Glenwood Springs is the natural day trip from Aspen. It lies about an hour down Highway 82, at the meeting point of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers, and offers a completely different set of experiences from the high mountain resort: a giant hot springs pool, river rafting, a famous hike and a mountaintop cave and adventure park. The climate is warmer, the altitude lower and the prices friendlier, which makes it a refreshing change.
Getting there
The drive takes roughly an hour in good conditions, following the Roaring Fork River through Snowmass, Basalt and Carbondale. Regional buses also make the trip, though the schedule is limited. In winter, check road conditions, since storms can slow traffic on Highway 82. Leave early, park once in Glenwood Springs and plan to walk between the downtown attractions.
The hot springs pool
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is the headline stop and one of the largest hot springs pools in the world, with a hotter therapy pool beside it. A soak of two to three hours is a classic way to end a day of activity, and it works in any season, including snowy winter evenings. Bring a swimsuit, drink water and check the current hours and rules before you go.
On the river
From late spring to early autumn, guided rafting trips on the Colorado River run through Glenwood Springs and the canyon. The Half-Day Rafting Trip offers whitewater for beginners and families, while the Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float is a calmer way to see the cliffs, birds and engineering of the canyon. Both are best booked ahead and make a good morning activity before a lunch in town and an afternoon soak.
Hanging Lake
The hike to Hanging Lake is short, steep and spectacular, ending at a turquoise travertine lake fed by waterfalls. Access is regulated by permit or reservation, so check the current system well in advance and book as early as you can. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and follow the rules about swimming and pets. A morning hike followed by a soak in the pool is one of the best combinations in Colorado.
Glenwood Caverns
On Iron Mountain above the town, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park combines real cave tours with a gondola, a mountain coaster, a canyon swing and views. It is ideal for families and for visitors who want something more active than sightseeing. Plan a half or full day, check ride rules and seasonal schedules and dress for the cooler temperatures in the caves.
A sample day
Leave Aspen early, hike Hanging Lake or raft in the morning, have lunch downtown, then soak at the hot springs in the afternoon. Families might trade the hike for the caverns. If you prefer a slow day, combine a scenic float, a long lunch and a soak. In winter, skip the river and pair the caverns, a stroll and the hot springs. Allow time for the drive back, and avoid late-night mountain driving if you are tired after a soak.
Practical tips
Bring a swimsuit and towel, sunscreen, water and a change of clothes. Book rafting, permits and cave tours ahead in summer, and check hours for the hot springs and attractions before you set out. Altitude in Glenwood Springs is much lower than in Aspen, so you may feel livelier. Keep a flexible schedule, since river conditions, permits and weather can change the plan, and allow time for traffic on the return drive, particularly on summer weekends.
Food and rest stops
Downtown Glenwood Springs has a good variety of casual restaurants, breweries and cafes within walking distance of the hot springs, and the valley towns on the drive, including Carbondale and Basalt, are worth a stop for coffee or lunch. Plan a relaxed meal after your active morning, and consider taking dinner before the drive home so you are not rushing through a mountain road after dark.
Staying over
Many visitors stay a night to relax and avoid the drive. The historic Hotel Colorado sits across from the hot springs and has character and a good location, and Glenwood Springs has a wide range of other hotels at lower prices than Aspen. If you prefer to stay in Aspen, the day trip is easy enough to do in a single outing, and the contrast between the two places is part of the pleasure.
