Fall is a great time to visit Glenwood Springs, Colorado and soak in the warm waters at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, explore trails lined by golden aspen trees, and dive into the town’s rich history. One great way to combine all three is to follow the legend of John Henry “Doc” Holliday, a storied personality of the early American West.
A tourist destination from early on, Glenwood Springs has hosted luminaries ranging from U.S. presidents to the Unsinkable Molly Brown of Titanic fame and Buffalo Bill Cody. However, the most notorious former resident the gunslinger, gambler and dentist known by most as Doc Holliday, who died at Hotel Glenwood at age 36. Holliday arrived in town hoping the dry air and local mineral hot springs and vapor caves would cure him of tuberculosis. But his death on Nov. 8, 1887, after being in town for only 57 days, meant he never had the opportunity to step foot in Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which opened to great fanfare less than a year later on July 4, 1888.
Imagine what it was like to be friends with the likes of lawman Wyatt Earp and to simply do life in the late 1800s. Here are five fun ways to follow the legend of Doc Holliday in Glenwood Springs.
Hike the Doc Holliday’s Grave Trail to Linwood Cemetery
Doc Holliday was laid to rest somewhere in Linwood Cemetery, but no one knows the exact location. Hike a short, moderate trail to his grave marker and also stop by bandit Kid Curry’s grave and the tombstones of several Glenwood Springs pioneers. It’s approximately .7 miles round trip and signs make the marker easy to find along with mementos such as playing cards and coins left behind. Bring a ribbon to tie on Annie’s Wishing Tree along the way.
Take Part in the Annual Ghost Walk
The Glenwood Springs Historical Society will present its annual Historic Ghost Walk through Linwood Cemetery on the last two Fridays and Saturdays in October 2021. Go up the hill led by the light of lanterns to the old cemetery where costumed actors portray pioneers from Glenwood Springs’ past, including Doc Holliday. Make sure to purchase tickets for Oct. 22, 23, 39 and 30 in advance and bring your own lanterns or flashlights for the memorable excursion.
Visit the Doc Holliday Collection
It seems only fitting that the Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s collection of Doc Holliday memorabilia is located at Bullocks, a Western goods store at 732 Grand Ave. Holliday died while residing at the ornate Hotel Glenwood, which later burned down at this location in 1945. Admire his pocket watch, a small pearl-handled pistol that was purportedly given to Doc by Mary Katherine Horony-Cummings (a.k.a. Big Nose Kate), photographs and drawings, and items related to that era in history.
Dine & Drink at Doc Holliday’s Saloon and Restaurant
Doc graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in 1872 but was unable to practice dentistry upon arriving in Glenwood Springs in May 1887 due to his tuberculosis. Instead, he tapped other life skills, namely cards and quick draw. While Doc Holliday’s Saloon and Restaurant doesn’t have a connection to its namesake’s time in town, it’s not hard to imagine Doc holding court in a place like this with the massive historic bar made of dark walnut, photos and a potbelly stove. The 20-foot pistol sign illuminated with neon makes it obvious that you have arrived at this Old West-style bar. Make sure you’ve come with a thirst and an appetite with soup, salad, steak, burgers, sandwiches, Mexican dishes and a variety of appetizers on the menu.
Honor His Legend with a Soak
The natural hot springs were a big reason Doc landed in Glenwood Springs after brief stints in Denver and Leadville while fleeing the law after a shootout at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Take time to reflect on life and enjoy the fresh mountain air while soaking at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. During Doc’s own short life, he owned a dental practice, saloon and silver mine and once was roommates with Frederick Walker Pitkin, who become governor of Colorado in 1879.
After following the legend of Doc Holliday in Glenwood Springs, create your own version of one Mother Nature of a good time while in this classic Colorado community!