Rainy Day Itinerary: There’s No Singing The Blues in Glenwood Springs
While Colorado has more sunny days than most states, occasionally it does precipitate. When it rains on your Glenwood Springs vacation, don’t let the forecast put a damper on your plans.
Find a hidden ray of sunshine even on the stormiest of days by following our action-packed itinerary to chase away the rainy-day blues.
Enjoy Glenwood Springs Signature Experiences
Did you know that when it rains, you can still enjoy Glenwood’s top visitor destinations? Sometimes a sprinkle can even enhance the ambiance.
Hot springs. Raindrops don’t impede the geothermal bathing experience at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Luxuriating in the mineral-rich waters at either property while it’s raining can be delightful. One of the benefits of going on a rain-drenched day is there will be fewer people. Residents with annual passes consider a rainy day prime time for a leisurely soak.
Local’s Tip: Ladies, if you don’t want your hair to get wet, bring a big-brimmed waterproof hat with you.
Glenwood Caverns. Yes, the operation of those thrill rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is weather-dependent. While dark afternoon thunderstorms might look menacing, the bluster is usually over quickly. When some of your favorite rides are temporarily closed due to mountain weather, don’t bolt for the exit. Instead, wait it out. Storms typically peter out within an hour. There are inside activities to enjoy including the 4-D theatre featuring 5-minute shorts, lazer tag and of course the Lookout Grille for food and beverages.
Local’s Tip: What can you do while the storm rumbles around the mountaintop? Why not go on a cave tour? Glenwood Caverns offers two, both take around 45 minutes. By the time you resurface, the sun might be shining again.
Relax—Rain, Rain, Go Ahead & Stay
Let the rain have its way, it doesn’t have to impact your Glenwood Springs vacation day if you plan for some indoor-oriented activities.
Spa Time. Nothing channels a vacation state of mind more than a few hours spent at a spa. Take self-care to the max when the barometer drops with a visit to Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Treatments run the gamut from classic Swedish massages to Rose Petal Body Wraps for two. Be sure to spend time in the underground caves where vapor from the geothermal spring seeps in through cracks creating a natural steam bath.
Local’s Tip: In between steaming and your treatment, spend time in the spa’s Serenity Room, a soothing spot with a fountain that’s perfect for afternoon napping and reading.
Take a Thunder-Booming Tour of Town
This one might seem counterintuitive, but you’d be surprised how much you can experience authentic Glenwood Springs on a rainy day.
Museum. Learn a little bit about what life was like in Glenwood Springs for the town’s first settlers. The best place to do that is Frontier Historical Museum. Located in an old downtown home, visitors are encouraged to wander through the rooms filled with artifacts, photographs, maps and memorabilia from yesteryear. Upstairs, learn about mining, ranching, indigenous peoples, and homesteading.
Local’s Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Glenwood’s most famous one-time resident: John “Doc” Holliday. There’s a whole satellite collection located in the basement of Bullocks Western Wear store that’s dedicated to the life and times of the gambler-gunslinger.
Shopping & Dining. Even without an umbrella, you can duck in and out of Glenwood’s downtown shops and boutiques lightning-quick. Lined up one after another within a couple-block radius of Seventh Street, it’s easy to get your vacation souvenir shopping done on a rainy afternoon.
Just like shopping, you’ll also find a density of dining options in the downtown core. Tuck into one or the other for a bite to eat. Linger over drinks and appetizers or settle in for an evening of gastronomic delights. Inclement weather might even increase your appetite for something delicious!
Escape Room. When it seems there’s no escape from the drizzle, plan an actual escape! Glenwood Escape Room is a perfect group activity for family and friends. Can you puzzle your way out of a locked room by solving problems and riddles and following clues all under the pressure of a ticking clock? Success is not guaranteed, but the challenge brings groups together as a multitude of skills are necessary to crack the code.
Local’s Tip: On a rainy day, choose covered parking located in the public garage on Cooper Ave. between 9th and 10th Streets.
Fun is Always in the Forecast in Glenwood Springs
So, when the clouds gather and the rain begins to fall, remember that Glenwood Springs has a rainy-day itinerary that can chase away the blues to create some of the best unexpected vacation memories. Learn more and make plans to visit today!
