Fall is a great time to visit Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, soak in the warm waters at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, and get a little spooky. A variety of Halloween activities and hot springs options exist in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Plus, it feels a little mysterious to soak in the mineral hot springs when the steam gently rises off the geothermal water’s surface.
A tourist destination from early on, Glenwood Springs has hosted luminaries ranging from U.S. presidents to the Unsinkable Molly Brown of Titanic fame and Buffalo Bill Cody, adding to the intrigue. One of the most notorious former residents is the gunslinger, gambler and dentist known by most as Doc Holliday, who died at Hotel Glenwood at age 36. Holliday arrived in town hoping the dry air and local mineral hot springs and vapor caves would cure him of tuberculosis. His death on Nov. 8, 1887, after being in town for only 57 days, meant he never stepped foot in Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Grand Pool, which opened July 4, 1888.
You can you hike Doc Holliday’s Grave Trail to Linwood Cemetery (.7 miles round trip) during any season, but try to visit when several characters straight from the Wild West come alive the first three weekends of October. Doc Holliday grave location is approximate with signs making the marker easy to find, along with mementos such as playing cards and coins left behind.
Ghost Walk at Linwood Cemetery
Glenwood Springs Historical Society is hosting the 24th annual Historic Ghost Walk through Linwood Cemetery on the last three Fridays and Saturdays in October 2024. Go up the hill led by the light of lanterns to the historic cemetery where costumed actors portray pioneers from Glenwood Springs’ past, including bank robber Kid Curry and “Nine of Diamonds” Elmira Kier from the town’s former red light district. Make sure to purchase tickets for Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 in advance for the memorable excursion. Tours begin every half hour from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For the first time, an indoor performance of the Ghost Walk is planned for Oct. 30 at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue downtown. Dinner and drinks will be served at 7 p.m. followed by ghosting and stories. The Ghost Walk, any way you attend, is a great way to connect with Glenwood Springs’ rich history and hear about tales of the Wild West.
Halloween Hustle Run & Walk
Help make history by taking part in the first-ever Halloween Hustle for Charity 5K run/walk on Oct. 28 at 8:30 a.m. A 1.5K option also is being offered. The event benefits Advocate SafeHouse Project and will be based at Glenwood Springs Elementary School. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and special treat bags are provided to participants who dress up. Pre-registration and race-day registration are available, with funds going toward making sure victims of domestic abuse and their families have a safe place to stay and a 24-hour support line to call.
For the ultimate Halloween and hot springs combination in Glenwood Springs Plan do the run and soothe tired muscles at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Purchase a day pass or book an overnight stay, which always includes unlimited access to hot springs soaking during business hours and complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast in the poolside Grill.
Halloween Spooktacular & Spooky Skate
Have a screaming good time at the Glenwood Springs Community Center on Oct. 26. Halloween Spooktacular festivities, carnival games, entertainment, a pumpkin hunt and a bounce house are part of the action from 2 – 4 p.m. The Spooky Skate immediately follows from 4 – 6 p.m., so all ghosts and goblins (and princesses too!) can glide around the ice-skating rink. Tickets are available for purchase.
Costume Ball at Hotel Colorado
Get ready to show off your most creative costume at Hotel Colorado's Halloween Ball. It will be night to remember, especially when combining Halloween and hot springs in Glenwood Springs. Both Hotel Colorado and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort were founded by Walter Devereux, with Hotel Colorado opening in 1893. The hot springs pools that are part of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort are across the street from the hotel, and the resort’s 107-room lodge is next door.
The Hotel Colorado Halloween Costume Ball is for ages 21 and older and promises to be an evening filled with music, dancing to DJ Star and a costume contest with prizes. In addition, there will be a horror marathon in the Colorado Ballroom, and participants can go on ghost tours of the hotel.
Don’t miss the Halloween activities and hot springs options for all ages in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It may just be your most spooky and relaxing holiday yet.