Itching for a getaway that’s close to home or looking for two popular Colorado towns that are close geographically and fun to visit? It’s only an 89-mile drive on Interstate 70 from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, and there are interesting things to do and amazing landscapes to admire along the way. The destination, one of Colorado’s best-known hot springs towns, is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
If you don’t care to drive, Amtrak’s California Zephyr train travels from Chicago to San Franciso and connects Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, which is a two-hour scenic ride. The train station in Glenwood Springs is conveniently located downtown just across the pedestrian bridge and an easy walk to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. In addition, Bustang operates a west line that links Grand Junction’s airport and downtown to the West Glenwood Springs park and ride, which connects to various locations around town on free Ride Glenwood Springs buses.
Possible Stops Along the Way
If you have time to meander and get off I-70 for a while, Colorado National Monument is 15 miles from Grand Junction. If you like to bike, the paved 28-mile Colorado Riverfront Trail has a section that traverses from Grand Junction to Palisade, a town filled with orchards, wineries, distilleries and breweries to visit. Just make sure to have a designated driver if you plan to imbibe. East of Palisade, check out Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain.
If you have a need for speed, take the De Beque exit off I-70 for Jet Boat Colorado. For pure excitement on the Colorado River zooming down the waterway in bright green boats, book an adventure tour or private charter offered daily from mid-May through mid-September. Jet Boat Colorado also is available year-round by appointment.
For the golfers in your group, consider a round at Battlement Mesa Golf Club in Parachute or Rifle Creek Golf Course in Rifle before taking on Glenwood Springs Golf Club and Ironbridge Golf Club in Glenwood Springs. Those who enjoy picnics, fishing, waterfalls and exploring nature should consider stops at Rifle Gap State Park and Rifle Falls State Park in Rifle and Harvey Gap State Park in Silt. Look up each park to see what activities and amenities are available.
Relaxation and Action in Glenwood Springs
While these are all great activitiies for our weekend getaway guide for Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, the most relaxing choice is heading straight for Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to soak in the seven hot springs pools at and stay in comfort and convenience overnight. The Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has 107 newly refreshed guest rooms and suites, and the resort’s new Hotel 1888 in the historic poolside Stone Bath House.
Stays at the Lodge and Hotel 1888 include complimentary breakfast and unlimited access to the geothermal hot springs during business hours. Or purchase a day pass to come and go as you please throughout the day, with no time limits or reservations required. Rent a poolside cabana or an umbrella and lounge chairs on The Overlook to enjoy a full day moving between the Yampah Mineral Baths, Grand Pool, Therapy Pool and Sopris Splash Zone, all included in day or overnight pool passes. The Grill and Snack Bar will keep you refreshed, along with Red Brick Eats food truck in the summer.
Since you can come and go from the hot springs pools at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as much as you wish with either an overnight stay or day pass, venture out to explore all the community has to offer. This getaway guide for Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs makes it easy to consider the options.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is only steps from historic Hotel Colorado, where savoring a beverage and snack in the beautiful courtyard is divine during summer and fall. And don’t miss stopping at Annie’s Bakery nearby for delicious fresh pastries, sandwiches and juices.
From both places, cross the pedestrian bridge that overlooks the hot springs pools and the Colorado River to reach downtown. You will find Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and an excellent selection of locally owned coffee houses, ice cream shops, breweries, distilleries, retailers and restaurants.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountaintop theme park, is only a short drive from downtown and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Take the park’s Glenwood Gondola to access thrill rides, cave tours, dining and other activities like laser tag, a 4D motion theater, milder amusement rides and a new playground. Time it right for live music and events throughout the year.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of summer and fall getaway packages that save money when bundling lodging, hot springs soaking and activities such as Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, electric bikes and whitewater rafting. There also is a wellness package that includes access to the resort’s full-service, award-winning Athletic Club. In winter, the Ski Swim and Stay is a popular package that includes lift tickets and shuttle rides to nearby Sunlight Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding.
When creating your own customized getaway to Glenwood Springs from Grand Junction, don’t forget to check the Glenwood Springs calendar of events. There are outdoor concert series in the summer, the Strawberry Days Festival, Ghost Walks at Linwood Cemetery, the Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony and more. For a sampling of the town’s rich heritage, stop by the Doc Holliday Collection on the lower level of Bullocks Western Wear and Frontier Museum, both operated by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society.
Also consider biking and hiking on the miles of area trails, including the 16.3-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path that spans the entire length of the beautiful Glenwood Canyon east of Glenwood Springs. A trailhead for the recreation path is only a block from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Head south of town to ride all or part of the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail that connects to Aspen.
By now, visions of your own customized getaway from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs should be dancing in your head. There is so much to do but soaking in the pure mineral hot springs water at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will provide the perfect balance for action and relaxation. You might just decide to stay for a week!
