Information
City: Glenwood SpringsCountry: USA Colorado
Continent: North America
Glenwood Springs, USA Colorado, North America
Overview
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a historic mountain town where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet, tucked between sheer canyon walls and wrapped in the green sweep of the White River National Forest.Glenwood Springs, with its steaming hot springs and rust-red cliffs, sits at the crossroads between the high Rockies and the Western Slope, weaving together outdoor thrills, wellness retreats, railroad history, and the easy warmth of a small Western town.Sitting 5,761 feet above sea level in Garfield County, at the western mouth of Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs lies roughly 40 miles northwest of Aspen and 90 miles east of Grand Junction.Rugged cliffs rise above evergreen forests, high mesas stretch toward the horizon, and river valleys cut through the terrain.The Colorado River pushes west through the canyon while the Roaring Fork rushes in from Aspen to meet it, a confluence that blends alpine ecosystems, high desert plateaus, and lush riparian corridors into one striking landscape.Glenwood Springs enjoys a semi-arid mountain climate with four distinct seasons-warm, dry summers in the 80s°F (27–32°C) and low humidity, winters milder than nearby high-altitude towns with frequent snow and afternoons in the 30s–40s°F (0–7°C), and colorful spring and fall days when blossoms and golden aspens brighten the streets-plus more than 280 days of sunshine each year, making it a welcoming destination any time.Glenwood Springs began as Ute land, where the tribe gathered at steaming hot springs believed to heal the body.In the 1880s, silver fever brought settlers who named the place Defiance, though the founder’s wife later changed it to Glenwood Springs after her Iowa hometown.The mineral-rich waters soon turned the town into a health and leisure retreat.In 1887, gunslinger Doc Holliday-Wyatt Earp’s friend-died here and was laid to rest in Linwood Cemetery.With rail lines cutting through and trade routes passing by, the town flourished on both tourism and commerce.Glenwood Springs blends geothermal bliss with mountain-town energy, from the brick storefronts and old saloons along Grand Avenue to the sweeping vistas atop Red Mountain.Stroll past the 1893 Hotel Colorado, cross the pedestrian bridge for river views and café tables in the sun, or wander South Glenwood’s quiet streets lined with parks and schools.Shop at Glenwood Meadows, pick up supplies in West Glenwood’s big-box stores, then head for the trails-whether it’s the turquoise waters of Hanging Lake, the switchbacks to Red Mountain’s overlook, or a quick climb to Doc Holliday’s grave.Cycle the Glenwood Canyon path beside rushing river water, raft the Colorado’s rapids, or ski Sunlight Mountain just 12 miles away.Soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool, slip into Iron Mountain’s riverfront baths, or breathe the subterranean steam of Yampah’s caves.Above town, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park tempts with cliff‑edge rides at 7,100 feet, while paragliders drift off South Canyon ridges.With around 10,000 residents, a lively festival scene, historic schools, and the California Zephyr rolling into its train station, this is a place where outdoor guides, artisans, and commuters share coffee under mountain light-and where every corner feels built for both relaxing and chasing the next adventure.Start your day easing into steamy hot springs, wander up to a glass-clear alpine lake by afternoon, and wrap it up with dinner beside the river, where canyon walls glow in the fading light.Glenwood Springs blends deep roots, a tight-knit vibe, and a pace that feels just right, giving it a rare charm-a friendly small-town feel backed by towering mountains and hot springs that steam in the crisp morning air.
Landmarks in Glenwood Springs
