17 Best Things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado

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If you’re looking for things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, you won’t be disappointed. From hiking and biking to hot springs and rafting, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this scenic mountain town!

We visited Glenwood Springs for the first time on a road trip after living in Denver for a year. The second we spent a day there, we knew there was something special about it. Now it’s one of our pit stops whenever we are bringing friends or family out to Moab to visit some national parks!

Keep reading to learn all about the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado.

Soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Soaking in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado for a reason!

The hot springs themselves are incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. The mineral-rich water can help to ease muscle pain and tension, and the heat can help to improve circulation.

Plus, the pool is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains and forests, so you can truly relax surrounded by one of the most breathtaking landscapes.

The pool is also large enough that there is plenty of room to swim, play, and relax. Even when it’s busy, you can normally find a section of the pools to yourself. (Consider getting there earlier to avoid crowds, though, or visit in the off-season.)

Savor your sweet tooth at Kaleidoscoops

With a name like Kaleidoscoops, how could you go wrong?!

There’s nothing quite like a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. And when it comes to finding the best ice cream in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, there’s no better place to go than Kaleidoscoops!

Their ice cream is made with only the finest ingredients, and they offer a wide variety of flavors to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.

The story of how they came to be is pretty interesting; it eventually formed from a group of disenfranchised Baskin Robbins back in the 1990s.

What really sets Kaleidoscoops apart from other ice cream shops is their commitment to customer service. They truly care about their customers and strive to provide the best possible experience each and every time you visit.

So next time you’re in Glenwood Springs and looking for a delicious treat, be sure to stop by Kaleidoscoops – you won’t be disappointed!

Explore Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park is one of the best places to explore in Glenwood Springs. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to get out of the town without going on a hike!

At Two Rivers Park, there are lots of great facilities. Go biking, play on the playground, or even have a barbecue. This is the perfect place to go in the summer months, especially for a fun family get-together outdoors.

Hike the Doc Holliday Trail

There are a lot of hikes in Glenwood Springs, but the hike up to Doc Holliday’s grave is one of the best, especially if you’re a fan of the TV show Wynonna Earp. The hike up to the grave is short, but there is quite a bit of elevation gain.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley below. The trail leads to an old graveyard, so you’ll have to walk through to try to find Holliday’s grave.

Once you get there, you’ll see that they wrote on a sign by his grave that they aren’t even quite sure of where he was buried!

Peruse Cooper Corner Gallery

The Cooper Corner Gallery is a great place to visit in Glenwood Springs for several reasons.

The gallery showcases the work of many different local artists. This means that there is always something new and interesting to see on display. They’re newer in town and recently celebrated their 6th anniversary!

Throughout the gallery, you can find ceramics, photography, glasswork, and more. This is a great spot to escape if you’re an art lover or if it’s a rainy day in Glenwood Springs.

Have fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Having fun and riding the rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is one of the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado.

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including cave tours, zip lining, and more.

While the park is open year-round, it’s especially popular during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The winter months have shorter hours, and the park usually switches to a Friday to Sunday operation time.

One of the best things about Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or just want to relax and take in the beautiful views, you’ll find it at this park.

Plus, with so many different activities to choose from, you can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored! You even take a fun gondola ride up to the park to start your day. How fun is that?

Keep in mind this park is not for those who don’t like heights. A lot of the rides will swing you right over the edge of the mountain!

Take in the view from Iron Mountain Hot Springs

There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot spring to relax and rejuvenate, and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs are some of the best in the world.

The 16 different pools offer a variety of temperatures to suit every preference, and the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains make it an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re visiting with family, there’s a family-friendly area for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles or just enjoy a refreshing dip, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a must-visit destination. For a real treat, visit in winter!

Ski or snowboard at Sunlight Mountain Resort

Sunlight Mountain Resort is the perfect place to enjoy some time on the slopes. Visitors can take advantage of the resort’s many amenities, including ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, equipment storage, and more.

The mountain itself provides plenty of challenge for both beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders alike. And when you’re ready to take a break from the cold, head to one of the nearby hot springs to relax and rejuvenate.

