Glenwood Springs is widely known as a must-visit destination because of its range of unique activities and attractions. Whether a first-time or repeat visitor, Glenwood Springs offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the top experiences to add to your Glenwood Springs bucket list.
Note: originally written for and published in the 2025-26 publication of Glenwood Springs Magazine
Hot springs
Glenwood Springs’ identity is directly tied to hot springs. Down to the name, Glenwood Springs finds inspiration from the natural geothermal spring bubbling out of the ground. There are a few different ways to soak and simmer.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened in 1888 and is the largest hot springs pool in the world. “The Big Pool” is family-oriented option that has been utilized for generations, with modern updates and attractions.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs sits on the banks of the Colorado River and is scenic, relaxing and designed with many smaller pools for a spa-like soaking experience, with upscale upgrades available.
For a unique geothermal experience, head to Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Hot mineral waters flow through the cave floors and create a natural steam bath in underground rock chambers.
Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is a world-famous hike that tops many Colorado musts, and is especially essential for any Glenwood Springs bucket list. After a steep 1.2-mile hike, a crystal-clear travertine lake awaits, where a suspended log sits in the water. It’s picture-perfect and an iconic symbol of Glenwood Springs.
Heads up: reservations and seasonal shuttles are required, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
America’s only mountain-top theme park is worth a visit: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a family-friendly destination with thrill rides, spectacular views and limestone cave tours. Between the iconic gondola ride up Iron Mountain to the Alpine Coaster that speeds down it and the Giant Canyon Swing, Crystal Tower drop ride and zip line, the Adventure Park is an iconic, western-themed attraction.
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Head to Sunlight Mountain Resort for an unforgettable ski or snowboard experience during the winter months. Sunlight is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. The resort is uncrowded and unpretentious, with a laid-back atmosphere and a range of terrain that’s ideal for both beginners and experts.
Sunlight has three chair lifts and has maintained its lowkey, small-town ski vibe.
Rafting
Rafting is a fan-favorite way to experience Glenwood Springs’ rushing waters during the summer. The area is home to two rivers: the Colorado and Roaring Fork, each with rapids ready to ride. Several local outfitters offer this thrilling activity, with guided trips varying in length and difficulty.
Doc Holliday history
For those who love a taste of history, Glenwood Springs is full of glimpses from infamous gunslinger Doc Holliday. The dentist-turned-robber came to Glenwood Springs in hopes of curing his tuberculosis with the hot springs’ healing properties and died at Hotel Glenwood (which burned down and is now home to Bullock’s Western store).
His grave lies in Linwood Cemetery—accessible through a short but scenic hike overlooking Glenwood Springs.
Glenwood Springs offers diverse must-do activities; add these experiences to your bucket list for the ultimate, iconic Glenwood Springs visit.
Glenwood-Springs-Bucket-List_Savannah-Nelson
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
A terrific, in-depth look at a great getaway! So much to do: both active and leisure!
Thank you so much for reading, John! It’s really a beautiful and fun place.
An excellent read! Loads of detail about a place that sounds just fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for reading!
I never heard of Gleenwood Spring. but it looks breathtaking from your post and you make me want to visit it. Thank you for sharing.
If you ever get the chance, I recommend it! Colorado is a great place to visit, with several cities and towns to explore. Thank you for reading!
We’re going to Glenwood Springs at the end of the month. Thanks for all these tips.
I hope you have a great time! I lived in Glenwood Springs for years and there is so much to do, see, and enjoy.
Here are a few other posts I’ve written with Glenwood activity ideas:
https://sunshinewithsavannah.com/tag/glenwood-springs/