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Glenwood Springs is known for its natural hot springs, outdoor recreation, and rich western history. Because we think this is the perfect family-friendly destination, we have compiled a list of 17 things to do in Glenwood Springs on your next vacation.
If you haven’t started planning your vacation to Glenwood Springs we have created a Guide to Glenwood Springs here. Bookmark it for you when start planning your visit.
The map of things to do in
This is not based on one quick trip to Glenwood, but on local experience. Charles and I have vacationed here since we were kids. Now our family lives near Glenwood Springs. So you are getting insider information from the best of our personal stay-cation list.
This area has been enjoyed for centuries. Native Americans frequently used the thermal properties of the water. They developed the first soaking springs and captured the vapors from the hot water in the nearby caves creating the first natural saunas (source).
While the city is a top relaxation destination, Glenwood hasn’t always been this peaceful. In the past, the area was home to outlaws and gunslingers who named the city “Defiance”. Infamous Western legend Doc Holliday lived and died here (activity #3). He was one of many residents to move here hoping to cure physical ailments.
Today, Glenwood has expanded into a vibrant city full of tranquility, adventure, and culture. The city is easily accessible by car, train, bus or bicycle. And
Families will find plenty to do here, from sporty activities to nature walks, to a dip in cool streams or calming hot springs waters.
Additional Resources: This is part of a series on Glenwood Springs and the Colorado River Valley. For more
- Plan Your Visit to Glenwood Springs
- Hiking Spectacular Hanging Lake Trail
- Which Hot Springs Should I Go to?
- Guide to Visiting Nearby Rifle
Top 17 things to do in Glenwood Springs
Glamping in White River National Forest
The best way to enjoy the mountain atmosphere is to go glamping or RV camping in the White River National Forest. If you would rather even more comfort you can choose one of the beautiful RV resorts near Glenwood Springs. What if you want to sleep in a bed but don’t have your own RV? You can rent an RV from a local (like us!) on Outdoorsy or RVShare.
Visitors love renting out our 35-ft travel trailer with a bunkhouse! It’s perfect for a family so we have been sharing it with our Family Travel Fever community for a discount! Check out our trailer listing number 167545. Just for our blog, we created a 10% discount for you, just use the code TravelFever during booking. Oh, and use this link for a big discount for any RV in the area: $50 off Outdoorsy at checkout
- $50 off Rent an RV at Outdoorsy
- See out listing at listing number 167545
- Use TravelFever for %10 off
- White River National Forest Website
Soak in a Hot Springs
So you don’t just have to dip, you can soak or swim for hours
The water in both pools is the same water found in natural springs nearby. While you take a relaxing soak, you can purify your skin, and take in the benefits of the mineral waters. You can also take a nice swim in the lap lanes, and enjoy some great views.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Pool website
- Location: 401 North River Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Off-season $21.75 for adults and $14.75 for children, see the website high season rates for 2020
- Discount: Free admission for children under three, Free entrance for guests of the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
- Packages: A variety of packages are available that include swim, golf, ski, play, and stay.
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs Resort website
- Location: 281 Centennial Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Off-season $21.75 for adults and $14.75 for children, see the website high season rates for 2020
- Discount: Free admission for children under three, Free entrance for guests of the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
- Packages: A variety of packages are available that include swim, golf, ski, play, and stay.
Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park
This is a family-oriented theme park, perfect for people looking for an adrenaline rush. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was voted Best Place for Family Entertainment by the local newspaper, Glenwood Springs Post Independent
You take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain (7,100 feet) to access the park. You can take an exciting cave tour, ride a few rides, visit their 4-d theater, or see some history. The alpine coaster and cliffhanger roller coaster are our family favorites.
- Glenwood’s Cavern Adventure Park Website
- Location:51000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Prices start at $37 dollars for kids and $42 for adults in the winter season. Check the website for current prices.
- Discount: Glenwood Caverns & Iron Mountain Hot Springs Combo Pass saves money on both
Learn History at the Doc Holiday Museum and Grave Site
Doc Holiday is
You can learn about his colorful life and character at the Doc Holiday Museum. Located in the basement of Bullocks Store, it is a satellite location of the Frontier Museum. There are photos and drawings and some of his personal belongings.
You can hike up to Linwood Cemetary to see the graves of Kid Curry and Doc Holliday. The hike is about 3/4 of a mile and easy for kids.
- Website
- Location of the Museum: 732 Grand Ave
- Location of the Gravesite: Bennett Ave & 12th St Ditch
- Museum Price: Museum Kids 12 and under are Free
Scenic Drive through Glenwood Canyon
Interested in seeing the sights of your car? Try taking a drive out to Glenwood Canyon. You are in for some awe-inspiring landscapes and amazing highway engineering. (Note: If you arrive by car or train from the east, you come through Glenwood Canyon.)
Update: The canyon has recently had a major forest fire that started in August of 2020. I-70 through the canyon is open now but make sure to check on COTrip.org for any closures. The area is now susceptible to rockfall during heavy rain.
