Glenwood Springs Visitor's Guide
Things to Do
Top 3 Activities
Not only is Glenwood Canyon spectacularly beautiful, the Colorado River through this section of it is a wild ride for whitewater rafters. Paddle through churning rapids, relax on stretches of flat water and, even take a dip in an in-river hot spring!
Glenwood Springs is a biking-friendly town for visitors of all ages and abilities. Paved trails with gentle grades that follow the rivers make for easy riding, while single track trails with steep inclines can be a challenge to even the most seasoned riders.
To stretch your legs, we recommend hitting the trails in and around Glenwood Springs. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can summit a mountain, pay your respects to Doc Holliday, walk in the footsteps of heroic firefighters or go for a riverside stroll!
Attractions
Geology has played a major role in shaping Glenwood Springs—and not only at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park! Mother Nature’s creations include some of the town’s most stunning and unusual sights and attractions.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Attractions
The US Forest Service is rebuilding Hanging Lake Trail Spring through Fall 2024. Hiking is closed Monday to Thursday and limited on weekends during construction. Reservations are required.
Enjoy the beauty of the natural world while soaking in 100% pure geothermal water. Pools are terraced on a hillside along the Colorado River and provide the ultimate setting to relax, restore and rejuvenate body, mind and soul.
Vapor Caves
Steam from the source hot spring fills natural underground caverns with mineral-rich vapor for a unique geothermal steam bath experience.
Lodging
Glenwood Springs welcomes you to make yourself comfortable and stay a while with lodging of all varieties. Choose from historic hotels and locally-owned accommodations to nationally recognized flagship properties.
Top 3 Hotels in Glenwood Springs
Close to the base operations of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, this hotel features a variety of room types to go along with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Walk to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. This lodging gem touts comfortable rooms and suites, and proximity to Glenwood Springs dining and attractions.
Opened in 1893, Hotel Colorado is a historic Glenwood Springs landmark. Stay in suites that once hosted President Teddy Roosevelt and “the Unsinkable” Molly Brown.
Local Events
No matter the season, there’s always something going on in Glenwood Springs. Big, well-planned events like Strawberry Days, Octoberfest and Winter on the Mountain are perennial favorites, but also stay alert for entertaining pop-up events in town and at the mountaintop throughout the year.
Best Area Events to Attend
When your venue is a mountaintop, every event is special. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s unique setting makes it a Glenwood Springs hub for year-round entertainment.
Strawberry Days
Summer’s main event in Glenwood Springs, Strawberry Days dates back to Glenwood’s beginnings. These days it features artisans, an entertainment lineup, food booths, a citizen’s race, a parade and free strawberries and ice cream afterwards!
Celebrating everything we love about autumn: fall colors, pumpkin patches, hay rides and Halloween. Additionally, for three consecutive weekends in September/October, the Adventure Park embraces German heritage traditions with oompah music, Octoberfest beer, Bavarian food and more.
Area Info
Glenwood Springs is a town that’s easy to navigate. The downtown area—close to hotels, restaurants and attractions—is walking friendly. Local buses make stops throughout town and a taxi service is on call 24/7. These transportation options also make it convenient to arrive in Glenwood without a vehicle either via Amtrak, bus or shuttle service.
Getting Around Town
Visit Glenwood also has a comprehensive page about transportation to Glenwood Springs that includes airports in the area, Bustang and Amtrak train information, as well as links to valley-wide RFTA bus schedules.
Glenwood Springs is a great place to visit, no matter the season. Learn more about the city and find out where important city departments are located like the Library, Community Center, and other community entities.
The hardest part of dining out in Glenwood Springs is deciding where to go. There are so many delicious options to choose from, as well as a choice selection of sweet shops, coffee houses and breweries. Good luck with the decision making!
Nearby Towns
Glenwood Springs is within driving distance of Colorado’s most coveted visitor destinations. Aspen and Vail are renowned for their world-class slopes, while the Grand Junction area offers hiking, biking and even wine tasting!
Best Area Events to Attend
Just a short drive from Glenwood Springs is the world-famous resort town of Aspen. Ski and ride four mountains: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Highlands. When the weather warms, drive up Independence Pass for a photo-op at the Continental Divide.
Another classic Colorado ski resort, Vail is modeled after European ski towns, complete with cobblestone streets, overflowing flower baskets and quaint bridges over streams. Vail exudes alpine charm all year round.
A mild climate that makes it possible to go hiking and biking year-round in Grand Junction. For a breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and red rock canyons, take a drive through the Colorado National Monument. To taste the fruit of the vine, visit the vineyards of Palisade on the outskirts of Grand Junction.
Find great deals on Kayak.com.
Summer Attractions & Events
