There’s nothing quite like going on a sweet run in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and following it up with a blissful soak in hot springs. Run then recover at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, featuring the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, as well as a lodge, athletic club and poolside restaurant.
Located on Sixth Street, just across the pedestrian bridge from downtown, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort not only is a convenient location for accessing restaurants, shops and nightlife, it’s a great base camp for all sort of Glenwood Springs running trails and running events happening this summer.
Trails & Routes
A good source for running trail information is Aspen Trail Finder (mobile and website), which covers Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass, Aspen, Redstone and Marble, and provides maps and a list of running groups. Aspen Trail Finder also includes trails for hiking, road biking, mountain biking, viewing fall colors, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Popular routes for runners include Glenwood Canyon Trail (make sure to check for possible closures), Red Mountain Road, Atkinson Canal Trail and Rio Grande Trail, which is a paved path to Aspen that follows the former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad route and meanders alongside the Roaring Fork River. The trail also connects Glenwood Springs to communities like Carbondale, El Jebel and Basalt, and it’s easy to ride a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus back to Glenwood Springs after a run.
Visit Glenwood Springs also recommends lacing up your running shoes for Atkinson Trail, a mostly flat trail that is just over 3 miles in length, and Wulfsohn Trail, which is located on the hillside behind Glenwood Meadows shopping center. This 4-mile network of moderately difficult, unpaved trails is ideal for runners looking for the challenge of off-road running. Boy Scout Trail, Forest Hollow Trail, Red Mountain Jeanne Golay Trail and Fisher Creek Trail are additional options.
Running Events in 2022
Glenwood Springs
June 19 - 45th annual Strawberry Shortcut, 10K, 5K and mile runs
July 4 - Glenwood Springs FireKracker 4K
July 17 – Sunlight Showdown, 13.1-mile trail run
Nearby
June 4 – 45th Annual Basalt Half Marathon, Basalt
June 11 – Tri for the Sun sprint triathlon, Carbondale
Aug. 6 – New Castle Dirty Dozen Trail 10K, New Castle
Aug. 13 – Pyro’s Push It Up Trail Run (13K, 7.7K, 3.5K), New Castle
Hot Springs Benefits
The Utes were the first to discover the health benefits of hot springs that flowed along the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon, naming the mother spring “Yampah,” which means Big Medicine. Yampah, located at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, fills the pools with water featuring 15 minerals that relieve aches and pains, help naturally eliminate toxins, increase circulation and reduce blood pressure. Soaking in hot springs is like giving your body a natural health boost, plus it’s fun to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
The resort’s Wellness Package is ideal for runners and anyone interested in staying fit. The package not only provides 10% off the best available lodging rate, it also includes admission to the full-service athletic club, which features cardio exercise equipment and weights, sauna, whirlpool, a wet lounge with steam room, men’s and women’s locker room facilities, a sundeck and private entrance to the pool. Included in the package and any stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is a made-to-order hot breakfast at the poolside Grill and unlimited access to the pool during business hours.
Are you ready to run then recover? We’re sure you’ll have one Mother Nature of a good time in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.