Cool things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs is such a fun Colorado getaway! I went with my mom over the weekend and what a fun girls trip, especially. If you're thinking of going, here are some cool things you should check out:
Hotel Colorado
Pros:
Oh my gosh what a beautiful old historic hotel. You feel like you're really somewhere special. This place just oozes character. The lobby is beautiful, and relaxing in wooden chairs in the courtyard under the enormous shade trees—or if it's cool by the fire pits—is a must. You can get some good food in the courtyard too, and a drink (alcoholic or not) from the friendly bartender at the pretty outdoor bar. Super friendly staff all around. I love how it feels like a real Colorado destination. And the stuffed animals (bear, moose, etc) in the lobby--I know they bother some people (I'm an animal lover, too)--but they sure lend this place character. Also all the historic photos...love...
Cons:
A little on the pricy side. And the rooms are definitely nice but little details could be updated/made nicer. No A/C which I don't mind, with windows and fans it's very comfortable but my husband doesn't want to stay in the summer...
Yampah Vapor Caves and Spa
Pros:
A really unique experience...like a steam room but it's natural and down underground in caves. It's super hot and you can't stay in long, but there are tubs you can fill with ice-cold water to help you stand the heat a little longer. Also there's a solarium upstairs where you can very comfortably rest between trips to the caves. This is one of my "must dos" every time I come to Glenwood. Oh and their massages are some of the best I've ever had in my whole entire life...HUGELY recommended...
Cons:
This place is VERY clean but if you're scared of germs it might not be the place for you...it's just so moist everywhere...and the water in the tubs is dumped out between people but the tubs are not washed...I don't mind all this at all, and like I said, it's very clean, but I know some people are more germ-phobic than I am. Also, the last 2 times I've gone I've had a headache after, even though I'm drinking tons of water...I do stay in the caves until I can no longer stand it, though...
Downtown Shopping
Book Train and Elizabeth Dean Boutique (e.d.b.) are places I spent a little money this past trip. I'm not a huge shopping person but I do like a little...and there was just enough for an hour or two. The other store I would hugely recommend here is Summit Canyon Mountaineering...a little local business and they do a great job...
Pros:
Book Train had a nice selection of books and a TON of magazines. I almost always get my books at the library so buying a book felt like such a huge treat. e.d.b.--oh my gosh, the displays throughout the stores are divine! Just looking around was so fun. I also found a big blue-and-gold bag I can use for library books, super cute and very reasonably priced...
Cons:
Book Train is a pretty standard book store...
CO Ranch House
Pros:
My husband and I first went here a few months ago and had an absolute feast at the bar. We hadn't eaten all day and the bartender totally set us up with appetizers, entrees, dessert. My mom and I went back on this trip and sat outside on their lovely patio and indulged a little less. The food was fantastic both times, the service super friendly, the decor is amazing, it's got such a great authentic Colorado feel to it...
Cons:
Is it a con that their drinks are really strong? I couldn't drink more than half my yummy margarita the other night...
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Pros:
This is a fairly new place, and I love the traditional Glenwood Springs Hot Springs, but this was down by the river and felt like it was a little more for grownups, which is a plus when you're out of town taking a break from the kids. There are a dozen or so rock pools all different temperatures and you can look out over the river and it's crowded (or was the summer Saturday night we went), but the people there are super friendly, so...
Cons:
Kind of pricy ($25/person). SUPER crowded on a summer Saturday night...
Hanging Lake
Pros:
This is an iconic Colorado hike and I'd never done it. And wow, it didn't disappoint. It's strenuous but short, and ends at such a magnificent lake...and then there's Sprouting Rock with the waterfall coming out of it...and beautiful little mossy streams and canyon views the whole way up and down...just spectacular...
Cons:
SUPER crowded. We knew it got crowded in the summer but figured if we got up there by 7:30 AM or so we'd be fine. Wrong. We waited in line for parking for an hour and a half, and then the trail was super crowded, too. But the wait was fine because my mom and I were happy talking, and the crowds...well, that's what happens in the summer. If I came again I would do it spring or fall on a weekday...
In Sum
Glenwood is such a cool, funky, authentic Colorado town. I love it there. If you're thinking about going, do it!
People who've know Glenwood--any "musts" that I should check out next trip?
XOXO
