Bryan & Tayler
Things To Do
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
For a more tranquil hot springs experience, the best place to visit is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The 16 hot spring pools are set majestically on the side of a hill overlooking the Colorado River, with mountains as a backdrop. You'll have your choice of pools to soak in; each has its own specific temperature, look, and feel. If you are feeling too hot, head to a cooler pool. Food and drinks are available, and you can consume your beverage while bathing in the pools.
Hanging Lake Trail
Hanging Lake is a Colorado treasure located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon. This National Natural Landmark features awe-inspiring scenery and gentle waterfalls! The Hanging Lake trail is a backcountry hike. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, please be advised that if you have physical limitations, you will find the hike challenging. At the beginning and end of the hiking trail it is steep, rugged and rocky. In just over a mile, the trail gains elevation of 1200 feet. Reservations are required.
Paddle Board at Harvey Gap Reservoir
If you're excited about paddleboarding you can do this right on Harvey Gap Reservoir (right below Vista View Events!) or at Rifle Gap Reservoir which is just a few minutes down the road.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the home of the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. The historic thermal spring water has been drawing visitors from all over the world since 1888. The source of the Glenwood Hot Springs’ mineral water is the Yampah spring which produces over 3.5 million gallons of water per day at a temperature of 122°F. In addition to being the largest mineral pool in the world, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the hottest in Colorado.
Rifle Falls State Park
The falls is a lush area of trees and greenery kept moist by the spray of the cascading triple waterfall. Picnicking near the falls is very popular. Mysterious limestone caves beneath the falls entice spelunkers and other curious visitors to explore their dark depths.
Whitewater Rafting
Mild to wild, a rafting trip in Glenwood Springs will no doubt be a memorable one. Glenwood Springs’ commercial rafting companies offer a variety of excursions, typically half-day or full day trips. You can also find options that include multiple runs of more thrilling rapids or rafting combos with activities like ziplining, horseback riding or cycling.
Yampah Vapor Caves Spa & Salon
Another unique hot-spring-related activity is a visit to the Vapor Caves. These sauna-like natural caves are full of steam from the hot spring waters, which flow along a channel in the floor at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The caves themselves are about 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and marble benches and slabs are available to sit or lie down upon. Other spa services are also available for an additional fee.
Glenwood Springs Zipline Adventures - Colorado Adventure Center
Experience the rockies from a new height!
Winery Tours
Palisade, CO is the famous home for over 25 Colorado wineries. The perfect weather, subtle breezes and artesian wells provide a premier environment for vast acres of vineyards to grow. Visitors to Palisade can enjoy guided wine tours, learn about the process of winemaking, enjoy music in the Colorado vineyards or rent a bike for an amazing adventure through the fruit and wine byway.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park is located on a mountaintop, accessible only via gondola. Once you step off the gondola at the top, you will find yourself in a wonderland of fun. The park has several highlights, but one of the main draws is the adventure rides, which include a rollercoaster on a cliff edge and a giant canyon swing! Not to be forgotten are the spectacular caverns, which feature incredible rock formations. Two self-guided tours are available and included with your admission. Guided Wild Cave tours are available by reservation only and have an additional cost.
Jess Weaver Trail (AKA No Name Trail)
This is a 9 mile (you can opt for less) out-and-back trail rated as moderate. It follows No Name Creek and is considered to be one of the best hikes in Glenwood Canyon. Highlights of the trail include beautiful stream-side hiking, with frequent crossings from one bank to the other, and waterfall views. The No Name/Jess Weaver trail is also notable as one of the more popular climbing destinations in the Glenwood Springs area. The first half mile of this route passes several large granite cliffs on both sides of the creek. We recommend downloading the app, AllTrails, to get more specific information about this and other hikes in the area!
Visit the Glenwood Whitewater Park
Here, the rushing waters of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers combine, leading to incredible opportunities to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, or go whitewater rafting. White water rafting is popular in the Glenwood Springs area, and the season is one of the longest in the state. At the Whitwater Park you'll find a variety of water features, including a standing "G-Wave," a smaller standing wave, a "hole," and learning pools. If you've got some time, wander down and grab a seat in the viewing area to watch the kayakers do their tricks.
Eat in Glenwood Springs
*Slope & Hatch - cool counter-serve spot with New American food *The Pullman - innovative twists on New American comfort food & cocktails in an industrial setting *Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse - traditional American meat & seafood chophouse in Western-themed space *Co. Ranch House - cute and quaint Western-inspired decor with modern takes on traditional American fare *Rocky Mountain Pizza Co. - exposed-brick parlor with creative pizza by the pie or slice, plus sandwiches, and salads *Sweet Coloradough - bakery with lots of breakfast and lunch options, and donuts!! *Smoke Modern BBQ - casual contemporary kitchen with BBQ, creative Mac ’n cheese, and sandwiches *Native Son Restaurant & Bar - global fare in cozy, rustic setting
Shop in Downtown Glenwood Springs
Downtown Glenwood Springs offers an array of shops, all within walking distance to the hotels we’ve recommended. Leave time for some retail therapy, or at least a leisurely stroll through downtown Glenwood Springs shopping district between Grand and Cooper Avenues, 7th and 11th Streets or across the pedestrian bridge along 6th Street. Downtown Glenwood Springs stores offer an eclectic retail mix that includes a book shop, outfitters, boutiques, art galleries, thrift stores, clothing shops, and sweet shops.