Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and local water sports are an ideal combination.
One of the joys of spring and summer in the mountains is getting back on the water. While you can soak in the hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort all year long, whitewater rafting, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on area rivers and lakes are seasonal pursuits that stretch into fall, depending on weather and water levels.
For about half the year, mid-April through September (sometimes longer), you can enjoy a dual- or triple-sport day on the water. We like to call it “paddle then pool.” Here’s how it’s done.
Rafting local rivers
Local outfitters offer all sorts of rafting trips and are a great resource for figuring out what waterways can be floated when and matching guests’ appetites for adventure and age ranges for the best options. Book excursions ranging from a few hours to a full day that includes a mix of rafting, lunch and kayaking with inflatable duckies. Not only do guides read the rapids and know every twist and turn, they also share interesting information about local history, geology and wildlife.
The Colorado River tumbles west through Glenwood Canyon and is one of Colorado’s most magnificent settings for journeys via rafts, kayaks and SUPs. With cliffs on both sides, the river runs through the canyon to Glenwood Springs and beyond, featuring Class III and IV rapids along the way for extra excitement. However, there is plenty of opportunity to relax when floating the flatter sections and stopping at riverside hot springs. There also are milder scenic excursions that skip the two miles of Class III-IV Shoshone Rapids and focus on lower Glenwood Canyon and South Canyon, featuring Class I-II waters.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s rafting package includes a half-day scenic trip on the Colorado River with Blue Sky Adventures for each person on the reservation along with lodging, unlimited hot springs pool access, and breakfast poolside at The Grill. The raft trip is appropriate for all ability levels. The package is available April 30 – Oct. 9, 2022, as long as river conditions allow.
Meanwhile, the Roaring Fork River runs 70 miles from Independence Pass through Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale and continues heading north until it reaches its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Colder than the Colorado River, the Roaring Fork provides river runners shallower water and is best for early-season rafting.
Skilled boaters may opt to navigate their own rafts or rent from a local outfitter and access the Colorado River from Glenwood Canyon boat launches at Shoshone or Grizzly Creek rest areas. The easiest takeout for private boaters is Two Rivers Park boat ramp or extend your journey by continuing through South Canyon to the takeout located there.
Exploring on a kayak or SUP
The same is true for SUPing and kayaking, book guided outings, bring your own gear or rent. Just make sure you know what you are doing, especially when traversing rivers, and wear a life jacket. Options for paddling lakes on SUPs and kayaks require a little driving and can be found at Harvey Gap State Park and Rifle Gap State Park to the northwest and Ruedi Reservoir to the south. Bring a picnic and pull up on a beach for a swim and rest.
Glenwood Springs has a thriving kayaking culture due in part to the Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area in West Glenwood Springs where a G-wave feature is the main attraction and provides kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and play boaters the chance to display and practice their skills. It is the first whitewater feature built on any stretch of the Colorado River.
Wrapping up with a soak and swim
Whatever water sports you select for one Mother Nature of a good time while visiting Glenwood Springs, you’ll want to wrap up the day soaking, playing and swimming in the mineral hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Unlimited access to the hot springs (during business hours) is included in every stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge or purchase a day pass.
To get a taste of what it’s like to raft through Glenwood Canyon, check out Shoshone Chutes located in the pool’s Sopris Splash Zone, which can be enjoyed at no extra cost. The open-air tube ride plunges riders downhill with plenty of twists and turns through lush landscaping, cascading tiers and boulders. Sopris Splash Zone is open from around Memorial Day through Labor Day based on weather and staffing.
Paddle then pool … what better way to spend a day in Glenwood Springs?