In the Rocky Mountains of Western Colorado – across the Continental Divide – you will find the lively town of Glenwood Springs. It was settled long ago on the site of the confluence of the Grand and Roaring Fork rivers and before that was inhabited by the Ute Tribe for its healing waters.
Today, it is home to a fascinating history, stunning scenery, and a wealth of tourist attractions. But Glenwood Springs isn’t just about history – hiking, skiing, and bathing in the world-renowned hot springs are popular outdoor activities.
In fact, Glenwood Springs is one of the best places to enjoy hot springs in Colorado. Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Also Read: 39 Best Things to do in Colorado
Best Things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs attracts visitors year-round.
The historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, located in the heart of the city, is great for some R&R.
Visitors can ride the Iron Mountain Tramway for birds eye views of the city and surrounding Colorado mountains.
Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning Glenwood Canyon area and its many hiking trails.
Here are the best things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on your next trip.
Take a stroll in Downtown Glenwood Springs
The earliest visitors came to Glenwood Springs on the train in the 1890s.
Downtown Glenwood Springs takes you back in that era when steam engines crisscrossed Colorado Rockies, mines were abundant, and the air was filled with an atmosphere of shootouts and intrigue.
Historic Glenwood Springs has several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Some of the most popular buildings include the Historic Hotel Colorado, Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot, the Hot Springs Pool and Bathhouse, Historic Hotel Denver, and the Garfield County Courthouse.
The downtown is also home to several art galleries, boutiques and book stores, cafes, and restaurants.
You can take a walking tour of downtown using a free guide created by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society.
See the exhibits at the Frontier Historical Museum
The Frontier Museum in Glenwood Springs takes you back in time to the 19th century.
It is located in a Victorian house from the 1900s.
The museum showcases the unique history of western Colorado with displays of artifacts from the past, tools used by miners, and photographs from throughout the ages.
You can also see a replica of Doc Holliday’s dentist office as well as that of his father’s.
Doc Holliday is of course the infamous gambler who resided in Glenwood Springs during his last years.
You will also learn about other famous visitors to this old West Town such as President Theodore Roosevelt and “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Have a fun day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Looking for an exciting day filled with adventure and exploration? Be sure to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
This is one of the most popular attractions in Glenwood Springs for families.
Situated atop Iron Mountain, the park is accessible via a scenic gondola ride which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Roaring Fork River, Roaring Fork Valley, and surrounding mountain scenery.
The park is not just a typical amusement park, it’s also home to beautifully intricate caves.
Take an easy guided tour of the King’s Row, the most decorated geological wonder in Colorado.
You’ll marvel at the unique intricate formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone that are reminiscent of chess pieces, hence the name.
The historic Fairy Cave tour is another great option for families.
If you’re up for a challenge, try the Wild Cave tours. Here you will have to crawl, twist, and tunnel on an incredible spelunking adventure.
Seeking more thrills?
Glenwood Springs Adventure Park also has a range of adrenaline-pumping attractions.
From the Giant Canyon Swing that propels you out over Glenwood Canyon, 1300 feet above the Colorado River, to the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, the highest elevation full-sized roller coaster in America, there’s plenty to get your heart racing.
You can also try panning for gold and gemstones at the park’s mining sluice.
Soak in the pools at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
The healing waters of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort have attracted visitors for over a century.
This iconic attraction offers two hot springs pools, the main pool and an adjacent smaller therapeutic pool that’s perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long day of skiing or hiking.
The resort also provides spa services such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
In addition to the pools, the resort also offers a fitness center, restaurant and bar, and an athletic club with basketball courts and squash courts.
The hot springs resort is located right next to the world-famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool which provides a family-friendly atmosphere with lifeguards on duty.
Also Read: 10+ Most Relaxing and Beautiful Colorado Hot Springs
Visit Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves
Discovered by the Ute Nation many years ago, the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves are one of Glenwood Springs’ oldest attractions.
