Glenwood Springs is a dream destination, nestled amidst the magnificent Colorado Rocky Mountains.
There are numerous thermal baths and hot springs as well but what allure tourists to this natural wilderness is the elixir of outdoor activities that one can indulge in here.
Enough of it. Start planning your trip now!!
Best Things to Do in Glenwood Springs, CO
1. Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
These subterranean caves adjacent to Glenwood Hot Springs have long been an area of spiritual rituals and treatments, dating back to the Ute Indians.
Why You Should Go:
Are you searching for a solution to de-stress and escape from hectic life?
The Spa of the Rockies is a must-see stop when in Glenwood Springs. This spa offers the perfect refuge by filling two of its subterranean chambers with vapor, lending an extremely relaxing experience to both your health and soul.
In addition, the spa features different rejuvenating treatments such as body and facial therapies.
What to Do:
Discover these secluded chambers to relax and take in the healing vapors. Lastly, use all the other wellness wonders offered by this oasis.
2. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
This historic resort has lured travelers since 1888 with it’s natural hot springs, beautiful Rocky Mountain setting and proximity to Denver.
Why You Should Go:
Located with the stunning peaks in the background, this resort is home to largest hot spring mineral poolShape.
For one coming into a long flight, the mineral soak is absolutely restorative. It also includes the Sopris Splash Zone, a Glenwood Springs attraction kids won’t want to miss.
What to Do:
You will bathe in this great mineral pool. At the same time, children can enjoy being in an aquatic playground where they can have fun while experiencing interactive play areas as well as waterfalls and slides.
3. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
This relaxing resort, open since 2015, boasts sixteen soaking pools fed by seven achingly delicious mineral springs.
Why You Should Go:
Romantic Things to do in Glenwood Springs Iron Mountain
Picture a secluded getaway with private geothermal hot pools where lovers can enjoy in the healing power of mineral-rich waters tucked away at this serene, idyllic resort. It has the added bonus of beautiful views of the mountains and Colorado River.
What to Do:
Our Jetted Spa, a whirlpool experience that has all the high-tech jets you can dream of to give you one with nature massage on this ride.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Glenwood Springs.
4. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
This adventure park — operated year-round by the same family since its 1999 inception.
Why You Should Go:
One of the best things to do in Glenwood Springs, this adventure park comes packed with an amazing range of exciting rides and activities.
In addition to rides that whip you around 360 degrees, the park includes a climbing wall that’s now 32 feet tall and a couple of ride-with-movie theaters with intense motion seats.
What to Do:
From thrilling rides, and exciting attractions this park is perfect. They also offer themed laser tag, a cool show and you can dress up in colorful costumes for funny souvenir photos.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Glenwood Springs.
5. Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area
Legendary as it may be, this first of it’s-kind Colorado River hideout is paradise for every paddler.
Why You Should Go:
A great playboating, paddle and kayak course flow in the Whitewater Activity Area just east of Glenwood.
While the G-wave is only one of the area’s attractions, it provides 4,000 to 22,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) while offering a thrilling run at water sports.
What to Do:
Showcase your one-piece or paddle kayaking skills for real in this diverse environment. But if you want to stay dry, the terraced seating is a great place to watch all those boats in hand.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Glenwood Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection BY CHOICE HOTELS.
6. Hanging Lake
Designated National Natural Landmark under Ken Salazar designation 2011 this unspoiled Colorado River tributary.
Why You Should Go:
This weekend, snap some amazing photos with the stunning views of Hanging Lake.
A unique landscape and transparent waters of a true offshore haven that undoubtedly will make an impression!
What to Do:
Take the very rough 1.2 mile path to get your way there. As soon as you reach, spend some time to relish the subtle waterfalls and picturesque area of this lake.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Denver
7. White River National Forest
This vast National Forest was created on July 1, 1902 and encompasses a whopping total area of an estimated at acres.
Why You Should Go
If you like to do outdoorsy stuff, definitely check out White River National Forest.
If you love to hike, ski or just peruse around nature in general then this forest has something for everyone especially throughout the different seasons. And that remains the case even today as hundreds of intriguing places in Budapest await your visit.
What to Do
Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, hunting or skiing this forest provides ample destinations for all of these activities. Then, take time to venture into historical and natural sites around the area like Crystal Mill or Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Colorado
8. Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures
This is a great spring, summer and fall family park if I have a three 350′ zip-line ride with first-rate under-slung rides that fly you above the majestic Colorado River.
Why You Should Go
An adrenaline junkies’ dream, this zipline getaway is one of the top Glenwood Springs attractions. Besides with ziplines, the park has a rock climbing wall and an exhilarating high ropes course.
