trails. Close to town, Wulfsohn trails are ideal for a quick burst of exercise any time of day. The generous trail width makes it easy to walk and chat with friends and family. Afterwards, depending on the time of day, why not grab lunch or happy hour at a Glenwood Meadows’ restaurant. If you bring a four-legged friend along, please remember to keep your pet leashed and pick up and carry out any droppings.
As Frost reveals in his famous poem, taking the road less traveled made all the difference for him, and it can for you too. Remember to Care for Colorado whenever hiking or biking our trails. Find out more ways to have fun in Colorado’s favorite hot springs town; make plans to visit Glenwood Springs today!
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