The spa is said to have healing properties and visitors can experience them through a variety of treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps, and more.
But the main attraction at this spa is the vapor caves, which are believed to have healing powers and can help with issues ranging from allergies to arthritis.
The cave consists of several chambers where visitors can soak in hot mineral-rich vapors that rise up through the floor and walls.
The temperature inside the caves ranges from 100°F – 110°F with an average humidity around 100%.
The spa is open from 9am – 9pm seven days a week.
Try the beers at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
The Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is a local favorite.
This cozy spot has been serving up delicious craft brews since 1997 which makes it the oldest brewery in Colorado’s Western Slope.
The beer selection is great – you can choose from Pale Ales, IPAs, Stouts and more.
Sample several styles in their tasting flights before deciding which one to enjoy as your main beverage.
The pub also has a full menu of tasty food including burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
If you’re looking for a good place to watch the game or just hang out with friends, this is it.
The pub also has live music and entertainment on weekends.
See the graves of pioneers at Linwood Cemetery
Linwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Glenwood Springs’ pioneers.
The cemetery offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the lives of these early settlers who helped shape this part of Colorado.
The grounds are peaceful and well-kept, with a wide variety of trees and shrubs that provide shade in some areas.
You can stroll through the cemetery and see the graves of many miners, cowboys, pioneers, and Native Americans who made this area their home.
The cemetery is also a great spot to take in some unique views of the stunning surrounding landscape.
Hike out to Doc Holliday’s Grave
Doc Holliday, the legendary gunfighter and gambler of the Wild West, was once a resident of Glenwood Springs.
His grave lies in Linwood Cemetery – but interestingly, the exact spot remains unknown!
You can however hike to his Memorial Marker, it is an interesting historical site to visit.
Here you can learn more about Doc Holliday’s story and legacy.
The trail is 0.7 miles roundtrip and quite easy for all ages.
Hike up the canyon to Hanging Lake
Tucked away in Glenwood Canyon, about 7 miles away from Glenwood Springs, you can find the mesmerizing Hanging Lake.
This natural wonder captivates visitors with its shimmering emerald-green waters, fed by Bridal Veil Falls.
The lake got its name because it appears to hang on the edge of the Glenwood Canyon cliff-side.
It’s most famous for its distinctive travertine lakebed and the delicate limestone deposit formations around the shore, a result of dissolved carbonate minerals in the water.
To reach Hanging Lake, visitors embark on the Hanging Lake Trail.
Hanging Lake trail – one of the best trails in Colorado!
This trail is a moderately difficult 2.4-mile round trip with a steep incline and numerous switchbacks.
It has an elevation gain of 1000 feet.
It’s important to note that the path can be quite challenging, particularly for those not accustomed to Colorado’s high altitude.
The trailhead starts near Exit 125 on Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon, with parking available at the Hanging Lake Rest Area.
Despite its challenges, the Hanging Lake Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience as it winds through lush forest, rugged canyon terrains, and ends at the stunning lake itself.
Along the way, hikers can enjoy the bubbling water sounds from the creek, spot local wildlife, and enjoy a series of smaller cascades.
Also Read: 30 Best Hikes in Colorado
Catch dinner and a show at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is a local favorite and an all-ages dinner theater.
The show features music, comedy sketches, magic, juggling, and more.
It’s a great way to spend an evening while in town – the audience will enjoy two hours of entertainment with plenty of laughs along the way.
The show also offers a full dinner menu complete with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
You can choose to enjoy your meal during the show or opt for an early or late seating if you’d prefer to come before or after the performance.
This unique theatrical experience is a must-see when in Glenwood Springs!
Enjoy a ghost tour of the city
The Glenwood Historical Society hosts an annual October Ghost Walk every year.
The tour takes visitors through the historic downtown area and shares stories about the mysterious ghosts that are said to haunt it.
You’ll hear tales of local legends, haunted buildings and homes, as well as some of Glenwood Springs’ spookiest unsolved mysteries.