As many times as we have driven the canyon, it never gets old. The scenery changes with the seasons as snow, golden leaves or greenery decorate the cliffs. There are also rest stops, and plenty of other places to visit like hiking trails (
- Visit Glenwood Website
- Location: Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Hours: Open all hours of the day.
See a Show at the Vaudeville Review
If you are looking for great family fun, stop in to see the Glenwood Vaudeville Review. It’s full of laughs, energetic songs, and uniques dances. You’ll enjoy a two-hour family-fun show with a top-quality dinner.
We have gone here on a date alone and as a family. They really are fun and family-friendly. Your kids, especially the older ones, will love this.
- Glenwood Vaudeville Review Website
- Location:915 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Hours: Opens at 5 pm
- Price: The show costs $25 for adults and $16 for children.
Meals and drinks cost extra.
Take a Trip to Hanging Lake
This beautiful trail is famous throughout Colorado. The trail to see the pristine aqua-colored lake and waterfalls is well-loved by locals and tourists alike.
Update: A huge forest fire ripped through Glenwood Canyon in August of 2020. It has been called the Grizzly Creek Fire and burned over 32,000 acres. Hanging lake has been called a miracle since the lake area remains unbelievably intact. However, Hanging Lake trail is closed until further notice as firefighters work to mitigate damage to the ecosystem up and downstream of the lake.
We are all so grateful to the firefighters who worked to save houses, structures, and more in this beautiful area. This picture was take in spring before the fires.
You will get a workout, but the natural splendor and scenery make the effort worth it. The steep Hanging Lake trail crosses many bridges over a small creek many times before arriving at the lake and Bridal Veil Falls. These bridges and stops to throw stones will keep the kids entertained and encouraged during the hike.
We have done this trail with babies, toddlers, and teens in all seasons. Summer is an easier (and warmer hike) but winter is a spectacular and unique hike as well. Before attempting the hike, you will need some gear in summer or winter. Read more on our guide to Hiking Hanging Lake with Kids.
Make sure to book your trip early, because spots fill up fast, and they only let a few hundred people go through each year to preserve the area.
- Plan your hike
- To make reservations here
- Location:900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: The permit is $10- $12 per person to hike.
Enjoy a Summer Festival
Glenwood is full of small-town festivals and parades. This means fewer crowds, friendly people and …. candy. If you visit Glenwood in the summer, consider joining the locals at the Strawberry Days Festival. We love the parade (did I mention candy), free ice cream, pancake breakfast, food
Our favorite winter celebration is at the Hotel Colorado for the Colorado Christmas celebration. The hotel opens its doors to all for an evening of music, lighting ceremony, visit from Santa Clause and fireworks off the top of the hotel. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Visit the Glenwood Chamber Website for the events this weekend
- Price: Free
Yampah Vapor Caves
The vapor caves are a must for the adults in the family. They are one of the last natural vapor caves left in North-America. Once you arrive, you will be led down a set of stairs and go underground to the caves.
The steam has great health benefits and reaches temperatures of up to 112 degrees. This is the best way to detox and unwind after a hike or a bike ride.
- Yampa Spa
Websit - Location:709 Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: You can get a day pass for $17. Massages and treatments are available for an are an extra fee.
- Discount: Check the website for monthly specials.
Take a Bike Ride in Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is perfect for bike rides too. The well-paved bike path follows the Colorado River through the canyon. Plus some off-road trails make it an ideal spot for a ride in nature. Here you can enjoy wildlife, picnic areas, and great scenery. You can even take a shuttle out to the area through local companies so you can just do the downhill portion.
- Visit Glenwood Website
- Location: Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: It’s free to bike here, but you might want to rent some bikes.
Hike Grizzly Creek Trail
There are plenty of places to hike in Glenwood ranging in different difficulties. If you are looking for a more laid back hike in Glenwood Canyon, Grizzly Creek Trail is a good destination.
This trail is considered to be the most accessible in the area. We love this trail and is easy for kids and toddlers. Unlike Hanging Lake, this trail is free and dog-friendly.
Update: The recent wildfire started in Grizzly Creek and has been named the Grizzly Creek fire. It burned 32,000 acres in this rugged canyon terrain. This trail will be closed until it is safe for hikers to return to the area.
Areas to the west and south of Glenwood Springs are beautiful places to hike and have not been impacted by the fire. See out suggestion for Rifle Falls State Park below.
- USFS Website
- Location:Grizzly Creek Trailhead
- Price: Free
Ski local Sunlight Mountain Resort
Winter in Glenwood is full of possibilities. If your family likes to hit the slopes on skis or snowboards, there is a great ski resort located in the city. At Sunlight Mountain resort there are over 700 acres of skiing. You won’t have to wait long for lifts.
This ski hill is perfect for beginners and kids. In fact, I have taken my toddlers and taught them to ski on the small hill behind the lodge.
Here’s a locals tip: I bought lift tickets for the big kids, but just walking around on the hill is free. So you can rent or bring skis for the littlest in the family and let them play without buying a lift ticket. That’s exactly what we are doing in this picture.
