Brimming with mild to wild adventures for all ages, gorgeous Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is an outdoor wonderland.
Ideally located along the Colorado Hot Springs Loop between Aspen and Vail, these are the best things to do with kids in Glenwood Springs.
Soaking, swimming and splashing in the magical waters of the hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, has to top the to-do list. The historic pool has been drawing visitors since 1888 and it’s not just for grown-ups.
Kids can race along Shoshone Chutes, a river ride full of twists, turns and watery thrills, or frolick in the Sopris Splash Zone with its water slides and kids’ pool.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is another great spot for soaking. With more than two dozen mineral pools terraced along the bank of the Colorado River, little ones can join their parents to soak in the freshwater pool and elevated jetted tub.
Hanging Lake is a vividly hued lake suspended on the edge of a cliff in Glenwood Canyon in the White River National Forest. The 1.9-kilometre trail to the extraordinary lake and falls is steep, rigorous and rocky, but your first sight of the National Natural Landmark will make it worth the effort. Note that this is a permitted hike and reservations are required from VisitGlenwood.com/hanginglake to visit.
Of course, there’s a lot of history in these parts. To introduce the kids to the tales of the old west take the Doc Holliday Trail, a short hike up Lookout Mountain to the Linwood Pioneer Cemetery, the final resting place of infamous dentist turned gunslinger, John Henry ‘Doc’ Holliday.
Saddle up at spectacular Bair Ranch for all-age trail rides led by expert guides through cascading groves of aspen trees between the White River National Forest and the walls of Glenwood Canyon. A working sheep ranch, Bair Ranch also offers quad and jeep tours, clay trap shooting, and sunset supper rides.
Take the gondola up Iron Mountain to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. America’s only mountain-top theme park, you’ll find heart-stopping thrill rides, including the Canyon Flyer, Giant Canyon Swing and Defiance Roller Coaster, which sits 2,174 metres above sea level, making it the highest looping rollercoaster in the US. The park is also home to Colorado’s largest natural display of cave formations.
Another popular summer pursuit for thrill-seekers is a whitewater rafting adventure along the Colorado River. Choose between laid-back scenic float trips or enjoy the rush of rollicking along rapids on a wild class three whitewater rafting experience.
Hike bikes and ride beside the Colorado River and take in the lush landscape with rugged canyon walls and river rapids. The 25-kilometre bike path starts in Glenwood Springs and finishes in Dotsero. Relatively flat its a great track for children.
When winter falls, Glenwood Springs’ Sunlight Mountain Resort is a family-friendly, affordable ski destination with 75 per cent beginner and intermediate runs, providing icy thrills for all ages and abilities.
This article was created in partnership with Visit Glenwood Springs and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.
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