You will also see locals dressed as ghosts adding more character to the story!
The Ghost Walk is family-friendly and sells out fast – so plan your trip well in advance.
Enjoy a fun family day at Two Rivers Park
Two Rivers Park, a vast 22 acre park, is a great spot for outdoor recreation in Glenwood Springs.
The park is located on the banks of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River.
It offers plenty of amenities such as picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and fishing docks.
The Glenwood Skate Park is also located here and is beloved by skaters!
It hosts several concerts and shows in the open air amphitheater within the park.
There are also several trails in the park that offer easy hikes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Its waterside location makes it an ideal place to relax or enjoy a variety of water activities including rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
The park is open year-round.
Visit the popular Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The facility features 16 mineral pools hot tub with temperatures ranging from 99-112 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to find the perfect temperature for your needs.
In addition to being able to soak in the hot springs, Iron Mountain also has a café/restaurant, massage services, a retail shop, and a terrace where visitors can take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Sopris and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is open year-round and offers a variety of discounts for locals as well as seasonal daily specials.
Road trip the scenic Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking destinations.
The canyon was carved by the Colorado River for over 3 million years before it could be the majestic beauty that you can see today!
Wondering how to access the canyon?
You will be traveling along I70 and the stretch through the canyon is 12.5 miles long!
Driving along the scenic route is an unforgettable experience – you’ll pass through stunning canyons, lush forests, as well as 2 tunnels and almost 40 bridges!
All along, you will be surrounded by 1000+ feet tall canyon walls.
The route gives you a unique perspective of the area and you can admire the sheer ingenuity of human engineering.
Glenwood Canyon is also a great spot for fishing, camping, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
You can access the canyon from 4 rest areas along the I-70 – Bair Ranch Rest Area, Hanging Lake Rest Area, Grizzly Creek, and No Name Rest Area.
Be sure to keep your camera handy – you’re likely to capture some amazing photos along the way!
Admire views from the Grizzly Creek Trail
The Grizzly Creek trail, located in Grizzly Creek Rest Area on I-70, is an excellent hiking trail to explore the Glenwood Canyon.
The 6.8-mile roundtrip trail lies within the White River National Forest and offers breathtaking views of Grizzly Creek below.
It takes about 4 hours to complete.
You can spot wildlife along the way, including birds, deer and elk.
The trail is moderately difficult and good for older kids.
The trails winds through lush forests and open meadows before leading to a spectacular lookout point, where you can admire the stunning views of the creek below.
It’s important to note that Grizzly Creek is one of Colorado’s wildest rivers – so be sure to take extra precautions when hiking along this trail!
Update – the trail is currently closed due to fire damage.
Enjoy winter fun at Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort
Sunlight Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort located just 10 miles from Glenwood Springs.
The resort offers some of the best skiing in the state, with over 330 acres of skiable terrain and 1,000 vertical feet.
You can find something to suit all ages and levels – and with its sunny slopes facing south, Sunlight Mountain has some of Colorado’s driest and sunniest skiing conditions.
The resort also features a terrain park, ski school, bar/restaurant, and even tubing!
They also have ski classes if you are just starting out.
Enjoy White water rafting on the Colorado River
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, white water rafting on the Colorado River is sure to fit the bill!
The river has rapids ranging from class II to III – perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.
Glenwood Springs is a great place to embark on your rafting trip as there are several companies that offer this service.
You can also enjoy a variety of other activities such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and tubing.
Glenwood Springs vacation is the ultimate family getaway.
Take a dip in the mineral hot springs and admire the magical Hanging Lake. Step back in the past at Frontier Museum and eat some pizza in downtown.
Enjoy the impressive setting of this Colorado town while you understand its history and character while you visit Glenwood Springs.
If you’re looking for a memorable vacation destination, then Glenwood Springs, CO is your best bet.
What are your favorite things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado? Let us know below.