When it comes to fall sports, whether they take place in the open field or on the football field, it’s game on in Glenwood Springs!
As autumn descends on the Roaring Fork Valley, Glenwood Springs transforms into a sportsman’s paradise. Whether you’re stringing a bow, saddling a horse, or pulling up a chair at your favorite local eatery to watch the big game, here’s how to make the most of the season’s sporting opportunities, indoors and out!
Hunting in the White River National Forest
Hunting is a Western Colorado tradition, and the White River National Forest is one of the top destinations for stalking big game. The nearby Flat Tops and high-country support thriving herds of elk, mule deer, bear, and game animals. Success in the field often comes down to timing and accuracy, but local guides and outfitters can help tilt the odds in a positive direction by tracking and scouting herd movements. While there are no guarantees in hunting, with expert advice and thousands of acres of rugged terrain, hunters can at the very least look forward to an unforgettable season on some of the most stunning wildlands in the state.
Horseback Riding in Glenwood Canyon
Prefer reins to rifles? Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure in Glenwood Canyon. Guided trips booked through Glenwood Adventure Company take riders on a private working ranch through wooded trails, aspen groves, and alpine meadows. With 5,500 acres to explore and magnificent views all around, this isn’t any old nose-to-tail trail ride. Riders can trot or even break into a gallop across open stretches, making it an experience that’s both beginner-friendly and stirring for seasoned equestrians.
Archery & Clay Shooting Sports
Cooler weather makes fall an ideal time to practice your aim. Archery enthusiasts have several options in Glenwood Springs. The South Canyon Archery Range, open dawn to dusk, welcomes both traditional and compound bow shooters (no crossbows, please). For year-round practice, Glenwood Outdoors, located downtown, offers an indoor basement range with multiple lanes and up to 20 yards of shooting distance.
If you’d rather test your reflexes, head to Bair Ranch to try sporting clays. With fast-moving targets flying against a backdrop of high-country vistas, the sport combines skill, focus, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Groups of up to eight can compete in a friendly showdown, while kids under 13 can join in the fun with BB gun plinking. Safety instruction, ammo, and protective gear are all included.
Fishing the Colorado & Roaring Fork Rivers
With less pressure on aquatic species, anglers know that autumn is one of the best times to fish the waters around Glenwood Springs. The cooler temperatures bring trout closer to the surface for feeding, making for a rewarding day of catch and release on the region’s rivers. Whether you cast from shore or float downstream, local guides are available to share insider knowledge on the best fishing holes and what the fish are biting on any given day.
Watching the Game in Town
Of course, not every fall sport requires guns, bows, or rods; sometimes the best seat is at a table with friends, good food, and the game on the big screen. Glenwood Springs has plenty of lively restaurants and bars to cheer for your favorite college or professional football and soccer, teams, baseball world series and WNBA playoffs.
Kick off your day with breakfast and early games at the 19th Street Diner, a local favorite with a classic vibe. KC’s Wing House is all about hot wings and cold beer, while Chili’s offers familiar comfort food and multiple screen sports coverage. For a more elevated experience, grab a table at The Pullman, or settle into Native Son for an evening kickoff. On game day, fans also flock to The Grind for gourmet burgers, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub for craft beer, Smoke Modern BBQ for slow-cooked meats, and The Springs or Doc Holliday Saloon for a laid-back local hangout.
Fall is Go Time in Glenwood Springs
From the quiet contemplation of fly-fishing to the roar of the crowd during a nail-biting fourth-quarter drive, Glenwood Springs welcomes all fall sports fans. Whether your idea of competition and relaxation takes place in the wilderness, at the range, or in front of the flat screen, Glenwood Springs is the place to play this season. Game on!
