Glenwood Springs, Colorado is easy to miss. If you’re driving down I-70 through the state, it may look like just another one of the small towns that line the major thoroughfare between Denver and Utah. But Glenwood Springs is a more than worthwhile destination in its own right. It offers outdoor fun galore, plus tons of hot springs, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, and more. So grab your sun hoodie and trekking poles and start your exploratory visit with one of the 5 best hikes in Glenwood Springs! Then check out how else you might like to fill your time while you’re in town.
5 Hikes in Glenwood Springs, CO
Red Mountain Trails, Glenwood Springs: 3.5-4 miles
Ready for a strenuous hike up, up, and up? We promise the views from Red Mountain will be worth the effort. A number of trails lead all the way to the top of the mountain (we recommend the single track Fall Line Trail that connects to the Cross Trail that connects with the dirt road/Jeanne Golay Trail) where you’ll find a giant lighted cross that hovers over the city in the dark. Much of the trail is in the sun, but there are shady spots, too, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy views of the city and valley vistas below. Prefer mountain biking? Take the dirt road up and Grandstaff Trail aaaaalllll the way down on winding switchbacks, occasionally along picturesque cliff edges.
Red Hill, Carbondale: 1.8-7.9 Miles
OK, so this one isn’t right in Glenwood Springs, but it’s close. Located at the turnoff to Carbondale on route 82, the Red Hill Recreation Area trail system, which is popular with mountain bikers in warmer months, is a delight in every season for hikers. You’ll want to bring spikes at the very least in winter as there are lots of rocky sections of trail that can be slick when covered in snow and ice, but cold or hot, enjoy a hike up and back down again on any of the zig-zagging loop trails, most of which are doable in 1-2 hours thanks to options that range from less than 2 miles to nearly 8. You’ll get big views of the surrounding mountains, dark green pines, and lots of juniper. There’s plenty of parking in the lot at the base (plus porta-potties) and the trails are well-marked.
Doc Holliday Grave Trail: 0.8 Miles
It may be short, but this sunny trail to a cemetery atop a hill is challenging. It’s an easy walk from downtown to the starts at a small neighborhood trailhead (make sure you park responsibly if you drive) and goes steeply up for 0.4 miles until you arrive at a spread out little cemetery with headstones new and old. Among those buried there are the famous Doc Holliday and Kid Curry, plus soldiers, locals, and many more. It’s a treat for history buffs, Wild West fans and those of us who just love an old cemetery! Take your time wandering around once you get up there.
Hanging Lake Trail: 3 Miles
Located along busy I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, this hike isn’t tremendously long, but it is challenging. Between the large rocks and steep sections of trail, you will have to work to get to this picturesque turquoise lake tucked into the end of a canyon. You’ll hike up the canyon along Dead Horse Creek into the mountains, across bridges and up rock steps until you finally arrive at the lake. Enjoy the view and check out Spouting Rock beyond the falls where water gushes out of a hole in the cliff. It’s a view that’s well worth the effort to get there.
You do need a permit to hike this trail, so plan ahead. You can make a reservation here, which costs $12 per person. You’ll need to select how many hikers there are in your group then pick a day and timed entry with at least that many permits available. Present your permit to park at the Hanging Lake Rest Area and remember pets aren’t allowed and because it’s a National Natural Landmark, you’re not allowed to swim or dip your feet in the lake. Note: if heavy rain is forecasted, the trailhead may close because old fire damage makes the area susceptible to rock and mudslides.
Scout Trail: 4-7 Miles
Prefer a loop to an out-and-back? This is your trail! And it’s recommended by folks who know Glenwood Springs best: people who live there. Just be prepared for steep climbs, a mix of sun and shade, and views of the city and the mountains from much of the trail. It is a popular trail system with mountain bikers, so be aware of your surroundings as you hike. It’s a good idea to have a digital map (we like AllTrails) because there are a number of criss-crossing trails and alternate routes. Be prepared to hike up for about the first 1/3 (you’ll gain almost 1,600 feet), down for the last 1/3, and enjoy the leisurely, more level 1/3 in the middle. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks for this challenging route.
Other Things To Do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Indulge in hot springs: Don’t want to seek out the natural hot springs or prefer to soak and unwind in a posh setting? Hot springs pools abound in Glenwood Springs. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a total of 32 pools with varying mineral compositions and temperatures. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has the biggest hot springs pool. And Yampah Spa offer a unique underground steam experience in underground vapor caves!
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Like adrenaline-pumping thrills you don’t have to work for? Take the gondola up to the highest elevation amusement park in the world and ride the highest elevation roller coasters in the world plus take a tour of the caves that give the park its name.
- White Water Rafting: Hit up Adventure Outdoors for a rafting experience the whole family can enjoy. They offer trips for families and more experienced rafters. We recommend the Shoshone Rapids trip, which involves several rapids in quick succession followed by a leisurely float through the massive canyon.
- Mountain Biking: If you like to bike, hit up the Red Mountain Trails (Grandstaff in particular), Wulfsohn Mountain Park for a looping trail system, or Boy Scout Trail if you crave a serious up and downhill challenge.
Bottom Line
There’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in Glenwood Springs, CO and enough trails to explore to keep you busy whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend. So grab your boots (or hiking sandals) and tackle these, the best hikes in Glenwood Springs. Wander on.