Visit the Fairy Caves

Be sure to visit the Fairy Caves! They are located up at Glenwood Caverns.

These unique caves are home to a variety of interesting rock formations. Visitors can explore the caves on guided tours which last about 40 minutes and allows you to get up close with the formations as you learn about their history.

Mountain bike the Wulfsohn Trail

If you want to go mountain biking in Glenwood Springs, be sure to check out the Wulfsohn Trail. While it is also a popular spot to hike, this trail is perfect for some biking. Either bring your own bike or grab one to rent downtown.

The trail is only 4 miles long, making it perfect for a shorter bike ride. Consider doing it in the early morning when the air is cool; it can get hotter as the day goes on!

Learn at the Frontier Historical Museum

The Frontier Historical Museum in Glenwood Springs Colorado is a great place to learn about the history of the American West. The museum has exhibits from the early days of the area.

It is set inside of a home in the neighborhood, which was converted into a museum. While it’s quaint, you should still plan on putting aside at least 45 minutes to explore this attraction. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Glenwood Springs and the American West.

Go white river rafting

If you are looking for the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado, look no further than white water rafting.

Glenwood Springs is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool and the Glenwood Canyon, which makes it the perfect place for a thrilling rafting adventure. Rafting down the river is an unforgettable experience that everyone should have!

If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, white water rafting is definitely for you. There is nothing quite like hurtling down a river at high speeds while battling the rapids. It’s an exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling on top of the world.

Plus, Glenwood Springs is home to some truly breathtaking scenery, and what better way to take it all in than from the comfort of your own raft? As you float down the river, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the canyon walls and the surrounding mountains.

Consider booking a tour directly through a local company like Colorado Whitewater River Rafting to make the trip easy.

Dine at Slope & Hatch

For a great meal in Glenwood Springs, head over to Slope & Hatch. This restaurant serves up some of the best food in town, even though it’s super tiny. While the building is small, they have ample outdoor seating.

On the menu, you can find tacos, hot dogs, and more. They have unique twists on these classic dishes, too. For instance, they have a big valley mac hot dog with special sauce, lettuce, cheddar, pickles, onions, and black sesame seeds, as just one example!

Hike up to the Hanging Lake

When it comes to the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado, you can’t miss out on hiking up to Hanging Lake.

This gorgeous lake is nestled in the mountains and is a beautiful sight to see. The hike up to the lake is more on the difficult side because of the elevation gain, so you’ll want to be prepared. The length of the hike is only around 3 miles, which isn’t too terrible.

Once you reach the top, you can relax by the refreshing waters or just enjoy the stunning views.

As of 2022, a permit with a timed entry is needed to hike this trail. You can book your reservation on their website.

Relax in the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves

If you’re looking to relax during your time in Glenwood Springs, there’s no better place to do it than at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves.

If you’re feeling stressed at all, the vapor caves will truly make you forget it all with how refreshing they are. You relax in there for about 10 minutes then switch to another room to cool off, and repeat.

The Yampah Spa offers a variety of services including massages, facials, and body treatments. This is a great place to go for a friend’s trip or a romantic getaway, especially if you’ve been working hard!

See the breathtaking view from driving through Glenwood Canyon

The drive through Glenwood Canyon is a must-do for anyone visiting Colorado. We pass through it every single time we are driving across the state, and we immediately get quiet and take in the view.

The canyon features towering cliffs, a beautiful river, and breathtaking views. The drive through lasts around 10-15 minutes, and if you’re coming from Denver, you’ll absolutely go through here by default as it’s the easiest way into Glenwood Springs.

Have a pint at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub

Last but not least, have a pint at the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub!

The brewpub has a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of pub-style food. In addition to the great beer and food, the brewpub also has a beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the street.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax after a long day of hiking or skiing or just want to enjoy a delicious meal and good beer, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is the perfect spot.

Glenwood Springs is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering activities and attractions for everyone.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed vacation, be sure to add Glenwood Springs to your list of must-visit destinations.

Don’t forget to save this post on the best things to do in Glenwood Springs Colorado for later!

Check out our video back from the first time we visited Glenwood Springs on a road trip, below.