"I didn’t know water could be this clear. Or a hike this worth it." That was my thought standing at the edge of Hanging Lake, watching the turquoise pool ripple beneath a lace of waterfalls. I’d come to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, chasing fresh air, canyon views, and a long soak—but what I found was a town that knows how to balance adrenaline with rest, challenge with reward.
Best Things to Do in Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Canyon
I began the day driving through Glenwood Canyon, where the Colorado River snakes between towering rock walls. It’s one of those places that makes you roll down the windows just to let the scale of it all sink in. I stopped at a few turnouts just to take it in—layers of rock history stacked like a textbook you actually want to read. "If I were a river, I’d want to live here too," I thought.
Grizzly Creek Trail
First hike of the day: Grizzly Creek Trail. It runs right through the canyon with the river beside you and cliffs pressing in above. The air smelled of pine and wet stone. Birds flitted between the cottonwoods, and the rush of water never really left your ears. The trail climbed gently but consistently—enough to get your heart going without stealing your breath. It felt like a warm-up for something bigger.
Hanging Lake Trail
And then came the main event—Hanging Lake Trail. It’s steep. It’s rocky. And it’s absolutely worth every switchback. The final ascent opens to a boardwalk surrounding that unreal, emerald-blue lake. Waterfalls spill from moss-covered cliffs. It’s quiet, sacred almost. I stood still, hands on my hips, just breathing it in. "This isn’t a view. It’s a reward," I thought.
Lunch at Smoke Modern BBQ
Post-hike hunger hit hard, so I headed straight to Smoke Modern BBQ downtown. I ordered the brisket sandwich with sweet potato fries and a side of house-made pickles. The brisket was smoked low and slow—tender with a bark that cracked just right. The sauce had a little heat, the fries were crisp and cinnamon-dusted, and the pickles cut through it all like a cold beer for your taste buds. It was bold, messy, and exactly what I needed after those trails.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
After lunch, I slipped into a swimsuit and made my way to the legendary Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The steam rising off the massive outdoor pool felt like permission to stop. I floated, weightless and warm, muscles surrendering after miles of trail. Around me, families laughed, couples leaned back into the heat, and the mountains framed it all like a postcard. The scent of minerals mixed with sunshine, and everything slowed down to a perfect drift.
Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail
Once I was fully thawed, I rented a bike and coasted along the Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail. It winds right through the canyon, following the river with almost no incline—just pure scenic joy. Every turn revealed a new cliff face, a new bend in the river. I rode past rafters shouting joyfully in the whitewater, and stopped now and then just to watch the sunlight flash on the water.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
As evening approached, I took the gondola up to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The view alone was worth the ride—Glenwood Springs below, wrapped in river and rock. I explored the caves first—cool, damp, and surreal, filled with ancient limestone shapes and shadows. Then I caught a thrill or two on the mountaintop rides, laughing harder than I had in weeks. There's something wonderfully strange about screaming joyfully 1,300 feet above the canyon floor.
Storm King Mountain Trail
The next morning, I hiked the Storm King Mountain Trail—a tribute to the firefighters lost in the 1994 South Canyon Fire. It’s a sobering climb, steep and exposed, with memorial crosses along the ridge. The views are sweeping, and the trail is raw and respectful. I paused more than once, not just to catch my breath but to take in the weight of the place. "Some hikes are for joy," I thought, "this one is for remembrance."
Glenwood Springs At a Glance
- Drive Time from Denver: ~2.5 hours west
- Vibe: Rugged, restorative, adrenaline-meets-tranquility
- Highlights: Iconic hot springs, epic canyon views, challenging hikes, mountaintop fun
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall; fall for fewer crowds and golden aspens
- Cost: Moderate to high; park access free, pool ~$40, bike rentals ~$30, Adventure Park ~$50–$60
- Hours: Trails dawn to dusk; pool and park hours vary by season
- Address Base: Start at Glenwood Hot Springs (401 N River St) and build your day from there
How to Get to Glenwood Springs, CO
- If you are traveling by car: Glenwood Springs is located off I-70, about 2.5 hours west of Denver and 1.5 hours from Grand Junction.
- By Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops in downtown Glenwood Springs, offering scenic rides from Denver or points west.
- By Air: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is about 45 minutes away, or fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and drive or take the train.
Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs, CO
- Recommended for Families: Hotel Glenwood Springs – Family-friendly with an indoor water park and walking distance to the Caverns Adventure Park.
- For Couples: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort – Includes access to the hot springs pool and has cozy rooms with views.
- For a Historic Stay: Hotel Colorado – A grand 1893 hotel with Victorian elegance and legendary charm.
Final Thoughts
Glenwood Springs didn’t ask me to choose between thrill and peace—it handed me both and said, “Go ahead.” It’s a place where every climb has a view, every soak earns its stillness, and every meal feels like the most satisfying reward. I came back sore, full, and a little sun-kissed. And I already know I’ll return the next time I need that particular blend of effort and ease.