Some say opposites attract—they definitely do in Glenwood Springs. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or lounge lizard, Glenwood Springs delivers the perfect balance of heart-pounding adventure and soul-soothing serenity.
In Glenwood Springs, contrast is the attraction—high energy meets deep relaxation in one unforgettable destination. It’s a place where you can go full throttle or slow way down—all summer long.
Night & Day
By Day
Start your day with sunshine and fresh mountain air. Get your steps in early with an easy stroll or an intense trek. Grab a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops and toodle around Two Rivers Park. Or, for a more cardio-activating experience hike to the summit of Red Mountain following the Cross Trail for panoramic views of Glenwood Springs below.
Another option is hiking to Hanging Lake. After extensive trail maintenance and renovation, Hanging Lake trail is ready to welcome visitors back beginning in July, with hiking permits available for purchase now. Other ways to play by day include pedaling the paved trails of Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path or the Rio Grande Trail. If fat tire riding is your cycling preference, try Scout, South Canyon, and Grandstaff trails.
By Night
As the sun sets on Glenwood Springs, the stars emerge. And, there’s more than one way to experience the celestial show. Don’t miss the chance to soak under the night sky at the town’s two outdoor geothermal attractions. With an abundance of smaller soaking pools, you’re sure to find the one that’s just right for stargazing at Iron Mountain Hot Springs/WorldSprings. The large, historic thermal pools at Glenwood Hot Springs offer plenty of room to float on your back and ponder the heavens.
After dark and grounded in the culinary arts, local chefs shine at open-air dining venues galore, from the rooftop at Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse and the courtyard at Hotel Colorado to the hidden garden at Colorado Ranch House. But nighttime also beckons stars to the stage and the dance floor. Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is the town’s defacto Comedy Central while Native Son and KC Wings are places to kick up your heels.
Up & Down
Up
Take your summer vacation to new heights at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountain-top theme park. Lift off from the valley floor aboard the Glenwood Gondola which whisks visitors up and away to the park entrance. At the top, explore the spectacular caverns, have lunch with a view, and cozy up to gigantic but friendly mountain cave trolls. For a high-flying adventure of a different sort, why not soar like a bird with a tandem paragliding flight over Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork River or tee up for nine or 18 holes at area golf courses?
Down
Ready to cool off? Follow the current downriver. Book a rafting trip on the Colorado River— local outfitters offer excursions ranging from gentle family floats to trips that hit multiple rapids in quick succession. As you navigate downstream, you’ll be surrounded by stunning canyon views, so be sure to look up!
Fishing is yet another way to get in the flow of summer in Glenwood Springs. Lean on experts to direct you to prime fishing holes on the Roaring Fork River and other gold-medal designated waters in the area. After you reel in your first catch, you’ll be hooked on some of the best trout fishing in the state.
Twists & Turns
Twists
Caution: curves ahead! Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a thrill-a-minute with rides that challenge the forces of nature. Hang on as you ride the gravity-defying Defiance Coaster and experience g-forces on the Giant Canyon Swing. If it’s wind in your hair you want to feel, hop aboard the Alpine Coaster for a winding ride down Iron Mountain.
Add some spin to summer recreation by rolling out the skinny tires! Favorite road biking rides include Four Mile Road, the back road from Westbank subdivision to Carbondale, and County Road 114 to Colorado Mountain College’ Spring Valley Campus.
Turns
Turn your attention to Glenwood’s local flavor. Stroll downtown for shopping, art galleries, sweet treats, and more. Bethel Plaza under the Grand Avenue Bridge is a hot spot all summer long, a community gathering space that attracts locals and visitors for mini-concerts, impromptu dancing, and pop-up events. The adjoining Seventh Street hosts a weekly farmers’ market with farm-fresh produce and artisan-made wares.
While downtown, take turns finding and photographing the Find Your Wings art exhibit located throughout the area on the exterior of historic structures. Another fun option is to turn to friends and family for help puzzling your way out of a locked enclosure at Glenwood Escape Room.
Peace & Quiet
Peace
Looking to unwind? Book a treatment at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves—from start to finish, the entire experience is pure bliss. Begin with a body-melting steam in the caves followed by a stress-erasing body treatment or massage.
For a peaceful night’s rest, count on Glenwood Springs lodging to make your vacation dreams come true.
Quiet
The beauty of escaping to the mountains is there’s always a quiet place to tuck into, either in nature or about town. For solitude outdoors, claim a bench at a park in Glenwood Springs and take in the natural surroundings. Alternatively, go off the beaten track with a quiet forest stroll at Sunlight Mountain Resort, riverside camping and glamping at Glenwood Canyon Resort, or at a local coffee shop with a book for an afternoon of indulgent solitude.
Find Your Balance
What makes opposites so interesting and attractive is striking a balance between extremes. So, bring your hiking boots and your flip-flops; your sense of adventure and your need for relaxation! In Glenwood Springs, opposites don’t just attract—they create the perfect summer vacation. Make plans to visit today!
