GLENWOOD SPRINGS IS COLORADO’S LAND OF WATER
With three geothermal springs, two rivers and a gem of a lake, Glenwood Springs is a Colorado mountain town where water keeps every adventure fresh!
Water—pure, mineral-rich and refreshing—pervades just about every activity in Glenwood Springs, the hot springs hamlet situated in the Colorado mountains between the resort towns of Vail and Aspen. From soaking in it to paddling through it, there’s no better way to make a splash on your vacation than by adding Glenwood Springs to your travel itinerary.
Hot springs
Glenwood Springs is home to a trio of magnificent geothermal amenities, each offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. First up, the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been welcoming visitors to swim, soak, play and relax in the world’s largest hot springs pool since it opened in 1888. Its castle-like bathhouse is a beauty and an architectural treasure. Next is Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado’s newest geothermal amenity that happens to be located along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Sixteen individual soaking pools, each a different temperature, invite guests to find the one that suits them best. Finally, Yampah Vapor Cavesis an extremely rare phenomenon. The naturally-occurring, subterranean, vapor-filled caves were originally used by Native Americantribes and they continue to be a popular source of wellness.
Outdoor adventure
Visitors will find water-themed adventures everywhere no matter what time of year they visit. In winter, Sunlight Mountain Resort, the town’s ski area is blanketed in snowy powder. During the warm weather months, rafting through the scenic Glenwood Canyon tops the list of things to do. Other water-based activities include hiking to Hanging Lake, designated a National Natural Landmark because of its unusual geological wonders that include crystalline waters and a breath-taking waterfall. Even some of Glenwood’s land-based activities have a connection to water. In addition to award-winning thrill rides, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountaintop theme park, features guided tours of spectacular caverns formed eons ago by receding waters. Geographically, Glenwood Springs is defined by two rivers, the Roaring Fork and the Colorado, both of which have paved trails alongside them for easy cycling and walking adventures.
Western history
As an Old West frontier town, the history of Glenwood Springs is populated with renegade characters. The most famous is the former resident known round the world for his part in the notorious shoot-out at the OK Corral. John Henry “Doc” Holliday lived for a while in Glenwood Springs dealing cards at the local casinos and hoping for a cure for his tuberculosis. Holliday’s luck, however, ran out. He died in Glenwood Springs on Nov. 8, 1887. From town, visitors can hike to his memorial marker and stop by the Doc Holliday Museum which features an ornate pistol thought to be a gift from his girlfriend Big Nose Kate.
More diversions & downtime
In addition to all of the above, there are still more things to do including fishing, paragliding, spas, arts and entertainment, golf and guided days trips of all kinds. Glenwood Springs has over 1,700 rooms—hotels, motels, historic properties, cabins, B&Bs, condos and more—making it easy to find a room whether for a group, a family or a lone traveler.
About Glenwood Springs
For more information and to plan a visit please see www.visitglenwood.com. Glenwood Springs is located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado, 160 miles (257 kilometers) west of Denver or 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 off exit 116. An online Media Room is available at www.visitglenwood.com/media. B-roll video footage is available upon request.
Leave a Reply