Glenwood Springs is an old west town nestled between red mountains and alongside the Colorado River. The town is best known as a natural playground, centered around the several hot springs resorts. Glenwood was established in 1883 (originally named “Defiance”) as a western frontier town. Glenwood Springs has an underrated food and beer scene. For dinner, visit The Pullman, Riviera, or Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse. Grab a drink at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub at the Hotel Denver. Glenwood Springs makes for a perfect weekend getaway in the summer for hiking, biking, and rafting. It is also great in the winter for skiing (Sunlight Resort) and hot springs.
Glenwood Springs has plenty of options for great hot springs resorts. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is best for families with children. It is a huge pool with water slides. For couples, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the place. It is right on the Colorado River. Beautiful view, sixteen pools (ranging in temperature from 98 to 108 degrees), and a full bar make this a fantastic choice for couples. The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is a solid destination for restoring after an active day. These are rare natural and underground vapor caves. Ute Indians used the caves hundreds of years ago for the restorative powers.
Glenwood Springs sits on the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers. In addition to the world-class hot springs, these waters offer a lot of other great opportunities for exploring. Raft or kayak on the Colorado River, bike alongside the rivers, try your luck at numerous fishing spots, and definitely visit Hanging Lake.
Glenwood Springs is an authentic old west town. Visit Doc Holliday’s grave or stay in the same hotel where Teddy Roosevelt spent a summer (Hotel Colorado). Visiting Glenwood Springs is a mix of enjoying modern convenience with taking a walk in the wild west.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an amusement park at the top of Iron Mountain. Ride the highest (altitude) roller coaster in North America, explore the caves, or ride the Giant Canyon Swing.
Glenwood Springs is cold and snowy in the winters. The average high temperature is 35 degrees in December and January. This is one of Glenwood's busiest seasons with access to several ski areas and hot springs.
Spring in Glenwood is unpredictable. The average high temp in March is 51 degrees, but this increases to 81 by June. Glenwood often sees unseasonal warm days contrasted with late season snow storms. Spring is the slowest season in Glenwood.
Summers are beautiful in Glenwood. The area turns into an outdoors playground with highs in the mid-80s for July and August. This is perfect weather for rafting, biking and hiking. Glenwood Springs is very popular in the summers.
Fall is a season of quickly dropping temperatures. September has high temps near 80, but this drops to the high 40s by November. The positive about visiting in the fall is the changing of the leaves, which is dramatically beautiful in the area. Fall is not as busy as winter or summer in Glenwood Springs.