A road trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is one of the most scenic in the U.S., taking travelers through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The 160-mile drive from the state’s capital city to a top Colorado hot springs destination is straightforward along Interstate 70 West. The journey is around 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, depending on traffic, but there are excellent places to explore along the way. Why hurry? The reward at the end is blissful mineral hot springs soaking at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and spending time in a charming mountain community founded 1885.
Foothills Near Denver
Starting in Denver, it’s only about 25 minutes to the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison. The world-renowned concert venue was constructed within natural red rock formations by the Civilian Conservation Corps and officially opened in 1941. Even if you’re not seeing a concert, hike the trails or check out the visitor center at this 738-acre wonderland. If you are lucky, time your visit with Film on the Rocks or Yoga on the Rocks.
Take a detour to nearby Golden, located only 6 miles off I-70. Historic downtown Golden with Clear Creek meandering through is worthy of a stroll or put on your walking shoes for a Coors Brewery Tour (just make sure to have a designated driver!). Colorado Railroad Museum and Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave are top attractions to consider, and there are two food halls (The Golden Mill and Morris & Mae) to satisfy hunger pangs.
Historic Mining Towns
Any list of ideas for a Denver to Glenwood Springs road trip should include historic mining towns like Idaho Springs, which is approximately one hour from Denver. History lovers and all ages are sure to enjoy a stop at Argo Mill and Tunnel for a guided tour and gold-panning experience. Or consider an underground mine tour, gold panning and train ride in refurbished mine cars at Phoenix Gold Mine. In winter, check out Echo Mountain for skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Need a bite to eat? Step into a piece of pizza history at Beau Jo’s Pizza, which has been serving up delicious Colorado-style pizza in Idaho Springs since the 1970s.
Next up are Georgetown and Silver Plume that are connected by Georgetown Loop Railroad, a scenic passenger train. Georgetown is a charming historic Victorian mining town only 13 miles from Idaho Springs. Go on an underground tour at Capital Prize Mine, stop by Georgetown Valley Candy Company for a sweet treat and savor a pint at Cabin Creek Brewing. During fair weather, explore the 23-mile Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway from Georgetown; the route is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through late November.
Ski Country
Another pretty drive is taking exit 216 off I-70 that connects to Loveland Ski Area and Loveland Pass (Highway 6), just west of Silver Plume. Loveland Pass crosses the Continental Divide at 11,990 feet in elevation, passes Keystone Resort and ends at Dillon. Beautiful Lake Dillon is ideal for watersports, and the Dillon Amphitheater overlooks the water and has a full calendar of concerts, movies and yoga during summer and fall.
Nearby Silverthorne has the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center, Bluebird Market food hall, and Outlets at Silverthorne for those who like to shop and find good deals. Frisco is only 6 miles to the west of Dillon and has an inviting downtown to stroll along with the Frisco Adventure Park, Frisco Nordic Center, Frisco Historic Park and Museum and Lake Dillon marina.
These towns are all part of Summit County, which has some of Colorado’s best-known ski areas like Breckenridge (south of Frisco), Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain. Like most ski areas, there are all sorts of summer and fall activities. For example, at Copper Mountain west of Frisco, these range from golf and scenic chairlift rides to an alpine coaster and mountain biking.
As your road trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs continues, next up is the Vail Valley that could occupy multiple days if you have enough time. Vail is about two hours from Denver and is the first Vail Valley stop on I-70. Don’t miss wandering the European-style Vail Village and Lionshead, where there is shopping, dining and more. Attend one of many festivals and concerts, go to the Colorado Snowsports Museum, wander through Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and check out the Epic Discovery adventure center at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola in the summer and fall. During winter there is premiere skiing and snowboarding here and a bit farther down the road in upscale Beaver Creek, also worthy of a summer and fall stop or stay as is Minturn, Avon and Eagle. After Eagle, it’s 32 miles to Glenwood Springs.
An alternate route from Copper Mountain is taking the portion of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway that goes south on Highway 91 to Leadville, north on Highway 24 by Ski Cooper and through charming Minturn before connected with I-70 again.
Glenwood Springs Arrival
From Eagle, drive through the beautiful Glenwood Canyon that skirts the Colorado River to Glenwood Springs, home of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort that was established in 1888 and is open year-round. As your Denver to Glenwood Springs road trip wraps up, soaking in geothermal hot springs surround by gorgeous mountain scenery is the perfect way to celebrate your arrival.
There are seven hot springs pools at the resort, including the world’s largest hot springs pool, Therapy Pool, and Yampah Mineral Baths with five pools of varying temperatures including two cold plunge pools. The family friendly Sopris Splash Zone is located on the west end of the Grand Pool and features and area ideal for younger kids, Shoshone Chutes whitewater tubing ride and a splash pad that turns into the lighted Grand Fountain at night.
For the ultimate relaxation, stay in the resort’s new poolside Hotel 1888 that opened in June within the historic Stone Bath House. The boutique hotel has 16 guest rooms and suites, with several having direct views of the Grand Pool. Or overnight at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort that features 107 guest rooms and suites that have been totally refreshed through a project that wrapped up in March. All overnight stays include unlimited hot springs soaking during business hours and breakfast; lodging at Hotel 1888 also includes access to the full-service Athletic Club.
A pedestrian bridge connects the resort to downtown Glenwood Springs, where there is a wide range of locally owned restaurants, coffee houses, shops and nightlife. Sip a cocktail made with local spirits at Stoneyard Distillery Tasting Room and a local beer at Casey Brewing Taproom or Glenwood Canyon Brewpub before attending a show at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. Stop by the Frontier Museum and Doc Holliday Collection for interesting historical insights and check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for mountaintop amusement rides, laser tag, a 4D movie theatre, cave tours, events and more. During winter, head to Sunlight Mountain Resort for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of packages throughout the year that bundle lodging, hot springs soaking, breakfast and an activity like whitewater rafting, e-biking, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or Sunlight Mountain Resort. Or head out on your own to play local golf courses and explore the miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails.
During winter months, when embarking on a Denver to Glenwood Springs road trip, make sure to check the weather and requirements for driving the I-70 mountain corridor during inclement weather. If you have additional time any time of year, consider adding Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction to your travel itinerary. Most of all, simply enjoy an amazing journey that encompasses The Mile High City and a region of Colorado that is sure to keep you coming back for more!
