Jamie & Matt
Things To Do
Rio Grande Trail
Built on a former railroad bed, the Rio Grande Trail follows the Roaring Fork River upvalley beginning in Two Rivers Park and ending in Rio Grande Park in Aspen. The path begins about .25 miles from the hotel entrance. Once in the park, the trail begins by taking a left at the bridge that crosses the river. This paved path is an excellent place to ride your bike, walk or run. There are also multiple access points to the trail, but the one listed is closest to the hotel. If you ride the 42 miles to Aspen, you'll have a wonderful downhill ride back as your reward :) Not surprising to many of you, but Jamie has enjoyed multiple long runs on this path in Glenwood Springs and was first introduced to the trail in high school during a 4th of July 5 mile race at altitude!
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail
Carved by the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon presents a multitude of natural beauty, highway engineering feats and hiking trails. Walking distance from the hotel, the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail is a 16 mile paved path (one way) through the canyon to the town of Dotsero. The path starts right after the Yampah Spa at the entrance of the canyon when the road dead ends. While biking, hiking or running, enjoy the scenery and the charred trees are the lasting effects from the 2020 wildfire season. Again, not surprising, Jamie has enjoyed a long run on this path :)
Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop
Interested in biking on either the Rio Grande Trail or the Glenwood Canyon Rec Path? Stop by the Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop, just steps away from the hotel in downtown Glenwood Springs to rent your perfect bike!
Hanging Lake Hike
Hanging Lake is a fragile ecological system and this hike has been on our list for years. The trail is finally re-opening in July! You MUST make a reservation and purchase a permit for $12/person. Reservations are open now, too! This 1.2 mile (one way) hike is considered moderate to strenuous, and the maximum elevation is just over 7,000ft, so make sure that you pack plenty of water and snacks.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
One of our favorite places to relax after a day of skiing, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the banks for the Colorado River and have multiple natural minerals pools of varying temperatures. Recently re-modeled, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a short drive from the hotel and reservations are required to visit. There is also a discount provided by Hotel Colorado.
Glenwood Springs Hot Springs
Steps from the hotel is Colorado's first and largest hot springs pool. There's a pool for all ages and there are built in massage chairs in one of the pools. Similar to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, these are natural hot springs with pools of varying temperatures. There is also a discount provided by Hotel Colorado.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Experience the thrill of riding a rollercoaster on top of a mountain and discover caves right in downtown Glenwood Springs. Enjoy a gondola ride to the top of the mountain where you'll step out in the adventure park!
Aspen Art Museum
For Matt’s Architecture Friends and anyone else interested in architecture: You knew Matt would find a way to sneak at least one mass timber building onto the things to do list! (Pause for eye rolling) But seriously, this Shigeru Ban designed structure really is an architectural gem. The facade is composed of a basket weave of resin core wood laminations that create an incredible screen effect for the gallery spaces within, particularly at night. An elegant indoor/outdoor circulation scheme wraps the simple the unadorned galleries, allowing the art and timber to remain center focus. The roof is topped with a free span space frame, showcasing one of the best examples of mass timber design and fabrication in North America. Best of all it’s free! Highly recommend the 45 minute drive from Glenwood Springs to see this beautiful masterpiece.
Scenic Gondola Ride
Aspen is the first place that Jamie visited in Colorado and fell in love with the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen Mountain (locally called Ajax) is also the first place that Jamie skied in Colorado. Since her first trip, she and Matt have visited all 4 Aspen ski mountains during their skiing adventures. In the summer, you can ride up the Silver Queen Gondola and take in the views of town and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, enjoy a meal at the Sundeck before heading back down into the heart of Aspen. Similar to the Art Museum, this is a 45 minute drive from Glenwood Springs!
Maroon Bells Hike
Are you interested in a short and casual hike to one of the most famous Aspen landmarks? The Maroon Bells are 14ers (mountains that are over 14,000ft high), so they make a gorgeous backdrop for Maroon Lake. We don't recommend hiking Maroon Bells because it's a dangerous hike, but we do recommend walking around Maroon Lake. If you're looking for a non-hiking option, Maroon Lake is a great picnic spot! Reservations are required to visit Maroon Lake and the reservation system is open now. To access Maroon Lake, you'll need to take a shuttle from the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort Village. Maroon Lake is a short walk from the shuttle stop. In addition, the 4 Pass Loop is a famous backpacking route that begins and ends at Maroon Lake. Believe it or not, Jamie has hiked the entire route during her first Aspen trip in high school!
John Denver Sanctuary
One of our favorite spots along the Roaring Fork River to reflect and enjoy John Denver's lyrics. An Aspen visit isn't complete without a visit to the John Denver Sanctuary. Located on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, there are walking opportunities along the rec path once you've enjoyed the sanctuary. In addition, there's a parking garage (Rio Grande Parking) located across the street from Rio Grande Park and close to the John Denver Sanctuary.
Coors Field
Our recommendations list wouldn't be complete without mentioning catching a Rockies game at Coors Field. Matt and Jamie enjoy their summer nights at Coors Field with friends, family and date nights :)