As the temperatures climb, so do the opportunities for warm-weather fun. With longer days that stretch into the evening, Glenwood Springs comes alive with seasonal activities, attractions, trails, and events.
The month of May is the unofficial kickoff to summer in Glenwood Springs. Along with a fresh crop of daffodils, tulips, and irises blooming on nearly every corner, May signals the return of one of our favorite seasons. Like those flowers opening petal by petal, Glenwood’s activities, attractions, trails, and events begin to unfurl in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day.
Here’s what you can expect this summer—starting now!
Raft, Relax, Repeat
Despite a dry winter, the Colorado River is flowing steadily through Glenwood Canyon, and all signs are pointing toward an incredible rafting season. Thanks to the Colorado River’s large, resilient basin-wide system and optimal water management practices, river levels are expected to remain ideal for rafting adventures all summer long.
What makes this season especially exciting is the opportunity for a more relaxed, family-friendly float from start to finish. This rafting season is all about enjoying the moments, including in-river swimming breaks, splash wars with other rafters, and jaw-dropping canyon views around every bend. Whether you’re looking for light adventure or a laid-back day on the water, summer rafting this season in Glenwood Springs is one of the state’s top spots to chill on the water.
Trails Thawed & Ready for Action
Come May, Glenwood Springs’ trail systems get their annual spring refresh. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, stretching nearly 18 miles alongside the Colorado River through the canyon, gets a full sweep and scrub after winter. Once the snow recedes, the path is primed for biking, hiking, walking, and even rollerblading. Another trail, maintained year-round, is the Rio Grande Trail. Following the Roaring Fork River from Glenwood to Aspen, its paved surface is ideal for recreation of all kinds.
By mid-May, many of Glenwood’s rugged dirt trails are drying out too, making way for fat-tire bike rides and hiking boots. Favorites like the Red Mountain Trails, Wulfsohn Trails, Boy Scout Trail, and of course, Hanging Lake, welcome adventurers back for another spectacular season.
High Level Thrills & Mountaintop Views
At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, spring means one very important thing: all rides are open!
With overnight temperatures staying comfortably above freezing, the park’s biggest attractions roar back to life well before peak summer season. That includes some of Colorado’s most adrenaline-pumping rides like the Defiance Coaster, Giant Canyon Swing, and Alpine Coaster.
Beyond the thrills, the entire mountaintop park is a-buzz with activity. Kiddie rides, restaurants, indoor games, outdoor activities, and, of course, cave tours through the historic Fairy Caves and to stunning King’s Row are all part of the experience.
Soak Up Summer
You know summer is arriving in Glenwood Springs when the extra splash-worthy amenities reopen at our famous hot springs resorts.
While both Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs welcome guests year-round, warmer weather signals the return of favorite seasonal attractions. At Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, that means the Sopris Splash Zone comes alive again with the Shoshone Chutes, a fast-moving river rafting-style ride. There’s also the Grand Fountain Splash Pad for littles and Hanging Lake Falls, an interactive water play area that youngsters absolutely love.
At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, the resort’s outdoor showers start flowing, offering a refreshing respite from the warm pools. Fresh, seasonally appropriate menus are available at both the Sopris Café and Sandbar Café invite lounging and lingering between dips in the soaking pools.
Music, Markets & Mountain Town Magic
By Memorial Day weekend, the Glenwood Springs events calendar is in full swing.
Tuesday Farmers’ Markets return to Seventh Street, fully stocked with local produce, handmade goods, and small-town charm. Up on the mountain, Music on the Mountain concerts at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park bring high-energy weekends packed with tunes and mountaintop views. On the valley floor, Summer of Music fills Two Rivers Park with live performances on Wednesdays in the half-shell.
Smaller venues also play an artful mix of tunes, from Bethel Plaza beneath the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge to the veranda at Hotel Colorado, the sound of music drifts through town all summer long.
In June, there’s Strawberry Days, Glenwood Springs’ most beloved annual event. This year’s celebration is extra special as the festival honors both Glenwood Springs’ 150th anniversary and Colorado’s 250th year of statehood. The milestone celebration will include festivities all weekend long, capped off with an incredible choreographed drone show lighting up the night sky above Glenwood Springs.
Your Glenwood Springs Summer Starts Here
What are you waiting for? Summer starts now in Glenwood Springs. Learn more and make reservations to play all summer long in Glenwood Springs!
