The Ute Indians knew what was
good for them, and they congregated, for many years, at
the hot springs near the confluence of the Colorado and
Roaring Fork rivers. In the 1880s, the springs became a
hot spot for high society after wealthy miners
"discovered" the springs and made them their own.
The scions of America's great families
stayed at the famous Hotel Colorado where the waters
could be taken amidst top class service and all the
luxuries of home. Now, the ski resort of Aspen is just
down the road and Sunlight is even closer, summer rafters
come to float the Colorado River through the Glenwood
Canyon, and the springs continue to attract visitors
to Glenwood Springs.
Glenwood Springs Snow
Information |
Alpine and cross country skiing are enjoyed
at the local
Sunlight Ski Area. Ten miles of
groomed Nordic trails are accessible from the ski area
base and from at least two of the chair lifts. Lessons
and equipment are available. A warming hut is located in
Upper Meadow, with a backcountry cabin sleeping eight
people ($40 a night). The downhill ski area has a
vertical drop of 2,010 feet, with 440 acres of skiable
terrain. The normal season lasts from December to April,
and a shuttle service is available from town. For skiing
and shuttle information, call (970) 945-7491 or
800-445-7931.
Built more than 100 years ago, Glenwood
Hot Springs Pool is touted as the "world's largest
outdoor mineral hot springs pool". Actually, there are
two pools. The small pool is heated to 104 degrees while
the large pool is heated to 90 degrees. Bathing suits and
towels may be rented and there is a restaurant on the
site. In summer months, the pools are open daily. From
September through May, the facility is closed the second
Wednesday of each month. The Vapor Caves are located next
to the hot pools and provide steam bathing as well as a
spa program. The caves are open daily, year round except
on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The pools and caves are
located at 709 East 6th Street.
There are other caves near the town which
offer spelunking adventure. Some of the caves are inside
Iron Mountain, to the north of town. Across the river is Hubbard's Cave. For touring information, contact
Timberline Grotto (970) 945 5053. There are two golf
courses in Glenwood Springs (four if you count the two
naturally landscaped mini-golf courses at Johnson Park). Glenwood Springs Golf Club is an excellent 9 hole
course with a pro shop, driving range and restaurant.
It's on Highway 6. The Westbank Ranch Golf Course (at 1007 Westbank Rd.) also has nine holes with carts
available.
Alpine and cross country skiing are enjoyed
at the local
Sunlight Ski Area. Ten miles of
groomed Nordic trails are accessible from the ski area
base and from at least two of the chair lifts. Lessons
and equipment are available. A warming hut is located in
Upper Meadow, with a backcountry cabin sleeping eight
people ($40 a night). The downhill ski area has a
vertical drop of 2,010 feet, with 440 acres of skiable
terrain. The normal season lasts from December to April,
and a shuttle service is available from town. For skiing
and shuttle information, call (970) 945-7491 or
800-445-7931.
16 miles northwest of town, via Interstate
70 and Elk Creek Rd., the White River National
Forest has an excellent trail system which leads
through Flat Tops Wilderness.
The downhill slopes of Aspen
and Snowmass are about 42 miles south of Glenwood
Springs via Highway 82
