{"id":3098,"date":"2019-11-21T15:15:48","date_gmt":"2019-11-21T15:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=3098"},"modified":"2021-07-26T00:56:10","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T00:56:10","slug":"visit-glenwood-springs-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/visit-glenwood-springs-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Glenwood Springs, Colorado (Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Skiing)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glenwood Springs is known for its natural hot springs, outdoor recreation activities, and rich western history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Glenwood<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Due to its location in the beautiful Colorado River valley and proximity to other Mountain resort areas, it is a perfect family vacation destination in all seasons. You can spend days hanging out in Glenwood Springs or visit Vail, Aspen or Rifle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town sits at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring River, surrounded by the White River National Forest. With its lower elevation of 5,760 feet, tourists can enjoy sleeping at a lower elevation than the nearby mountain towns – Vail (8,150 feet) and Aspen (8,000). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update: in August of 2020, Grizzly Creek Forest fire burned through Glenwood Canyon, closing I-70 for a week. The highway is open again and people are enjoying visiting Glenwood Springs. However, some of the sights in the canyon, such as Hanging Lake, are closed for rehabilitation. <\/em><\/strong>Check  www.cotrip.org<\/a> for road closure information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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History of Glenwood Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Native Americans frequented the area for the properties of the water. The heat from the hot springs created vapors in the nearby caves. These were some of the first heat caves used- saunas as we call them today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ute, Comanche, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people all visited the area for the healing properties of the water (source)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to history collected by the Yampa Spa<\/a>, the Ute inhabited this region known to them as the Yampa or “Big Medicine” at the confluence of the Grand (Colorado) and Thunder (Roaring Fork) Rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were the first to develop the hot springs and vapor caves for the relaxation and healing powers. In fact, some of the modern attractions are developed from these original springs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the mid-1800s, explorers, prospectors, and developers became interested in the area. The area was first called Grand Springs (for the Grand River). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1883 Isaac Cooper founded the town and called it “Defiance”. The new town consisted of cabins, saloons, and brothels (source<\/a>). The name was soon changed to a “civilized” name of Glenwood Springs just in time for the railroad to arrive<\/g>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infamous Western legend Doc Holliday<\/a> lived and died here. Doc was a gun shooting, gambling dentist. He moved to the area because of the hot springs, thinking they would help cure his tuberculosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can visit the grave of Doc Holiday and learn about his life at the Doc Holiday Museum<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Glenwood has expanded into a vibrant city full of tranquility, adventure, and culture. Travelers will find plenty to do here, from sporty activities to nature walks, to a dip in calming waters. They also have great spas located in the area (visitglenwood.com)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Attractions and Things to Do in Glenwood Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs and natural resources. The town, is surrounded by the scenic White River National Forest, adjacent to the spectacular Glenwood Canyon and at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glamping or RV camping<\/strong> is an excellent way to experience all the Roaring Fork Valley has to offer. Did you know you don’t even need to own an RV?   You can easily rent a camper and have it delivered.  We rent out our 35-foot travel trailer on Outdoorsy – you can see it here<\/a> and use our personal code TravelFever for 10% off.  No matter which RV you choose, I have another coupon to apply at check out so make sure to use this $50 off Coupon <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Camping in the Fall colors in White River National Forest<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although visitors are attracted to the outdoor recreation opportunities and to soak in the hot springs, the area offers many amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In all seasons your family can find fun things to do in Glenwood Springs<\/a>. The summer is full of hiking opportunities like Hanging Lake, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking, and off-road adventures. You can ride the Gondola to the western-themed Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park<\/a> to take in the views, enjoy the amusement rides and take a cave tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the winter you can ski at the local Sunlight Mountain, snowmobile, and snowshoe and hike a winter trail. You can choose to enjoy the nearby ski resorts in Vail and Aspen and return to Glenwood in the evening to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Toddler<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

More ideas for winter activities are included in our post,<\/em> <\/em><\/g> <\/em>Free Things to Do in Colorado this Winter. <\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the best part is that the hot springs and vapor caves which are perfect for any season. You can choose between the Glenwood Hot Springs<\/a> or the Iron Mountain Hot Springs<\/a> (or visit both). Enjoy soaking in the hot water after a day out in the snow or soaking your muscles from a long hike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Planning Your Visit to Glenwood Springs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glenwood has an alpine climate and low humidity year round. Summers are warm and range anywhere from 75 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring and fall is<\/g> milder and can be 60-70 degrees. This is the time of year where you can wake up to snow and be in shorts by afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the dry air and sunshine, excpet<\/g> for a few bitter days, winter<\/g> isn’t overly cold. Even days of 35 degrees are fun to get out and play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Swimming in the autumn fog at the hot springs<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Snowfall can be heavy at times but is usually moderate. Still, even in winter, the sun stays out and skies stay clear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s hard to choose the best time to visit because we enjoy so many activities in every season here. Of course, the best time for your family to visit depends on the activities you want to enjoy. You can’t ski in the summer and you can’t kayak in the winter. Many scenic nearby places, such as driving Independence Pass are inaccessible in the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I have to give an answer though, I’d say the best time to visit the area is in the spring. You can still play in the snow, especially higher altitudes, walk the downtown area the warm sunshine, and soak in the hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the time to visit is one of the first items to do when planning a family vacation. We have an extensive resource to plan your next vacation. Check out our <\/em>ultimate guide to planning your next family vacation!<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Get to Glenwood Springs: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glenwood Springs is easily accessible by driving, taking the train, bus or flying. Many visitors enjoy arriving by train and walking around town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town is located only about 170 miles west of Denver, 230 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, and 40 miles north of Aspen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n