Glenwood Springs in Colorado may be popular for its hot springs and natural streams with plenty of caves, but there is a lot more that this city has for anyone looking forward to enjoying great outdoor opportunities. The city has every conceivable outdoor adventure that you may wish for: nature trails, whitewater rafting, theme parks, fishing, and even mineral hot springs, among others, are all yours for the choosing. Your duty is to avail yourself and then let your spirit of adventure take control. With that said, read below to find our best picks of the things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
1. Go whitewater rafting along Shoshone Rapids in Glenwood Canyon (from USD 74.0)
Enjoy up to three hours of uninterrupted fun, soaked in the excitement of whitewater rafting. This is a thrilling ride along the Shoshone Rapids where you will encounter between Class III and Class IV rapids along the stretch of 9 miles (14km). Once the river begins to mellow out, and you reach the low flows, you will get right into the natural hot springs where you will make a short stop to soak and tap into the relaxation and healing benefits of the springs.
Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip
Duration: 3 hours
2. Tour the scenic Glenwood Springs on a bike (from USD 42.0)
One of the best ways to soak in the full beauty of Glenwood Springs is to embark on a full-day bike tour of the city. Glenwood Springs is blessed with lots of scenic trails, and with the presence of bike rental and easy access to the Glenwood Canyon Shuttle, you have everything you need to easily and conveniently access some of the region’s best kept treasures and views. Get a ride with your bike rental up to the summit of the canyon, then start the descent at your own pace while you admire the rolling, scenic landscapes of the region. During the tour, find some time to hike or picnic at the Hanging Lake while you make your way down to the valley.
Full Day Bike Rental With Free Glenwood Canyon Shuttle
Duration: 1 day
3. Treat your eyes to the gorgeous views of Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is a natural landmark formed nearly three million years ago by the mighty Colorado River. The canyon is about 16 miles (25.7km) of a plethora of recreational opportunities, including river rafting, biking, hiking, and more. However, one amazing feature of the canyon that you will fall in love with is the rest tops. It has a total of four rest tops from where you get the most gorgeous views of the city below.
Glenwood Canyon
Address: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado River, Colorado
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Dive into the refreshing Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is located at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The pool measures about 405 feet (121m) long and 100 feet (30m) wide, making it the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. Since 1888, the pool has been responsible for bringing in thousands of visitors each year, who come to soak in its waters, believed to promote good health and rejuvenate the skin. You will be excited to know that the pool’s waters have 15 minerals known to purify the skin and support good health. If you are not interested in the healing claims of the waters, then swim along to enjoy the warmth, as well as the breathtaking views of the surrounding.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Address: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD per year
5. Go fly fishing in the Roaring Fork River
Posted by Laurie Mize Henderson on Thursday, 28 March 2019
Glenwood Springs has a national reputation for being one of the best destinations for fly fishing in the entire country. Roaring Fork River has pristine locations which are not only easily accessible for fishing enthusiasts, but also offer prolific opportunities to hook cutthroats, browns, brookies, and rainbow trout. If you are adventurous to explore the upstream, you will encounter several remote streams and high alpine lakes for more exciting fly fishing opportunities. With the presence of local fly fishing outfitters and guide services, you don’t have to worry about equipment and gear, or struggling to locate the top spots for bountiful catches.
Roaring Fork River
Address: Roaring Fork River, Glenwood, Colorado
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Explore the historic Yampah Vapor Caves
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves on Sunday, May 3, 2020
Yampah Vapor Caves are one of the most historic and unusual attractions you will be delighted to find in Glenwood. It is believed that the series of caves were first used by the Ute Indians for rituals and healings, and though none of such takes place at the moment, it is a destination you must not miss when you come to Glenwood Springs. Deep underground the caves, there are subterranean chambers that supply the mineral-rich therapeutic steam that visitors travel from far and wide to come and enjoy. Before accessing the caves, you will have to go through a series of staircases and partitions leading to three rooms lined with marble benches. Sit, relax and inhale the heaving vapors from the breadths of the earth.
