In Glenwood Springs, nothing feels forced—it just flows. From the golden glow of aspen leaves to the warm embrace of natural hot springs, fall adventures unfold one after another in Colorado’s favorite river and mountain town.
Flow into your next adventure in Glenwood Springs…
… Let The Colors Lead You
In autumn, Mother Nature transforms Glenwood’s landscape into a living masterpiece. A true artist, she takes her time, drawing you in gradually—each day a brushstroke, each week an added layer of texture and nuance. Beginning in September, the colors subtly shift from brilliant shades of summer green to warm-toned golden hues.
Looking for the best leaf-peeping routes? Let the scenery be your guide. Favorite color drives include the nearby circuit from Glenwood Springs to Redstone and back, along Highway 133. Alternatively, to view a fall mountain-scape dotted with old barns, wide open meadows, and slopes awash in fall color, take a leisurely drive up Four Mile Road toward Sunlight Mountain Resort.
… Meander Glenwood Trails
Glenwood’s landscape has a rhythm and a flow all its own. Stay in tune with nature on a fall biking or hiking adventure. Trails unfurl all around town, inviting you to pedal or stroll along a variety of paths, some rugged, some paved, but all immersed in autumn beauty.
Riding or walking, you can’t beat the Rio Grande Trail. This river-hugging trail is paved, with a gentle incline that follows the Roaring Fork River from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path is another hard-surface trail that twists through Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River. It’s ideal for biking, but walkers can hop on and off via the four canyon rest areas. Other great options for rides and walks are Doc Holliday Trail, Red Mountain Trails, Scout Trail, South Canyon Trails, and Wulfsohn Trails.
No gear? No problem. Rent a standard or electric-assist bike at one of the local shops, or just lace up your walking shoes and go.
… Glide Into Glenwood’s Hot Springs
After your adventures on the trails, ease into the full-immersion experience that Glenwood Springs is famous for—hot springs. Like the two rivers that converge here, the geothermal waters flow with steady, healing properties and timeless comfort. Let them carry away anxiety, stress, and restore your sense of equilibrium.
Start your soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, a place where tradition and tranquility meet. The hot springs resort is a geothermal paradise complete with contrast-therapy immersion pools, a therapeutic soaking pool, the historic grand pool, and a kid-friendly water-theme park splash zone.
At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, smaller soaking pools create a more intimate soaking experience. The original Legacy Pools are ideal for families, while the newer Premier Access pools are reserved for those 21 and older. Pools vary in temperature and mineral content, so follow your body’s natural rhythm to find the one that’s right for you.
To go deeper still, descend into the ancient Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, where warm, mineral-rich steam flows naturally filling the underground caverns. These subterranean steam rooms invite you to follow in the footsteps of Native Americans, the earliest partakers of the natural steam baths, and fully surrender to the healing effects of the vapors.
… Cast Your Cares Away on Glenwood’s Rivers
Drift. Cast. Catch. Repeat. That’s fly fishing in Glenwood Springs! The rivers run cooler in autumn and there are fewer people on the water—a combo that even makes the fish more relaxed and easier to hook. In fall, the stillness and scenery along the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers beckons anglers to cast away the hours shore fishing or aboard a guided float trip.
If you’re still craving a splash of adrenaline, late-season rafting offers one last chance to feel the pull of the current. The rapids mellow in fall, trading summer’s thrills for a smoother ride through Glenwood Canyon’s dramatic scenery. Why not try rafting at a gentler tempo, and follow the flow downstream?
…Cascade Into Fall at Hanging Lake
One of the most iconic hikes in Colorado will leave you breathless this fall in more ways than one. Don’t let the short distance deceive you. It may only be 1.2 miles from the canyon floor to the emerald waters of Hanging Lake, but it’s a steep 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Be prepared with study shoes and plenty of hydration. Keep your camera or smartphone handy to capture images of wooden bridges, the flowing waters of Dead Horse Creek, and the stunning triple falls that feed the crystal clear lake.
… Evenings that Unwind Themselves
Ah, yes. After a day of effortless adventure, fall evenings in Glenwood Springs are a time to unwind even further, whether that means dining at a local restaurant, taking in a comedy show, or doing a little souvenir shopping at the end of the day.
Bring a sweater and cozy up for patio dining under autumn skies. Glenwood’s downtown dining scene is both delicious and vibrant. Depending on the day, you might catch the local farmers’ market or musicians playing under the bridge, but you’ll always find a memorable, mouthwatering meal at local restaurants.
When it comes to nightlife, roll with the punchlines at Glenwood’s own comedy house. For a good laugh, dinner, and drinks, the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is the place to go after dark. The family-friendly show pokes fun at just about everyone, from quirky local life to silly national shenanigans.
… Flow into Fall in Glenwood Springs
In Glenwood Springs, fall invites you into a state of flow—where time disappears, your days unfold with ease, and each moment leads effortlessly to the next. Learn more and make plans to visit Glenwood Springs this fall!
