Glenwood Springs is a beautiful town nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is known for its hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. This mountain town in Colorado is also home to the world’s largest natural hot springs pool.
In addition to the hot springs, there are plenty of other activities to keep tourists busy including hiking, biking, rafting, and more.
This is a Glenwood Springs CO mini guide to jump-start your vacation planning. It provides streamlined information on how to get to Glenwood Springs, and recommendations on where to stay, eat and play.
Simple and easy to take the guesswork out of your trip.
Mountain Towns in Colorado–The Best and Most Beautiful. The Guide Here!
Directions to Glenwood Springs
Nearest Airport to Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Springs CO is 160 miles, two hours, and a forty-seven-minute drive (give or take depending on weather) west of Denver.
- Aspen 40 miles
- Vail 60 miles
- Grand Junction 85 miles
- Denver 160 miles
- Colorado Springs 220 miles
Within easy driving distance of Denver and Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs is located on the Western Slope between Aspen and Vail off of I-70 along the junction of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the nearest and most convenient airport to access Glenwood Springs. If you would like to fly into Vail County Airport, that is an option but very pricey and flights are limited.
We rent a car at Denver Airport. We recommend Budget Fastbreak. You can enter all your information before arriving, book your car and grab your keys without waiting in those long rental car lines. You just have to show your ID at the gate leaving. It’s one of our favorite travel tips and one of the most convenient.
I always recommend renting a car in Denver. Especially if you are heading up the mountains. It’s the least expensive option and you get to explore more areas of Denver and the Colorado mountains and towns.
If you do not want to drive, there are private shuttle services to the Colorado mountain towns or A Denver to Glenwood Springs bus route provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation. You can find recommended bus schedules and pricing here.
Amtrak has a direct train from Denver to Glenwood Springs for roughly $35-$50 and takes approximately six hours. You can find schedules here.
Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs
I have researched and found the best places to stay in Glenwood. I am providing recommendations on the luxury, mid-range, and budget, accommodations to take a peek at!
Higher Priced.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is world-famous for its enormous mineral hot springs pool that has enchanted visitors since 1888. This resort is also steps away from the center of Glenwood Springs.
This Colorado attraction also is home to the Lodge, Athletic Club, poolside grill, and boutique shop. Every stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge includes admission to the pool and a hot breakfast. Glenwood Hot Springs resort serves as the ideal base camp for one Mother Nature of a good time in Glenwood Springs.
Check Out The Hot Springs Resort >>
Mid-Range.
Hotel Glenwood Springs is the perfect family-friendly hotel for all your Colorado adventures. Whether you want to hit up some skiing, hiking, or biking in the beautiful mountains; enjoy a day at one of many nearby hot springs or play at the only mountainside amusement park, Caverns Amusement Park.
Explore Hotel Glenwood Springs >>
Budget Accommodations.
Glenwood Springs Cedar Lodge. This adorable oasis in the middle of the mountains provides guests with clean rooms and the perfect location for exploring Glenwood Springs. Hiking, biking, skiing, healing mineral waters, caverns, horseback riding, river fun, and more are all within a short distance of this quaint lodge.
Glenwood Springs Cedar Lodge Pricing >>
Where to Eat in Glenwood Springs
Breakfast.
Sweet Coloradough. Stop by one of the best doughnut shops in Colorado for handcrafted donuts, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and bagel sandwiches. We love the cronuts, raised donuts, and The Baby Daddy 🙂 Find the menu and deliciousness here.
Lunch.
Slope & Hatch. Come get some amazing, freshly made tacos with whatever your heart desires. Jerk chicken tacos, shrimp, Calamari, curried lamb, or the best fish tacos in Colorado. Wash down your delightful tacos with an Electric Lemonade or Apple Pie Sangria. It’s the perfect lunch in Glenwood Springs. Find all the taco combinations here. 208 7th St Glenwood Springs.
Dinner.
Co Ranch House. CO Ranch House is a comfortable, intimate tavern serving modern Western cuisine that is family-friendly. The menu is simple and features Colorado beef, elk, Rocky Mountain trout, and venison. Vegetarian items as well. The dining room has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Find the menu here.
Glenwood Springs Insider Food Tip. Glenwood Springs is a Colorado mountain town with a vibrant dining scene and a laid-back atmosphere. Near Bethel Plaza, Seventh Street is known as “restaurant row,” There are plenty of restaurants, places for cocktails or beer, and open-air dining options.
Top Things to Do In Glenwood Springs Colorado
- Glenwood Springs is most famous for its hot springs. There are two main pools – the Iron Mountain Hot Springs and the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. The Iron Mountain Hot Springs are 16 pools that range in temperature from 98-108 degrees Fahrenheit. They are located on the banks of the Colorado River and offer stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. The pools are open year-round and visitors can purchase day passes or annual passes.
- Hanging Lake. Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in America and cannot be missed in Glenwood Spring Co. In the heart of Glenwood Canyon, if you can make the hike, please do. Hanging Lake is a National Natural Landmark with crystal clear waters and gentle waterfalls. Reservations and permits are required per person, winter or summer here.
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is America’s only mountain-top theme park. From thrill rides, Alpine coasters, and a gondola ride to unique cavern tours, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a fun time for any age.
- River Rafting. If you are doing a Colorado summer vacation or getaway, river rafting is a must. You can choose a leisurely river float or get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater tour. The Glenwood Springs scenic canyon half-day float is perfect for those looking to skip the whitewater rafting experiences and instead take a casual float down the Colorado River. The more intense, heart-pumping whitewater tour will navigate you down the Class III-IV Shoshone section of Glenwood Canyon. You can find the recommended tour here.
- The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves were originally used by Ute Indians for healing rituals, but they’ve since been taken over as an exclusive health resort with therapeutic steam naturally coming out from deep underground mineral-rich pockets seeping through three subterranean chambers before filling them up entirely. Visitors can enjoy descending a staircase into the darkness where dim lighting provides peace & relaxation from the hustle above. Spa services are also available. See Yampah Spa here.
- Fishing. The region around Glenwood Springs is home to some of the best fly fishing in the state of Colorado, with many parts of the river labeled Gold Medal waters.
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