Yampah Vapor Caves
Address: 709 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Yampah Vapor Caves
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 17 USD
7. Get the thrill of skydiving, paragliding, or zip-lining across the Colorado River
An aerial view capturing the Colorado rockies and Colorado River while on the tram heading to the caves. @ Glenwood Springs, CO. 7.1.17
Posted by Vii Salinas on Monday, 3 July 2017
Go for gravity-defying aerial adventures for bird’s eye views of Glenwood, with the many skydiving, zip-lining and paragliding tours in the area. Soar high above the Rockies and soak and appreciate the beautiful scenes that the state has to offer. An aerial tour over the Colorado River will give you a fantastic opportunity to bring to life your adrenaline-junkie self, and if you are ever afraid of heights, this will be a good chance to conquer your fears and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime thrill towering above the beautiful landscapes of Glenwood Springs.
Colorado River Aerial Views
Address: Glenwood, Colorado
8. Have fun with your family at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a western-themed adventure park, and one of the leading destinations for families visiting the city. The park offers a myriad of tours and activities designed to relax and entertain every member of the family. You will enjoy the wonderful views of the sprawling landscapes aboard the scenic Gondola Ride above the Iron Mountains, and the little ones will also enjoy the amazing cave tours and the many amusement rides in the park. With the several scream-worthy thrill rides and the numerous kid-friendly attractions, this is the place to be if you want fun for all family members.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Address: 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: 15 USD
9. Enjoy a hike along the Hanging Lake Trail
The Hanging Lake Trail is a 3.2-mile (5.1km) trail that leads to the Hanging Lake through the Grizzly Creek. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who get to enjoy the picturesque scenes while they traverse the seven bridges, tackle the steep climbs, and wade their way through the lush green vegetation. There are plenty of handrails and park benches to assist with the hiking as well as places for rest for those who would like to catch their breath. Going for this hike may be a bit challenging, but you will feel like your efforts have been adequately compensated when you set your eyes on the Hanging Lake. The lake is perched on the cliffs over Glenwood Canyon. It features awe-inspiring scenery and very gentle waterfalls. These, together with the rich local flora and fauna, make every step of the hike worth taking to reach the lake.
Hanging Lake Trail
Address: 110 Wulfsohn Road, Glenwood Springs CO 81601
Website: Hanging Lake Trail
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
Tip from Content Creator
Hanging Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, is a slice of paradise that will have you pinching yourself. The shimmering blue lake and the vibrant wildflowers are some of the many unique features that make this place truly magical. I recommend going on this iconic Colorado hike and admiring the gorgeous waterfalls. I can safely say that it's a must-do bucket list hike for all outdoor enthusiasts!
10. Embark on an off-road adventure with Glenwood Adventure Company
Explore miles of awesome trails through 6,000 acres of privately owned ranch in Glenwood Canyon! Book up to 5 people in...
Posted by Glenwood Adventure Company on Tuesday, 3 September 2019
Glenwood Adventure Company is your go-to provider of all your water and land-based activities. Their tours feature activities suited for all ages, including whitewater rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, and off-roading among others. If you want a hassle-free way for your family to enjoy some of the least traveled paths across the city and the neighboring regions, including overnight adventures, you can always trust Glenwood Adventure to tailor for you a tour that will appease your off-road adventure spirits.
Glenwood Adventure Company
Address: 723 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Adventure Company
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
11. Visit the Frontier Historical Museum
The Frontier Historical Museum is where you find Glenwood’s history preserved for the present and the future generations. Learn about what life was once like in the region, and also get to discover more about mining and ranching in the region. A tour of the museum would also be a great chance to learn about the Ute Indians and their connection to the region. Through the various exhibits, you will appreciate the transformation that Glenwood has gone through, including how it became a magnet for the world’s privileged, and ended up attracting every other character on the planet, including presidents, movie stars, gangsters, prostitutes, outlaws and more.
Frontier Historical Museum
Address: 1001 Colorado Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Frontier Historical Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 5 USD
12. Try out skiing or snowmobiling at Sunlight Mountain Resort
Posted by Sunlight Mountain Resort on Friday, 8 February 2019
Glenwood may not be a popular winter destination, but this does not mean that that you have to spend gloomy winter days if you happen to be here during that time. Sunlight Mountain Resort is one of the best-kept ski gems in the state. It is not only fun and friendly but also affordable, making it a wintertime winner for most families and groups on Glenwood Springs. When the snow falls, you will have an array of activities to engage in, with the most popular ones being skiing and snowballing. The resort’s terrain is ideal for both beginner and intermediate runs, and with gear and equipment available for rental, you don’t have to miss the fun just because you are not a pro.
