Make Glenwood Springs your base of operations and explore off-the-beaten-path places within driving range of the famed hot springs town.
Depending on how much time you have on your Glenwood Springs vacation, make room in your itinerary to discover towns and sights close to the hot springs haven. Some are just minutes away, others within a couple of hours.
With its mineral hot springs amenities—Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves—Glenwood Springs is a Colorado vacation destination that helps visitors unwind.
Visitors can lean even deeper into relaxation by exploring nearby communities. Depending on your interests and time frame, take a short drive or go the distance. The number in parenthesis is the approximate time it takes to drive from Glenwood Springs. Some of these destinations are also reachable via local bus services.
New Castle(15)-Silt (25)-Rifle(30)-Debeque(50)
These four towns west of Glenwood Springs make up the Lower Colorado River Valley, a region known for deep-rooted western heritage and under-the-radar outdoor experiences. With miles of new trails, New Castle is fast-tracking to become a Colorado mountain biking hub. Silt is home to lakes and reservoirs like Harvey Gap, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and fishing; Rifle Mountain Park features some of the best rock climbing in the state; and De Beque is where visitors can see bands of Colorado wild horses in their natural habitat. All four towns also feature public boat ramps for river access, a convenience for private or guided fishing excursions.
Carbondale(10)-Redstone(40)-Paonia(90)
This trio of inspiring hamlets punctuate Colorado’s Creative Corridor, a partnership of five destination towns that highlight arts and cultural experiences. Closest to Glenwood Springs, Carbondale is home to a variety of distinctly locally-made libations including Marble Distilling Co.; Batch, a new speakeasy; Roaring Fork Beer Company’s tasting room; and Carbondale Beer Works. In Redstone, visit historic coal coking ovens, learn about the former “company town” and the Redstone Castle, soak in geothermal mineral pools at Avalanche Ranch or stop at the roadside Hayes Creek Falls. Paonia is Colorado wine country. Drive the backroads and country lanes to tasting rooms at the region’s many wineries and cideries. Big B’s Delicious Orchards is a perfect stop for u-pick produce, hard cider and a light lunch. You can also reach the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park from this area.
Snowmass (26)-Aspen(45)-Independence Pass(75)
Famous for world-caliber skiing and snowboarding, Aspen is also a dream in the summer. In addition to ticketed events, visitors can enjoy free concerts at Aspen Music Festival and Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series; take an immersive history tour, explore iconic Colorado sights like the Maroon Bells (permit required); and ride IMBD Gold Level Ride Center trails from sunup to sundown. For top-of-the-world views drive Independence Pass to the Continental Divide. Along the way, stop at the grottoes to see spectacular rock formations and waterfalls. As you ascend the pass, be prepared for plenty of curves, narrow roads and steep drop-offs. At the summit, stretch your legs on the paved paths that lead to scenic overlooks with picture-perfect mountain views.
With its abundant hot springs, rafting and fishing, make Glenwood Springs your vacation home base, but be sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule to check out all the fun and fascinating things to do nearby. Learn more and make your Glenwood Springs vacation plans today.
Download the official Glenwood Springs Travel Guide
