From sky-high adventures to down-to-earth relaxation, every moment in autumn is a chance to awaken your senses in Glenwood Springs, Colorado!
As the aspen leaves go from green to gold and the air turns as crisp as a freshly picked apple, there’s no better place to experience autumn splendor than in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The town’s surprising sensory delights will leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and enchanted. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a ghost hunter, a foodie, or just looking for a good laugh, come to your senses in Glenwood Springs.
Sense of Adventure
Are you ready to unleash your inner thrill-seeker? Start your autumn sojourn at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, where soaring above the golden-hued landscape is part of the fun! With Halloween frights on the way, fall is the perfect time to bolster your courage and brave the Adventure Park’s thrill rides. The Defiance roller coaster, the Giant Canyon Swing, and the Crystal Tower offer a terrifying trifecta of high-flying sensations while the Park’s cave tours, equally exhilarating, offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world beneath the surface.
Tandem paragliding is another activity sure to arouse your spirit of adventure. With expert pilots navigating the sails, you’ll glide as effortlessly as an eagle on the early fall thermals. Since tandem paragliding tours don’t operate in the winter—it’s too cold—fall is not only a glorious time to soar like a bird, but also the last chance for a paragliding adventure until springtime. If this activity is on your fall bucket list, book it now!
Into something a bit more serene but just as exciting? Connect with a local fishing outfitter and head to the rivers. Glenwood Springs is a two-river town. Both rivers, the Colorado and the Roaring Fork, are teeming with large, healthy populations of trout. The fishing is world-class and so good that some would say rainbow and brown trout practically jump into your boat! You’ll have to cast a line to find out.
Sixth Sense
For those who have a taste for the supernatural, Glenwood Springs is positively spooky! Its haunted history shifts into high definition in October with the Frontier Historical Society’s annual Ghost Walk. For three weekends during the month, guides take visitors by lamplight to Linwood Cemetery where Glenwood’s pioneer residents are interred. There, ghosts, portrayed by actors, tell mesmerizing tales of their past lives. Ghost Walk tours are extremely popular and fill up fast, so register early.
Explore more of the paranormal at Hotel Colorado, rumored to be haunted by a roster of friendly ghosts. Hotel guests have imagined smelling cigar smoke in the lobby, seeing a little girl playing with a ball in the guest room hallway, and hearing the tinkling of piano keys at odd hours. Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good scare, Glenwood Springs is a frightfully fun fall vacation haunt.
Culinary Senses
After a day of adventuring and ghost hunting, your taste buds will be primed for a special treat. Glenwood Springs boasts a vibrant dining scene that caters to every palate. From cozy cafés to upscale eateries, you’ll find a delightful array of culinary experiences. Savor farm-to-table dishes, indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, or enjoy a romantic dinner. No matter where you dine, the flavors of Glenwood Springs will not only stimulate your culinary senses, but they’ll also satisfy them.
Sense of Humor
Up for a laugh? Take a seat at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and let the talented cast tickle your funny bone with their assortment of jokes, skits, gags, and dance numbers. This two-hour comedy, family-friendly show is hilarious from start to finish. Whatever kind of humor gets you giggling, you’ll find a little of everything from slapstick silliness to deadpan-delivered one-liners. To keep it fresh, the Vaudeville crew creates shows with new material every season and weaves in favorite acts from previous shows. The Vaudeville’s dinner-theater setup also allows you to enjoy food and drinks while you laugh the night away.
Sense of Tranquility
Fall in Glenwood Springs is a season of boundless beauty and deep relaxation. Take time for both. The surrounding mountains explode into a riot of colors in September and October, with aspen trees turning brilliant shades of gold and orange. For maximum wattage and plenty of leaf-peeping photo ops, embark on a scenic color drive. The West Elk Loop and the Grand Mesa Scenic Byways are easily accessible from Glenwood Springs and offer some of the most stunning fall foliage views in the state. And, at the end of the day when you’re ready to wind down, there’s no better place to relax and rejuvenate than in the town’s famous geothermal amenities—Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves.
Sense of Nostalgia
Step back in time and experience the rich history of Glenwood Springs. The historic Hotel Colorado, with its grand architecture and storied past, offers a glimpse into the town’s glamorous Victorian days. Alternatively, stroll through the Glenwood Springs Train Depot, a historic landmark that harkens back to the golden age of rail travel, or take a walking tour of the town, available at the Glenwood Springs Visitor Center or from the Frontier Historical Museum and discover charming, historic buildings and sites that tell the story of Glenwood Springs’ colorful past.
Sense of Accomplishment
No trip to Glenwood Springs is complete without a little souvenir shopping. The town is home to a variety of locally owned boutiques and shops, where you can find unique treasures to remember your visit. Browse for one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. Whether you’re picking up a piece of local art, a handmade craft, or a special memento, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel from supporting local businesses and finding the perfect souvenir is unbeatable.
Sense of Urgency
Fall in Glenwood Springs is a sensory delight that offers something for everyone. From thrilling adventures and ghostly encounters to culinary delights and nostalgic journeys, come to your senses this fall in Glenwood Springs! Learn more and make plans to visit today!