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Address: 10901 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Sunlight Mountain Resort
13. Camp in White River National Forest
White River National Forest features more than 2.3 million acres (0.9 million ha) of the forest for recreation. This is the most visited national forest in the country, and it is a subtle indication that it has something for everyone to enjoy. If you love camping and you would like to try out quiet and serene destinations right in the middle of nature, then you have every reason to check out this forest. In addition to camping, you will enjoy hiking and hunting in the woods, and when summertime comes, it will be tough to resist skiing in this forest.
White River National Forest
Address: Co Rd 1260, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA
Website: White River National Forest
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 12 USD
14. Have some fun at Glenwood Escape Room
How about spending your afternoon solving an engaging, real-life challenge? Get your family or gather up a few friends and head over to Glenwood Escape Room to start finding clues and solve puzzles to find your way out of a locked room. This is a great activity to bond with friends and family by working together towards a common goal, and to put your brain to work to find your way out.
Glenwood Escape Room
Address: 918 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Escape Room
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 7:30pm; Fri: 4am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 4:30pm
Price: 29 USD
15. Watch live performances at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
Starting up again tomorrow, we have another weekend of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum! Friday, Saturday...
Posted by Glenwood Vaudeville Revue on Thursday, 18 October 2018
Glenwood’s nightlife is full of fun, and one of the best places to have a real experience of it is Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. The theater hosts a variety of dinner-theater comedy show and hilarious skits performed by professional actors, singers, and dancers. The shows bring back the good old days of Vaudeville, and will always be accompanied by a blend of slapsticks humor, jokes, magic, novelty songs, and audience participation among others. Though the form of entertainment you will find here dates back to the 1800s, the content is relevant to modern-day living and will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
Address: 915 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
Opening hours: Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 6pm, 6:30pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Adults: 24 USD; Children: 16 USD
16. Play mini-golf at Glenwood Springs Golf Course
Posted by Glenwood Springs Golf Club on Thursday, 5 May 2016
Glenwood Springs Golf Course is a champions-caliber course featuring undulating greens with breathtaking views of the mountains in the background. The course comes with outstanding playing opportunities, ranging from traditional golf to mini-golf, implying that it has something for everyone. Apart from the gorgeous playing opportunities, you will enjoy the world-class guest services, as well as the beautiful views of the Roaring Fork Valley below, and deciding to come back, again and again, would be a decision not too tough to make.
Glenwood Springs Golf Course
Address: 193 Sunny Acres Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Springs Golf Course
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Climb the walls of Glenwood Canyon
Rock climbing in Unaweep Canyon during our recent Colorado Mountain College Top Rope Climbing class. #nofilter...
Posted by Glenwood Climbing Guides on Monday, 22 April 2019
Glenwood Canyon comes with top-notch climbing adventures responsible for attracting climbers to Colorado all through the year. Whether you are a pro-climber or you are a beginner adrenalin junkie keen on embarking on climbing as a career, the canyon will present you with just the right spots you need to get going. With the presence of the local guides and customized climbing trips, nothing but pure fun awaits you on the walls of the canyon.
Glenwood Canyon
Address: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
Website: Glenwood Climbing Guides
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Experience mountain biking along the trails of the Roaring Fork River
Posted by Roaring Fork Cycling on Tuesday, 15 May 2018
Glenwood Springs boasts extensive and varied networks of biking trails, with the Roaring Fork River trail being one of the most preferred trails by many bikers. The trail is paved along the Roaring Fork River, featuring gradual inclines with various levels of difficulties for biking enthusiasts. The trail also features lots of off-road rides that will see bikers get above Glenwood Spring before embarking on a thrilling descent back to the town.
Roaring Fork River
Address: Roaring Fork River, Glenwood, Colorado
Website: Roaring Fork Cycling
19. Enjoy a meal at Slope & Hatch
Chicken Gyro Egg Rolls...