If you want the kids to learn to ski properly they do offer a ski school for all ages.
- Sunlight Mountain Website
- Location:10901 Colorado Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Lift tickets start at $68 for adults and $45 for kids. Rentals for skis and gear are separate.
- Discount: Buying multiple days in a pack can be cheaper. Also, packages that include the hot springs.
Ride a Snowmobile
Snowmobiles rentals and tours are available in town and at Sunlight Mountain Resort too. There are miles and miles of groomed snowmobiling trails in Glenwood Canyon, Mt Sopris, and the Elk Range.
Sunlight Mountain Resort offers Snowmobile Adventure tours. This can be a unique and exciting winter activity for all involved. Tours last for around an hour and traverse 16 miles of trails. A guide will lead you through the slopes of the mountain. Longer tours are also available for
- Snowmobile Adventure tours: Website
- Location:10901 Colorado Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Starts at $125 per rider.
- Discount: Family tours tend to be cheaper.
Eat some Great BBQ at Smoke Modern
With so many places to eat in Glenwood Springs, we had to add a meal to our list of things to do. Smoke Modern BBQ has a menu full of hearty and satisfying food. The founder of the restaurant takes smoked BQQ and gives it a more modern taste and look. Prices are affordable and portions are big here.
For more of our favorite places to eat in Glenwood Springs see our guide to planning your tip to Glenwood.
- Smoke Modern BBQ
- Location:713 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Price: Prices start at $11, but depends on what you order.
- Discounts: There are daily specials that are cheaper and come with sides.
Go for a Horseback Ride
Colorado is synonymous with open fields and rugged mountain ranges. You can’t help but picture cowboys riding through the beautiful uncharted landscape. Plus kids love horses, especially my girls.
Your family can ride through trails in Sunlight Resort, the White River National Forest on horseback. Some private ranches also offer tours on their own private land and public lands. A sunset dinner rides are also an option.
- Options for Horseback Riding on TripAdvisor Website
- Glenwood Adventure Website
- Location:723 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Hours: Call departure times and dates.
- Price: Costs start at $65 per person for one hour.
- Discounts: None available
Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado River
The Colorado River is the largest river in Colorado and famous for the whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking opportunities. We already talked about driving, hiking, and biking in the Glenwood Canyon. Add floating to that list.
You can raft on the Colorado or Roaring Fork Rivers on your trip to Glenwood Springs. On the river, you will be guided by professionals who know the waters well.
Life jackets, wetsuits
Note: Having a professional along is essential because the conditions change daily and water sports require special skills and equipment to keep the family safe.
- Options for Rafting Companies: Website
- Location: varies throughout the valley
- Hours: Call to book a time and date.
- Price: Generally start about $60 dollars per person.
Eat a Sweet Treat
End your day with a sweet treat. Actually, hey, you’re on vacation, enjoy a treat any time of day. We love a couple of local places. Sweet Coloradough has yummy donuts and other baked goods. Kaleidascoops is the oldest and the best place for ice cream in town.
For more of our favorite places to eat with our family – read our post on planning a trip to Glenwood Springs.
- TripAdvisor for Best Places to Eat
- Sweet Coloradough
- Location: 2430 S. Glen Avenue
- KaleidaScoops
- Location: 1105 Grand Ave
Explore Rifle Falls State Park
In the nearby small western town of Rifle, you will find an unusual triple waterfall and a surprise of small caves for the kids to play in. The falls are set in an unusual oasis in the middle of the more arid area north of the Hogback. Read our complete review about visiting and camping at Rifle Falls State Park
- Our Article about Rifle Falls State Park
- $50 off Rent an RV at Outdoorsy
- See out listing at listing number 167545
- Location: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650
- Price: $9 state pass parking fee
Final Thoughts:
Glenwood Springs is the ultimate mountain getaway. This oasis will allow you to play during the day and then relax and watch them swim. The hiking trails are winding and full of gorgeous mountain ranges and lakes.
Read More: How to Find Affordable Accommodations that Your Family will Love – tips from our family travels with babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens.
For those ready for an adventure, each season brings a little bit of excitement. You can ski and swim in the winter, ride horseback in the spring, go whitewater rafting in the summer, or go for a lovely nature walk in the fall. The plentiful history of the area and the wealth of opportunities will leave you wanting to come back again!
Related Content from our series on the Glenwood Area:
- Visit Glenwood Springs
- Hiking Spectacular Hanging Lake Trail
- Which Hot Springs Should I Go to?
- Guide to Visiting Nearby Rifle
So now that you are convinced! Let us help you plan the perfect family vacation to Glenwood Springs. We give you inside tips on how to get there, where to stay and what to eat, from a locals perspective. Read all about it on our blog post –
Guide to visiting Glenwood Springs.
After your trip to Glenwood Springs come back and let me know – what was your favorite thing to do in Glenwood Springs.
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! We travel with kids and extended family. I take the kids by myself sometimes because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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