At the head of the Aspen Valley is Glenwood Springs; a hidden gem that promises adventure, relaxation, and a touch of history. Famous for its rejuvenating hot springs, this vibrant town offers more than just a warm soak—it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and food lovers alike.
From scenic trails and unique museums to mouthwatering eateries and picturesque parks, Glenwood Springs is the perfect first stop on your journey through one of Colorado’s most beautiful valleys. Whether you’re hiking along mountain trails, exploring the rich history of Doc Holliday, or savoring local flavors, Glenwood Springs has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the best things to do in this charming mountain town!
Fun things to do in Glenwood Springs:
Feed Fish at the local Glenwood Fish Hatchery
My toddler’s absolute favorite thing to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is to feed fish at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery. This fish hatchery is located on the northern side of Glenwood, hidden in the mountain. As you pull up, you will park next to giant tanks that swoop down the hillside. In each of these tanks is a hundreds of Rainbow Trout fish.
While visiting the the hatchery and admiring the fish is free, feeding them is will cost 25 cents a handful. There are little coin feed machines set up, so bring quarters because there is no way to get them up by the hatchery. You will not want to miss feeding them, it is too much fun! As you throw the food in the fish go crazy, jumping out of the water and swarming towards you. My toddlers thought it was hilarious!!
Location: 1342 Co Rd 132, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Hike Olsen trail
Olsen Trail is a branch off of the Wulfsohn trail and is a 1.2 mile hike, there and back, along the mountainside. It has a beautiful view of west Glenwood Springs. It was an easy hike, and for the most part pretty flat! There is a little bit of an drop on the edge of the trail, but you are on a mountainside so that is to be expected. The trail was very clearly marked and not really steep. It would be a great trail to going running on!
Price: FREE
Amenities: parking is in the Glenwood Rec Center parking lot, no restrooms, dogs on leash allowed
Soak in the Warm Water at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Glenwood Hot Springs is the number one attraction in Glenwood Springs that the whole family will absolutely love! Multiple pools, a kids splash zone, a splash pad fountain that lights up at night, and a new white water river chute ride. It is both a place to relax and soothe the body as well as have a TON of fun!
Obviously it being a hot springs you will leave smelling like sulfur from the natural spring water, but it is so relaxing! The pools aren’t deep and there are life guards; so it is a very safe pool for kids not to mention fun. The locker rooms are pretty big and have plenty of showers and changing areas. (Bring a towel, they are not provided)
Location: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Items for swimming with kids at the Hot Springs:
- Floats: Floats are not provided so if your child can’t swim, bring your own.
- Beach Towel: The resort does not supply these, so bring your own towels.
- Body Wash/Shampoo: The pools reek of sulfur and you will too as soon as you leave. There are showers in the locker room and unless you want to smell like sulfur for the rest of the day I suggest you use it.
Visit The Doc Holliday Museum
Bullocks Country Store is a beautiful store with all varieties of country clothing, hats, souvenirs, and artwork. My kids favorite was that it is had quite a few taxidermy animals on display. This is where you will buy tickets to head down to the Doc Holliday Museum.
I am not going to sugar coat it, this museum is one room. The room is past the swinging doors in a room covered in art. The one room museum is filled with artifacts from the gunslinger, Doc Holliday’s life. Enjoy movie clips about him and articles about his life. Not the most thrilling museum, but if you enjoy history, it is a good little exhibit.
Location: 732 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Hike Up To Doc Holliday’s Grave
The history of Doc Holliday is very rich in Glenwood Springs, even his grave is located here. There is a short trail about 0.7 miles there and back, that will take you to the gravesite. This trail isn’t a long trail, but it is uphill and very rocky.
The trail does get steep in some parts, but only for a very short distance. You will have a beautiful view of all of Glenwood and have the chance to visit a historical figures grave. Doc Holliday’s grave is at the end of the cemetery, by the flag pole.
About 3/4ths of the way up you will pass Annie’s Wishing Tree! A local resident had cancer and everyday she would walk up the trail, write a wish, a dream, a name, or a prayer on a piece of paper and using a ribbon would tie it to the tree. Over time the children’s hospital would send her wishes to tie to the tree. That woman has beat cancer, but the tradition of adding wishes and prayers to the tree still goes on. This tree is a symbolism of happiness and hope, so grab some ribbon, write down your wish, and add it to the tree!
Amenities: no restrooms, limited street parking, dogs allowed on leash, 2 benches along the trail
Trail Information:
Swim at the Glenwood Springs Community Center
Due to the cold weather in the valley, swimming is not always the most enjoyable activity outside, but inside it can still be a blast! The Community Center in Glenwood Springs is pretty much a recreation center with a climbing wall, gym, and best part of all the aquatic center.
The aquatic center consists of 2 sections, a lap pool and a children’s play area. The play area is about a knee length pool with a large slide and a pole of cups that dump water. It is almost like a beach as the water declines deeper and deeper. It also has a couple of splash areas that spray water. Perfect for little toddlers!
Location: 100 Wulfsohn Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Explore the Cardiff Coke Ovens
Coke Ovens were built in the 1800s to burn the impurities out of coal and now there are just remnants in the mountainside. A very beautiful remnant if I do say so. The trail is very short and takes you right in front of the coke ovens. Unlike other coke ovens in the area, you are allowed to actually go in these ones and look up close at them. I will warn you right now if you go in, prepare to come out black from the coal remnants.
Tips: Wear long pants and closed toed shoes. The trail has brush over grown that will cut your calves and the ovens are really dirty. Unless you want dirty feet, wear closed toed shoes.
