If you want to observe fall colors in Colorado at their finest and indulge in a soothing soak in mineral hot springs, a visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is the perfect solution. Admire golden aspen forests with splashes of orange and red and relax as steam curls up from the largest hot springs pool in the world at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
The official first day of autumn is Sept. 22, which also marks prime leaf viewing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. While the timeframe of fall colors in Colorado relies heavily on temperatures and other weather conditions, the beauty of the season is typically September through mid-October in Glenwood Springs and neighboring mountain communities.
While weekends can be busy with leaf peepers and outdoor recreationalists, the quieter spirit of autumn speaks volumes on weekdays, so if you can sneak away during the week or work remotely, give it a try. Here are some other tips about where to see fall colors and soak in hot springs, utilizing Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as a base camp for amazing experiences.
Hit the Trails
The thousands of acres of open space surrounding Glenwood Springs allows bikers and hikers plenty of room to spread out. There is something truly special about savoring backcountry trails as the sun winks through colorful trees and seeing only a few people while pedaling or walking through the woods. It’s also fun to greet people grinning and relishing the atmosphere on popular paved routes like the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path that traverses east of town and the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail that runs south and connects to Aspen. For those who want to give electric bikes a try, check out our Biking Package offered in tandem with Canyon Bikes through Oct. 9, 2022.
Explore Waterways
For many, one Mother Nature of a good time means going to area lakes or the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers to cast a line in hopes of landing native trout or to explore on a stand-up paddleboard, raft or kayak. Check water levels and best places to go with local outfitters or for the ultimate in convenience, book Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Whitewater Adventure Package featuring a half-day, guided rafting trip on the Colorado River with Blue Sky Adventures, available through Oct. 9, 2022.
Take a Ride
Sometimes it’s nice to cover a lot of ground in the comfort of a car or on the seat of a motorcycle. A day trip along the Roaring Fork Valley on U.S. Highway 82 from Glenwood Springs to Aspen is fun journey with stops in Carbondale, Basalt and Snowmass Village along the way. For a big loop, continue on Highway 82 from Aspen, cross the Continental Divide at Independence Pass, and head back to Glenwood via Leadville, Tennessee Pass and Minturn. This route part of the Top of the Rockies scenic byway. Or explore three other nearby scenic byways (West Elk Loop, Flat Tops Trail and Grand Mesa Trail) to admire more of the Centennial state’s iconic landscapes and Colorado fall colors before returning for a soak in the natural hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and dinner in downtown Glenwood Springs.
Enjoy Leisure Time
Indulging in a lazy day is exactly what is needed when life feels hectic. Give yourself permission to enjoy a made-to-order hot breakfast at the poolside Grill at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and the health benefits of mineral hot springs. Rent a cabana for the ultimate in luxury and leave and return as many times as you want throughout the day, either as a guest at the resort’s Lodge or when purchasing a day pass. That means you can take a break for a leisurely stroll over the pedestrian bridge that connects the resort to downtown, where you can stop by a coffee house, brewery or restaurant for a beverage and lunch on a patio. Shop the locally owned boutiques before heading back for more hot springs soaking surrounded by fall colors and snow-dusted peaks. You won’t be able to resist posting a photo on Instagram, Facebook or your social media of choice.
Breathe Well
Sometimes it’s just a matter of breathing and taking in the fresh mountain air on your own or with your favorite people. Get your day headed in the right direction with the talented instructors in our Athletic Club who lead yoga, Pilates and a host of other classes to focus on breathing and building healthy bodies. Lodge guests can purchase a day pass or consider our Wellness Package that includes lodging, breakfast, hot springs entry, and access to the Athletic Club that also has a wet lounge with steam room, sauna and whirlpool; cardio exercise equipment and weights; racquetball/handball courts; a sundeck; and a private pool entrance.
As summer transitions into autumn, take a moment to find out where to see fall foliage and soak in hot springs and to plan a Colorado getaway that will surely color your world.