What to Do
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Colorado River as you sail through one of these ziplines. They even have climbing walls and a high ropes course that you can challenge yourself as well.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Antlers
9. Ironbridge Golf Club
An 18-hole championship course designed by master architect Arthur Hills makes this public gem a real treat.
Why Go Ironbridge Golf Club packs more than a good 18-hole layout. Guests can also visit a packed family center. The club also provides 4 miles worth of bike paths and nature trails.
What to Do- Email Tee it up for some golf or practice your swing. In the aftermath, pay a visit to Truck Park and enjoy its recreational facilities such as basketball courts, playgrounds for children and even a wading pool.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
10. Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights you can catch a dinner theater show that harkens back to the days of Vaudeville. The 2-hour performance is packed with good humor and music – just like they used when prohibition was repealed over at Jake’s Joint way back in 1933!
Why You Should Go
Playing host to the Vaudeville show this is no doubt one of the best evening things to do in Glenwood Springs. Designed with the whole family in mind, each performance contains a combination of well-known comedy acts magic, slap-stick humor and sketches.
What to Do
Hear live music, while enjoying lovely desserts and entrees And if you prefer to take your brew hard, the full-service bar will oblige.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Glenwood Springs Aspen Area, an IHG Hotel
11. Sunlight Mountain Resort
This mountain paradise is one of the more popular ski destinations, and it lays in Garfield County.
Why You Should Go
The perfect place for a family ski day at Sunlight Mountain Resort The mild slopes therein make it perfect for just about any level of skier, but especially great for the new and intermediate. Moreover, the welcome is as friendly and family-orientated as you might expect from an establishment that maintains a far less corporate feel.
What to Do
Traverse resort’s 67 trails on a skiing adventure. Not to worry if you are a beginner in skiing, because there are loads of beneficial lessons for this and it will get anyone up the slopes with ease.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Glenwood Springs.
12. Doc Holliday’s Grave
This memorial to an infamous outlaw lies in Linwood Cemetery.
Why You Should Go
Visiting a cemetery might be at the bottom of your list for things to do on vacation, but it is not so when you are visiting Doc Holliday’s Grave. One of several interesting and free things to do in Glenwood Springs, though it’s definitely the most impressive with nice views, informative placards and cool stuff left behind.
What to Do
You can take a hike up to Doc Holliday’s Grave via the Pioneer Cemetery Trail. As you go, take in the sights–and the plaques that talk about Doc Holliday’s stirred up history.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn Glenwood Springs
13. Grizzly Creek Trail
The 7.9-mile out-and-back trail follows a creek that feeds into the Colorado River,
Why You Should Go
Grizzly Creek Trail is a great option for budget conscious visitors. Not a very demanding hike, but offers stunning views of the nature. Furthermore, the trail is well-appointed with many amenities to improve your hiking experiences.
What to Do
Here, you can go on a relaxed tour of the beautiful hiking trail and walk past the river. Make time to stop at the picnic tables along the way and enjoy some of that scenic beauty.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Glenwood Springs
14. Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail
This 14.3 mile trail covers Glenwood Canyon literally end to end — you can choose your adventure!
Why You Should Go
The Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail is long and may seem only for the expert cyclists, but it also offers plenty of picnic areas well suited to families as you’re certain to catch some wildlife sighting out in their natural element. It is a great option for those wanting to do a hike near Glenwood Springs.
What to Do
Regardless of whether you travel by bike or foot the scenery and views to boot are killer all along this traileven after crossing through Bridgewater. The Silurizian Wayrest. Bring a picnic or stop to watch kayakers traverse the creek.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Rodeway Inn Glenwood Springs.
15. Cooper Corner Gallery
Just as you might expect a co-op gallery in the heart of Downtown Glenwood Springs to be.
Why You Should Go
Are you looking for fun indoor activities to keep your kids occupied on aforementioned rainy or chilly day? This is a good place to visit from this gallery. The gallery hosts works priced for every budget, with mediums including pottery and videography. In addition, the owner is quite knowledgeable about many of the artists and can provide additional tidbits in conversation as well.
What to Do
Remember to get yourself a specific souvenir, gift or art when you reach. Save for a special occasion, like going on the 2nd Friday of the month to meet the artists who can give you more backstories behind their works.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites On The River
16. Downtown Glenwood Springs
The replacement sign will hang in downtown Glenwood Springs, where restaurants offer outdoor seating and retail shops line the streets.
Why You Should Go
A new bridge for vehicles in the town’s downtown was finished earlier. In addition to having a pedestrian-only path that has nice views of the Colorado River and Glenwood Canyon.
