Colorado is never short of incredible vacation destinations, but autumn’s vibrant gold aspens and red oaks, paired with high peak views, tend to draw fall enthusiasts. Choosing a specific destination in The Centennial State can be tough, but Glenwood Springs stands out with its diverse activities, from cave tours and roller coasters at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to relaxing mineral baths at Iron Mountain Hot Springs (both are National Natural Landmarks), making this western town a top choice.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
A trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, no matter how much of the park you intend to enjoy, begins with a 5-minute scenic ride inside a 6-person, fully enclosed gondola with stunning views of the town, surrounding mountains, and brilliant fall colors. The park itself doesn’t become visible until you get close to the top, when the thrilling Alpine Coaster and heart-pounding Defiance Roller Coaster come into view.
Glenwood Caverns offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy for a day filled with adventure. The park offers three roller coasters, the Alpine Coaster, a massive Canyon Swing, a tower drop, the Glenwood Canyon Flyer, laser tag, a 4D Theater, and many more rides and attractions for the whole family. Personally, I highly recommend the Crystal Tower, the Defiance Roller Coaster, and the Alpine Coaster.
The park’s main attraction is its vast cave system, initially discovered in the 1890s. Two primary cave tours take you deep into the historic Fairy Caves and Kings Row, where tour guides fill you in on the history, science, and fun facts that go with each. For those looking to push the limit, the Wild Tour (requiring reservations) takes 2 hours and brings guests on a proper spelunking adventure. That means squeezing through sections as narrow as 18 inches square. There’s also a black light cave tour for those looking to enjoy the vast caverns under UV.
Beyond the thrill rides and caves, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park provides multiple dining options and a couple of large trolls to check out with the kids. Additionally, the park hosts an Octoberfest throughout September and October, with live music, delicious Bavarian meals, themed competitions like stein-holding and hammerschlagen, and more. For this year, Octoberfest’s final day is this Saturday, October 11th, so be sure to check the park’s website for future events. You can get your tickets to the park here.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Whether it’s after visiting the caverns, following a stunning fall hike, or to relax before a drive home, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the perfect place to unwind. A visit begins in the bathhouse, with modern locker rooms, family changing rooms, a gift shop, and hydration stations welcoming you into the relaxing environment. Once you’re changed and ready to relax, you can head outside to the 16 natural geothermal pools, the mineral family pool, and a Zion Canyon Hot Springs-inspired jetted spa.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ waters are filled with more than 14 different minerals, most notably iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium, and calcium. They do allow children as young as 5 into their geothermal pools, though those 13 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. The mineralized family pool, the largest of their pools, does allow children under 5 years old.
Those looking for a more adult-focused experience can turn toward the premier access area, limited to those 21 or older. Inside, you can find 11 pools inspired by hot springs from Iceland, France, Japan, Turkey, Romania, Italy, South Korea, New Zealand, Bali, and the Dead Sea. 10 of those pools feature pebble bottoms that feel phenomenal on your feet. The section also features a cold plunge that will truly shock you to your core (I could only last 1 minute).
The future of Iron Mountain Hot Springs looks bright as well. The stunning property is currently undergoing some renovations that will include new pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a unique salt room experience, all for those 21+. You can book your trip to relaxation here.
Make Glenwood Springs Your Next Colorado Adventure
Glenwood Springs has plenty to offer beyond Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Canyons Adventure Park, though those two are certainly enough for a weekend getaway. Plenty of restaurants, ranging from local flavors to some incredibly delicious Nepalese food, fill the town, and there are plenty of hotels, from historic to modern, where you can spend the night. The stunning views and adventures won’t disappoint.
