Stay + Play: Glenwood Springs
In any season, Glenwood Springs is an easy spot to stop for some fresh mountain air, a good soak and a memorable overnight stay. Few itinerary highlights may be better than an outdoor adventure followed by a visit to natural hot springs, especially when most indoor activity is closed or modified in the era of COVID-19.
“This is just a great mountain town to get away to and relax,” shares Christian Henny, general manager of Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. “If you want to ski and then soak in the hot springs, go up to the adventure park and ride the alpine coaster, there’s so many great things to do here.”
Hotel Photos Courtesy of Hotel Colorado
STAY
Viewable from almost anywhere on the east end of town, the landmark Hotel Colorado is located at 526 Pine Street. This historic property was completed in 1893 and designed in the style of the Villa de Medici in Italy. Fun fact: the same architects who designed the Hotel Colorado also created the Immigration Station at Ellis Island in New York.
While the hotel continues to hold onto many of its roots and feels like a step back in time, new owners have given the property new life, committing all of the hotel’s profits back into it for renovations until it is back to full grandeur and armed with modern amenities. Henny says over $3 million have already been put back into the hotel.
“We are working with the design team right now on the next phase being the guest rooms and the corridors,” shares Henny. “And then we have long-term plans of redoing the lobby, the restaurant and the space downstairs where we would like to do a speakeasy and a tap room. So, we’ve got a lot of great plans.”
The hotel’s spacious lobby is an ideal place to enjoy an evening happy hour by the fireplace with a good book or game of chess. Warmer months bring the property’s dining scene outside onto the terrace, so guests can comfortably enjoy al fresco meals while overlooking Glenwood’s legendary hot springs and downtown riverfront.
PLAY
Plenty of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking in and around town, not to mention rafting and fishing in local rivers. It’s important to note that Glenwood Canyon Bike Path will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns and impacts of the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, but this mountain town is also equipped with some adrenaline-driven attractions that are open and ready for the whole family to enjoy. In fact, Hanging Lake Trail is set to reopen May 1, 2021.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park features a scenic Gondola Ride to the top of Iron Mountain where guests can soak in views, amusement rides, cave tours and more. The Soaring Eagle Zip Ride is a seated zip line that sends riders zooming down the mountain.
Spring skiing can be had at Sunlight Mountain Resort, located 12 miles south of Glenwood Springs. Sunlight is perfect for beginners and intermediates, but there is also diverse expert terrain. The “Ski Swim Stay” package at Hotel Colorado includes a stay at the hotel, Sunlight lift tickets and all-day pool passes to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
SOAK
Speaking of hot springs, in addition to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as the original and most well-known public pool in the area, Iron Mountain Hot Springs opened in 2015 alongside the Colorado River, just west of the main Glenwood highway exit.
The land has been a soaking spot since 1886, when it was made into the West Glenwood Health Spa, and then the Wash Allen Bathhouse in 1908, then the Gamba Mineral Springs in 1943 and, finally, the Fort Defiance Bathhouse in 1992, which was closed in 1996.
The author’s incredible meal at Masala & Curry. Photo by Kim Fuller
This new hot spring features 16 soaking pools and a family pool, a bathhouse with locker rooms, a retail shop and cafe serving food, local beer, wine and spirits.
EAT
As Glenwood Springs redeveloped the downtown riverfront near the railroad station in recent years, many new restaurants have emerged to offer a vibrant mix of options.
The Pullman is a favorite of many, located on Seventh Street, and truly takes new American comfort food to another level. The eatery currently serves dinner from Tuesday through Sunday and brunch on the weekends. Takeaway and curbside delivery are also available. The Pullman’s food and drink menus draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients and everything is served with a dash of decadence.
Ethnic food lovers will swoon over Masala & Curry, located on Cooper Ave. — just around the corner from Glenwood’s “restaurant row.” The cozy spot serves cuisine from Nepal and India, full of authentic spices and rich flavor.
At the time of publication, face coverings are required in downtown Glenwood Springs and within businesses by the state of Colorado and town ordinance. Restaurants are open with limited indoor-outdoor dining options and takeout. The hot springs and Adventure Park are open with capacity restrictions. Read more COVID-19 Status Updates for Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley at visitglenwood.com.
Originally published in the Spring 2021 issue