What to Do
Check out some of the most charming downtown spots while strolling through the region. If you are hungry and want to eat lunch, go over to the famous restaurant Smoke where they serve really good BBQ.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Rodeway Inn Glenwood Springs
17. Rio Grande Trail
Opened in 2008, the Trail is also a record breaking long distance trail, running 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
Why You Should Go
Glenwood Springs: If you visit Glenwood Springs, make sure to take a little time for the Rio Grande Trail. Built on an old rail line, this converted path provides a gentle ride appropriate for all ages. In addition, there is much to enjoy on the way.
What to Do
Get that lodge guys — you don’t need to full manage the entire trail for an experience of a life time. The part from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale is good for biking if your are pressed on time. During your journey, you might locate bald eagles, historical ranches and also groups of elk in the meadow.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Glenwood Springs.
18. Join a Summer Festival
The small-town festivals and parades of Glenwood Springs still retain their generous spirit without the large crowds, while providing a warm atmosphere with locals offering goodies.
Strawberry Days: If you happen to be in Glenwood, during the summer don’t miss the Strawberry days festival. This day of festivities includes a parade (and plenty of candy), all the free ice cream you can eat, pancake breakfast, food vendors, live music lots more.
In the winter we recommend experiencing a magicial Colorado Christmas celebration at The Hotel Colorado. The evening is open to the public, and includes music followed by a lighting ceremony—including St. Nick—and fireworks lit from atop the hotel. It is mesmerizing for all ages!
Check the Glenwood Chamber Website for upcoming events this weekend.
Price: Free
19. Experience a Snowmobile Ride
You can take a snowmobile rental or tour in town, and at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Whether snowmobiling Glenwood Canyon, hunting in the shadow of Mt. Sopris or amongst herds near Hanging Lake, or cruising rolling terrain and power lines on Red Mountain Pass north to Carbondale — your winter playground is ready for you!
Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs is home to Snowmobile Adventure tours — which can be an option for participating families. Tours, which take you through 16 miles of trails and the slopes of Faces Mountain guided by a snowmachine guide. For the more adventurous, longer tours can also be arranged at extra cost.
Snowmobile Adventure Tours:
Location: 10901 Colorado Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Price: Starting at $125 per rider
Discount: Family tours often come at a lower price.
20. Savor Delicious BBQ at Smoke Modern
You really must make room for a great meal in Glenwood Springs because of all the dining options available to you there. Smoke Modern BBQ has a menu of smoking hot plates! The man who started the restaurant, where with smoke-smoke classic BBQ-modern prepared — and both in taste and appearance! Decent prices and large portions
If you need some other dining recommendations for Glenwood Springs, here is our guide to planning a trip there.
Smoke Modern BBQ
Location: 713 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Price: Dishes start at $11, depending on your selection.
Discounts: Look out for daily specials that are more budget-friendly and include sides.
21. Embark on a Horseback Ride
Of course, the beauty of Sunlight Resort and the White River National Forest is great on foot, but as you tread through trees atop some beautiful horseflesh well that’s whole new experience. Many private ranches also provide guided tours through both their holdings of public lands as well. Try sunset dinner rides (or even better), for a special treat.
Glenwood Adventure
- Address: 723 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs CO 81601
- Hours: For exact departures and dates, please call.
- Price: From $65 per person for one hour.
- Discounts: None available
Wide open fields stretch out in front of you while mountain ranges appear as rugged and wild as a cowboy traversing an untamed new frontier. It’s a classic ride through this environment which we all know, and the children love it – especially my daughters who are crazy about horses.
22. Indulge in a Sweet Treat
End your day on a sweet note or better yet, indulge any time because you are on vacation! Spots from our locals and aficionados. Sweet Coloradough — Fabulous variety of donuts and their baked goodies KaleidaScoops— Best ice cream in town, the oldest as well.
Sweet Coloradough
Location: 2430 S. Glen Avenue
KaleidaScoops
Location: 1105 Grand Ave
Closing Thoughts on Activities in Glenwood Springs
Located in the mountains, Glenwood Springs has a little bit of everything for those seeking either adventure or relaxation. From the scenic mountain outlooks that dot it’s winding trails to all of those lovely lakes, there is a lot for visitors in this place.
Glenwood Springs: The daredevil — Glenwood is a destination of seasons, each offering its own set of thrills. You can find ski slopes and hot springs in the winter. While spring is perfect for horseback riding, summer will give you the adventure of whitewater rafting. By the time fall rolls around, it is a wonderful spot to take in all of natures beauty while walking through its peaceful trails. The area has a rich history and an array of things to do that will keep you coming back for more!
