Even as we all adjust to a new normal that includes face coverings and social distancing, you can continue to enjoy many of the summer activities you’ve always loved to do in Glenwood Springs. In addition to rides, attractions and cave tours at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, there’s rafting, biking, fishing, comedy shows, outdoor dining, hot springs and much more!
In the past few months, we’ve adjusted to a new way of living. We keep our face masks at the ready—in our bags and backpacks, our cars and workplaces. To say it has taken some getting used to is an understatement, but the truth is we’re adapting as individuals, businesses and towns. While safety is paramount, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Summer activities, even in a COVID-19 world, are currently in high gear in Glenwood Springs.
Planning & Patience Key to a Good Time
Almost all tourism-based businesses in town, including Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, require guests to call ahead or make reservations in advance. Whether you want to go for a massage treatment at the spa, spend the afternoon rafting or attend the new comedy show at the Vaudeville, plan ahead and you won’t be disappointed. Check websites or call first for information and make any necessary arrangements before arriving at a popular attraction. Whether it’s a restaurant or recreational outlet, most have also reduced their capacity (increasing demand) and bumped up their cleaning practices (requiring extra time), so remember to be patient and kind as you wait in line for a theme park ride or a dinner table.
Get In On The Action In Glenwood Springs:
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
America’s only mountaintop theme park is open daily throughout the summer months. Make reservations online, then arrive within the window of your reservation. Once you are at the park, there are no time limits. Stay as long as you like. Enjoy all your favorite thrill rides like the Alpine Coaster and the Giant Canyon Swing, as well as cave tours, family attractions and spectacular views.
Hot Springs
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Sign up online for a relaxing 2-1/2 hour soaking experience with riverside and mountain views. Sixteen soaking pools and a freshwater family pool provide ample opportunities for relaxation. Towel rentals are currently suspended, so remember to bring your own or purchase one for just $5.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Capacity at the world’s largest hot springs pool is on a first-come-first-served basis. The pool is open daily from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. with the resort’s new Sopris Splash Zone open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Activities
Rafting. Cool off by riding the rapids in Glenwood Canyon, one of the most scenic waterway sections on the Colorado River. New statewide requirements include health screenings for raft guides, reduced capacity on shuttle busses and trips limited to occupants from one or two households. Because of their potential for getting wet, face coverings are not required while on the water.
Fly Fishing. Spend some time on the area’s fabled Gold Medal waters. This sport lends itself well to the current environment. When casting from shore, simply keep six feet of social distance from others. Since most guided trips are small groups, maintaining a safe distance from others is also easily achievable in a fishing dory.
Biking. The same holds true for riding Glenwood’s many paved and dirt trails. Keep a mask handy in case you encounter those outside your social group; otherwise enjoy the wind in your face as you pedal Glenwood’s many trails including the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, the Rio Grande Trail, Grandstaff Trail, the Wulfsohn Trails and others in and around town.
Entertainment
- Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. This troupe of talented actors, singers and comedians are giving COVID a good poke in the ribs with their new show and their antics will leave you in stitches. Masks are required while watching the show and you can’t use cash, so bring a card to pay for dinner and drinks.
- Glenwood Downtown Market. Every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m., with your face covering on, stroll along Seventh Street and peruse the offerings that include everything from seasonal produce to unique gifts, artisan bread, local honey and freshly cut flowers.
Outdoor Dining
- Dining al fresco is the norm these days and Glenwood Springs is particularly well-suited to outdoor eating. Many restaurants have expanded their seating options to include fresh-air spaces where you can enjoy all your favorite flavors. Additionally, in downtown under the Grand Avenue Bridge, evening dining is often accompanied by music performed by local artists.
There’s still a lot of summer left, have some fun today in Glenwood Springs starting at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Learn more about the mountaintop theme park and Glenwood Springs at www.GlenwoodCaverns.com.