Amenities: no restrooms, limited parking, dogs allowed
Location: 1131-1175 Airport Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Hike the Wulfsohn Trails
On the northwestern side of Glenwood Springs is a series of trails all connected together alongside the mountain. There are 7 trail options to pick from. Pick and choose which trails you want to take in and around the base of the red mountains.
I highly suggest you download the AllTrails app so that you can navigate along the trails. It is very easy to get mixed up in these trails. These are great trails in the spring time to find wildflowers! These trails are very easy too, most of the trails are gravel, but some are dirt and rock. Mostly pretty flat.
Amenities: no restrooms, parking at the Rec Center, dogs on leash allowed
Trail Information:
Hike The Cardiff Trail
Glenwood Springs has one of the most beautiful red mountain ranges bordering it. Cardiff Trail is a super short hike for a gorgeous view of these breathtaking mountains. The trail starts next to some apartments and is pretty much up hill the entire way and then down hill the entire way back. Not hard, but like I said you are going up. It is a very rocky and uneven trail though so hiking boots are advised!
Website: https://www.aspentrailfinder.com/cardiff-trail/
Price: FREE
Amenities: no restrooms, no parking, no benches
Restaurants You Have To Try In Glenwood Springs:
Chomp’s Deli
(Sandwiches)
Just hit the Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs and are lookin for a close and delicious place to eat! Walk next door and try a local favorite deli, Chomps! These delicious sandwiches on freshly baked bread are filled with amazing flavors! I had the corned beef and Swiss, and no other sandwich will ever measure up in my eyes now! So if you’re looking for some good food in Glenwood Springs stop on by and chomp down at the Chomp!
Location: 216 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Sweet Coloradough
(Doughnuts and Sandwiches)
A sweet stop for some fancy doughnuts in Glenwood Springs. This is the THING to do in Glenwood. So treat yourself to some doughnuts that are literally bigger than my 22 month old son’s head! They do have sandwiches and souvenirs too.
Grind
(Burgers and Bar)
Behold the beauty of the HogFather!! If you are looking for a beef burger, lamb burger, pork burger, or even a black bean burger, then the Grind in Glenwood Springs is the place for you! Truly creative burgers! Mine was stuffed with Italian dressing, pepperoncini, and pepperonis! Such an odd combination for a tasty burger!
Slope And Hatch
(Hot Dogs and Tacos)
Just the coolest hot dogs I have ever seen! Slope and Hatch in Glenwood Springs is famous for their hot dogs and tacos! I had myself the Carolina Dog covered in coleslaw, BBQ sauce, and pulled pork! What is not to love about that!?
Location: 208 7th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Vicco’s Charcoal Burger Drive In
(Burgers and Milkshakes)
We had the best burgers in Glenwood Springs at Vicco’s Charcoal Burger Drive In! This restaurant is a Glenwood classic dating back to 1953! Choose between a beef burger, elk, turkey, buffalo, veggie, or chicken! I had a regular beef burger Char Melt and it was amazing! A fun outdoor 50s drive in even with malts and shakes! For other amazing burgers, click here.
Location: 51659 Hwy 6, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Sundae
I can not go anywhere without knowing where the local ice cream shops are. This happens to be our favorite ice cream shop in the Glenwood Spring! The set up of the shop is modern and so cute! There are upside down ice cream chairs outdoor if you would rather eat outside. There is a wide variety of delicious flavors and an amazing cone selection. Best treat for a hot summers day!
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Best Playgrounds/Parks To Visit In Glenwood Springs:
Play In The River At Two Rivers Park
This park had absolutely everything! It is right next to the gondolas heading up to the adventure park. It has a super fun playground, a baseball field, a trail around the park, a skateboard arena, a rafting ramp, a memorial, a beach, and picnic tables. This park is huge!
The big hits for my little ones were the rocking dinosaur and the big rocks to climb surrounding the playground. There is a beautiful view of the mountains from the riverside and though the water is ice cold, feel free to jump in for a swim at the Colorado version of a beach!
Location: 740 Devereux Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Amenities: plenty of parking, parking for trailers, rafting boat ramp, restrooms, changing areas, pavilion with picnic tables, playground, baseball field, skateboard arena, memorial, beach, walking trail
Walk around Sullivan Park For Gorgeous Views
There is sadly no playground, but there are 2 baseball fields, a basketball court and some really fun hills for toddlers to run or roll down. Perfect place to walk your dog which seems to be the biggest hit at this park. You will have a beautiful view of Mt Sopris and of the red rock mountains. The park is right by a private airport and so you will get a close view of the small airplanes taking off and landing. It is a very open park and a very active one.
Location: 1500 Mt Sopris Dr, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Amenities: restrooms, small parking area, small basketball court, 2 baseball fields, free doggie bags, walking trail
Play On The River Beach At Veltus Park
The playground is fun, but the river running by it is the best part! Free swimming!! With 2 little beach areas and huge rocks to climb it is a toddler heaven! The rocks are lined up through the river to calm the water in the beach areas. There is also a basketball court, a volley ball court, and trails around the park. This playground is wonderful on a hot day because it is surrounded by trees!
The river is deep and the current is strong at this park, make sure you have some of these in case your toddler falls in!
Location: 901 Midland Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Amenities: restrooms, 3 parking lots, basketball court, volley ball court, walking trail, 2 beach areas, pavilion with picnic tables, playground, tennis court, baby swings
How To Spend Christmas In Glenwood Springs:
Visit the hundreds of Christmas Trees At Hotel Colorado
The most festive place in Glenwood. Come and see the dozens of decorated Christmas trees they have set up all throughout the hotel. The whole hotel is filled with snowman, decorative presents, gingerbread houses, Santa clauses, and lights. Not only are there lights inside, but there are lights outside as well. A beautiful and free attraction during the holidays.
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