Before it’s back to school for students and educators and as a seasonal salute to barbecues, baseball games and sweet rides on favorite trails, wrap up summer with a Colorado mountain road trip. Glenwood Springs is the perfect Colorado Rocky Mountain destination for a last summer hurrah complete with hot springs, adventure, local events and an energetic downtown district.
Hot Springs Playground
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort serves as the ideal base camp for a family friendly, last-minute summer getaway that will result in lasting memories. Since opening in 1888, the resort has been a favorite vacation spot for generations of families with everything conveniently located in one spot. The highlight is the world’s largest hot springs pool, where you can savor soaking in natural hot springs or burn off some energy in Sopris Splash Zone or the lap lanes. For a prime meet-up spot for the whole family, rent a cabana featuring lounge furniture, a small refrigerator, a fan, water bottles and large club towels.
The crew is sure to get hungry after all the swimming and soaking so grab a bit to eat at the poolside Grill, Snack Bar and Red Brick Eats. Also consider staying at the Lodge for a blissful night’s sleep only steps from the pool and purchasing a day pass to the award-winning Athletic Club for those who are 18 years and older and want to maintain gym and class routines. A stay at the Lodge includes a coffee and tea bar in the lobby, made-to-order breakfast at the Grill, and admission to the hot springs pool.
Eye on Adventure
If your crew is into adventure, you don’t have to choose outdoor action over enjoying the soothing mineral hot springs. The pool is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer, and a day or annual pass allows unlimited in-and-out privileges. No reservations are needed! For example, enjoy a quick dip in the pool before going whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, biking, playing disc golf and grabbing lunch. Return to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool for a nap poolside or exciting times on the Shoshone Chutes river tube ride or the smaller slides in Sopris Splash Zone, which is included in the cost of a pool pass.
For a big day of fun, head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The mountaintop adventure park is accessed by a gondola and features all sorts of thrill rides, a smaller roller coaster and ferris wheel, laser tag, a 4D motion theater, cave tours, and more. To make planning easy, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Package that bundles lodging, pool visits, breakfast, and tickets to the park. There also are packages that include whitewater rafting excursions and e-bike rentals.
Local Happenings
When planning your visit, check out the event calendar. For example, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts Music on the Mountains on various Saturdays and Sundays from late June through mid-September. Each concert features a local band and benefits a local nonprofit. Gondola tickets are only $5 after 4 p.m. to access the music and dining outlets. There also is Pickin’ in the Plaza on Mondays through Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m., until Aug. 18.
Market on Seventh, presented by the Glenwood Springs Downtown Development Authority, happens every Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. until Sept. 19. Expect farmers, food, music, and arts and crafts at this favorite local gathering.
Experience Downtown
From Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it is only a short stroll over the pedestrian bridge that spans the Colorado River to downtown, which has an enviable selection of restaurants, coffee houses, breweries and ice cream shops to satisfy any craving for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour and snacks. Every family is sure to have at least one shopper in the bunch or kids wishing for souvenirs to take home, and local business owners will help connect you with the best outdoor gear, stylish western apparel, latest books, fun toys, interior decor and all sorts of other items you may not have time to browse for at home.
It's not too late to wrap up summer with a mountain road trip. Start planning today and dreaming of cool mountain temperatures, an authentic community for kicking back and relaxing, and a family excursion that will be fondly recalled for years to come.