Destination Glenwood Springs

by Vicky Nash

Water may be the best element at a meeting in Glenwood Springs. Aquatic attractions are abundant in this mountain resort town with three hot springs attractions, two rivers, and pristine Hanging Lake.

The beautiful Hanging Lake is one of Glenwood Springs many water features. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

The beautiful Hanging Lake is one of Glenwood Springs many water features. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

Thermal hot springs have drawn groups to this place for hundreds of years. Ute Indians were the first to gather here for sacred healing rituals. In the late 19th century, developers harnessed these waters to create a destination known as the Spa in the Rockies. The facilities in operation today successfully combine historic characteristics with modern amenities. The iconic Glenwood Hot Springs, established in 1888, is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world.

Glenwood Hot Springs is the world's largest hot springs. Courtesy Glenwood Hot Springs.

Glenwood Hot Springs is the world’s largest hot springs. Courtesy Glenwood Hot Springs.

Next door, Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is a naturally occurring underground steam bath. Opened in summer 2015, Iron Mountain Hot Springs features 16 soaking pools built on a former bathhouse property along the Colorado River.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs opened in 2015 and overlooks the Colorado River. Courtesy Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs opened in 2015 and overlooks the Colorado River. Courtesy Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

Located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, between its famous neighbors Aspen and Vail, Glenwood Springs is 160 miles west of Denver and 90 miles east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70. There are a variety of unique hotels and venues that can host groups, along with a vibrant downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants and a microbrewery.

Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

On the horizon is the downtown Cooper Commons project, a Colorado Mountain College and Garfield County Libraries collaboration that was recently awarded a $750,000 Garfield Federal Mineral Lease District grant to design a flexible 13,000-square-foot meeting, program, classroom, gallery and office space with a capacity of 480 people.

Whitewater rafting can kick-start any event. Professional outfitters guide paddlers through scenic Glenwood Canyon over rapids named Baptism, Entrance Exam, Tuttle’s Tumble, Marty’s Diner, Pinball, The Wall, Tombstone, Superstition and Man-eater.

Whitewater rafting through the Glenwood Canyon. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

Whitewater rafting through the Glenwood Canyon. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

For additional exploration and adventure, go to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a Western-themed park noted for its pristine cave formations and a host of thrill rides including America’s highest elevation roller coaster, the Giant Canyon Swing and the Glenwood Canyon Flyer. Activities like laser tag are fun for team-building, and there are admission and meal plans for groups to enjoy a day of fun.

Enjoying a cave tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

Enjoying a cave tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

The heart-pumping Giant Canyon Swing at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com.

The heart-pumping Giant Canyon Swing at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Courtesy VisitGlenwood.com. 

With vast tourism industry experience and a passion for travel, Vicky Nash, owner of Resort Trends, Inc. in Glenwood Springs, specializes in communications and content writing for destination organizations, resorts, attractions and hotels such as Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.