There is nothing quite like the transformation of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from a cloak of green forests to a treasure chest of gold, orange and red leaves. In Glenwood Springs, travelers can combine grand fall foliage adventures on the trails, water and driving routes during the day with blissful hot springs soaking in the seven hot springs pools at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. There is nothing quite like a peaceful morning or star-dappled evening while indulging in the geothermal hot springs.
For the ultimate experience stay in the resort’s new poolside Hotel 1888 with 16 luxury guest rooms and suites or the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, located only steps from the pools and with 107 newly renovated guest rooms and suites. A variety of September events in the area are icing on the cake. These are among the top three reasons to visit Glenwood Springs in September.
1. Immerse Yourself in Fabulous Fall Foliage
There are several ways to envelope yourself in September splendor. If you like to bike and hike, there are hundreds of miles of backcountry trails in the Glenwood Springs area, which translates into plenty of room to spread out from other outdoorsy souls.
Or if paved routes are more your style, Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path traverses more than 16 miles through the Glenwood Canyon east of town, with a trailhead about a block from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Another great option is the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail that runs south and connects to Aspen. A huge bonus is that the RFTA bus system can transport you and your bike back to Glenwood Springs, but make sure to know the rules and hours for loading bikes and the designated bus stops. For those who want to give electric bikes a try, check out the resort’s E-Bike Exploration Package with partner Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op that is available until Oct. 31, 2025.
Viewing fall foliage from crystal clear waterways also is divine. Go fly-fishing for trout on lakes and rivers or explore on a stand-up paddleboard, raft or kayak. Consult local outfitters about water levels and best places to go. Or for the ultimate in convenience and savings, book Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Whitewater Adventure Package that features a half day of rafting with Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op through Oct. 12, 2025. The whitewater and e-bike packages include the activity, 10% off rates at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, made-to-order hot breakfast at the poolside Grill, and unlimited access to the hot springs during business hours.
Another fun way to cruise the colors is on motorcycle with the fresh air all around or in a vehicle with the windows rolled down or the convertible top off. For a big loop, drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen on Highway 82, continue on the same highway from Aspen to cross the Continental Divide at Independence Pass, and head back via Leadville, Tennessee Pass and Minturn. This route is 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). You will be back in time for dinner and a refreshing and health-boosting hot springs soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
2. Indulge in Hot Springs Relaxation
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been the source of pure geothermal hot springs soaking since opening on July 4, 1888. While the features have changed and modernized over the years, the hot springs has always been on the three reasons to visit Glenwood Springs in September list. Take a break from athletic or driving action for a few hours or devote a whole day to relaxation surrounded by the beauty of autumn. Move at your own pace between the seven geothermal pools, lounge in your own private cabana or under an umbrella in The Overlook, and savor tasty treats and meals at the Grill and Snack Bar.
At the heart of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the Grand Pool, which is the world’s largest natural hot springs pool and exceeds the size of a football field. Kept at 90-93°F, it’s perfect for hanging out with friends, walking in the water, swimming laps and trying out the diving board. The Legacy Pool, the second largest pool holds steady around 104° and features jetted chairs for all-over massages and fun power showers. One of the resort’s newest features is Yampah Mineral Baths with five spacious hot springs pools of varying temperatures. Two cold plunge pools, a cozy fireplace lounging area, waterfalls and infinity edges are among the highlights of Yampah Mineral Baths, which becomes adults only every evening at 5 p.m.
It’s easy to walk over the pedestrian bridge that borders the west end of the pools and connects to the thriving downtown district that has locally owned restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and places to savor locally made beer, spirits and ice cream.
An ideal package for this full-on relaxation scenario is Book Now and Save, which features 20% off the best available rate at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, unlimited access to the hot springs during business hours and complimentary breakfast at the Grill. This package is available from Sept. 21-Dec. 21, 2025. If you can’t make it to Glenwood Springs in September, the fall colors typically last until the middle of October, depending on weather and fluctuating mountain conditions.
3. Check Out Colorful Events
Planning in tandem with local events is another one of our top three reasons to visit Glenwood Springs in September. Head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for Octoberfest on Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 4 and 11, 2025. Break out your lederhosen or dirndl dress for stein-holding contests, mouthwatering Bavarian treats, axe throwing, Hammerschlagen and more.
Moving from celebratory to slightly spooky for the 25th annual Historic Ghost Walk at Linwood Cemetery presented by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 3-18, 2025. Meander up the hill by lantern light to the cemetery, where costumed actors portray pioneers from Glenwood Springs’ past.
Or make Glenwood Springs your basecamp for fall driving excursions to festivals and events in nearby communities. Farmers markets are still underway in September in surrounding communities like Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Rifle and Vail, and there is an impressive list of festivals, concerts and athletic races planned.
To the west of Glenwood Springs about 76 miles, the Colorado Mountain Winefest is in Palisade on Sept 20, 2025. Look for Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s booth at the event that highlights local vintners and the agricultural practices and characteristics that make Colorado wine unique. Take part in the lively grape stomp, marvel at the work of talented ice carvers, pour your favorite wine down the ice luge, try the silent disco, enjoy chef demonstrations, and shop artisan vendors for local products that showcase the best of Colorado. Colorado Mountain Winefest is part of Colorado Wine Week that includes vineyard tours, feast in the field dinners, live music and more.
About 40 miles to the south in Snowmass, the 2025 Snowmass Balloon Festival is Sept. 12-14, Snowmass Wine Festival on Sept. 13, Gold Leaf Half Marathon on Sept. 27 and Snowmass Octoberfest on Sept. 27-28. Continue farther south to Aspen, where Aspen Filmfest is on the calendar from Sept. 16-21 and Aspen Ruggerfest from Sept. 18-21.
To the east of Glenwood Springs in the Vail Valley, Fiesta Americas is on Sept. 14 in Gypsum; Vail Oktoberfest is in Lionshead on Sept. 5-7; the Hot Summer Nights free concert series continues Sept. 9 and 16 at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater; and Cougar Ridge Classic on Sept. 27 is a 26K trail running race from Vail to Minturn.
We could add to these top three reasons to visit Glenwood Springs in September but you get the point. Beautiful fall foliage and weather, adventures to experience, full-on relaxation at the hot springs, and amazing events are all at your disposal. Take the time for a Colorado mountain getaway!
