the wandering chick
...Glenwood Springs
the Spa of the Rockies

Glenwood Springs is not a large city by any means. With a population of less than 10,000 it's a comfortable size and has a lot to offer in the way of sights and activities.

The Glenwood Canyon is a nearby attraction, but the biggest of all is right in the middle of the city: the largest natural hot mineral springs pool in the world. The pool was built in 1890 and it didn't take long for the town to become known as the "Spa in the Rockies." Many of the nation's rich and famous of the day came to Glenwood Springs, including President "Teddy" Roosevelt, President William Taft, and the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. It also attracted infamous gangsters such as Al Capone and Diamond Jack Alterie. "Doc" Holliday came to Glenwood Springs in hopes of curing his tuberculosis by soaking in the hot springs. The waters couldn't help him, and he died here in 1887. Many of the social elite who visited stayed at the exclusive Hotel Colorado, established in 1893.

Glenwood Springs is a stop on the Amtrak line. It has an adventure park, underground vapor caves and fairy caves which all add to the line-up of things to do. It's here that the Roaring Fork River and the great Colorado River merge, making the town a hot spot for kayaking and rafting.

Glenwood Springs is located 150 west of Denver on the Interstate 70 and 40 miles north of Aspen.

GS Train Depot
GS train depot
Glenwood Springs' train depot
The Glenwood Hot Springs
The natural spring that fills the pool pumps in 3.5 million gallons of hot water every day. And, as it says in their brochure, that hasn't changed since 1888.
The Glenwood Hot Springs
The Glenwood Hot Springs
I wasn't allowed in to the pool area without buying a ticket. I just wanted a quick picture from INSIDE the fence. Not sure if I felt more like a criminal or a Peepinig Tom.
The Glenwood Hot Springs
The Glenwood Hot Springs, kid diver
The Glenwood Hot Springs
Not the best form does this kid have, but it was worth a chuckle and a cheap shot.
The Glenwood Hot Springs
The Glenwood Hot Springs
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
The Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado interior foyer
Hotel Colorado
gondola up to Ironwood Mountain
Hotel Colorado outdoor cafe
The gondolas take you up Ironwood Mountain to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Ironwood Mountain
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Ironwood Mountain
With a touch of a western theme and appearance, the adventure park offers great rides for kids and adults alike. It touts the world's highest (in elevation) roller coaster, a zip line, an alpine coaster, and a swing that sends you way too far out over the mountain.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Ironwood Mountain
In the hotel's front courtyard is a café that offers a savory veggie panini. The hamburgers looked pretty good, too. It's a nice setting even if you just have coffee and dessert.
the zip line at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Ironwood Mountain
Mt Sopris from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Ironwood Mountain
The views from Ironwood Mountain and the theme park are pretty incredible. This one of Mount Sopris is looking south into the Roaring Fork Valley. Below, looking down the valley at the mountains that loom over Aspen and Snowmass.
a view of the Roaring Fork Valley from Ironwood Mountain in Glenwood Springs
Looking west from Ironwood Mountain in Glenwood Springs
Looking west from Ironwood Mountain, the Colorado River is in full view as well as a full range of mountain peaks.

To view more pages of the Roaring Fork Valley, click here.

If you'd like to see other regions of Colorado, please return to the Colorado home page.

Or, you may wish to visit a location below.

Coal Ridge

Please visit some of my other travel locations. Feel free to email me if you have questions or comments.

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Coal Ridge west of Glenwood Springs on the I-70
A drive west down the Interstate 70 leaving Glenwood Springs lends this beauiful mountain range I think called Coal Ridge Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. At the foot of it is the Colorado River.
Coal Ridge west of Glenwood Springs on the I-70
Coal Ridge west of Glenwood Springs on the I-70
Coal Ridge west of Glenwood Springs on the I-70