Posted by Slope & Hatch Glenwood Springs on Thursday, 15 February 2018
With all the fun and adventurous activities, you need to energize yourself and you do this by indulging in large and delicious tacos at Slope & Hatch restaurant. This is a cool counter-serve spot where you will find the best tacos in Glenwood Springs. In addition to tacos, the restaurant also serves burgers and other quick foods you will need to restore your energies before or after the adventurous activity. Kindly note that it is a small space, so don’t expect to get comfortable seating, although they have enough outdoor seating and spacious parking to let you enjoy your takeout.
Slope & Hatch
Address: 208 7th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Slope & Hatch
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
20. Have a drink at Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar
An inventive new American menu, modern arts on the wall and relaxing river views are some of the highlights of the Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar. It is a landmark dining establishment in Colorado offering a great variety of foods and drinks. Other than just enjoying a couple of drinks with the river views, you can also check out the seasonal menu designed around fresh and local ingredients to appreciate the culinary diversity present in this region.
Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar
Address: 702 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
21. Explore the Roaring Fork Valley on a Segway or on horseback
Successful pre-planning meeting on the new mid-valley Glassier OS with Pitkin County OS&T and Equestrians from the RFV...
Posted by Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association on Monday, 15 June 2015
Another great way to explore and soak in the beauty of Glenwood is to tour the Roaring Fork Valley on a Segway or horseback. Unlike touring the region from the air, these options allow you to conduct your exploration in a slow and more relaxed pace, thus giving you the chance to fully appreciate the full depth of the valley’s landscape.
Roaring Fork Valley
Address: Roaring Fork Valley, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
22. Sample quality craft beers at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
THIS SATURDAY! Join us for our 3rd Annual Oktoberfest! Come try our two specialty beers that are brewed for...
Posted by Glenwood Canyon Brewpub on Wednesday, 18 September 2019
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is a restaurant and brewery that boasts of intense history, culture and great service to the people of Glenwood Springs. The restaurant prides itself on offering flavorful and memorable food to customers in a friendly and approachable atmosphere. Other than the food, Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub also enjoys creativity and craftiness when it comes to craft brews in the region. You get to choose from 10 wonderfully crafted beer styles, including wines, spirits and a variety of cocktails. Whether alone, as a couple or with family, this joint will take good care of your dining and drinking needs.
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
Address: 402 7th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
23. Learn more about pioneer history at the Linwood Cemetery
Linwood Cemetery may pass as just any other ordinary cemetery, but it is the final resting place of two prominent people whose acts of bravery will forever be etched in the nation’s memory. A short hike to the cemetery will bring you to the graves of Doc Holiday and Kid Curry. The visit is a nice opportunity to learn about them and other celebrated pioneers whose bodies were laid to rest at the cemetery.
Linwood Cemetery
Address: 1310 Bennett Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Linwood Cemetery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 6am - 9pm
24. Marvel at local art in Cooper Corner Gallery
Posted by Cooper Corner Gallery on Thursday, 5 September 2019
Art is diverse and every region has something to offer. The Cooper Corner Gallery is a local art gallery with artworks by some of the region’s best artists. Marvel and appreciate diversity in art, and the great talent present in Glenwood Springs. If you are lucky to find an event going on, you will have the chance to not just appreciate art, but interact with some of the talented artists whose works you will admire.
Cooper Corner Gallery
Address: 315 8th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Cooper Corner Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
25. Satisfy your bookworm soul at Glenwood Springs Branch Library
If you can’t resist your love for books and simply enjoy the beautiful outdoors, then walk into Glenwood Springs Branch Library and find a quiet corner to enjoy your book. If you don’t like the quietness of the inside, the library has an outdoor community plaza where you can relax and read your book while you enjoy the Colorado sunshine.
Glenwood Springs Branch Library
Address: 815 Cooper Ave #3427, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Website: Glenwood Springs Branch Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
Fun for all in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
With the diverse range of fun and adventurous activities, Glenwood Springs is the ideal destination for souls hungry for outdoor adventures in Colorado. It is a beckoning destination that will suit the needs of every traveler, both in summer and winter. Hopefully, our list above gives you good insights into some of the best things to do in Glenwood Springs, in case you are headed here.
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