Glenwood Springs

Posted byrkrontheroadPosted inColorado, North America, Photography, TravelTags:, , ,

The ski traffic was already backing up as I merged onto the highway going west. It was Friday morning of a three-day weekend, so I knew I needed to get on the road before bumper-to-bumper creeping set in. I live in the Rocky Mountains, not far from ski resorts, so those driving up from Denver must have left the metro area very early. Once I topped the Continental Divide, the skiers exiting for their favorite downhill runs here and there, it was a pleasant drive. I could settle in, listen to a book on cd and enjoy the scenery.

The impetus for this road trip was an invitation from a childhood friend. I had posted on Facebook that it was “0 degrees F” with a photo of a fire burning in my wood stove. My friend commented that it was 70 degrees at her place in southern California and her guest house was empty. An invitation I couldn’t resist! So, after a few texts to find dates that would work for both of us, I planned some stops along the way, packed a range of clothes from snow boots to shorts, and hit the road.

My first stop was a favorite one, often a destination in itself, Glenwood Springs. The route, although a major highway, winds through Glenwood Canyon, so narrow that the east and westbound lanes are stacked and tunnels slip through the dramatically steep red rock walls. The westbound lane is on the upper level so the view is unimpeded.

Glenwood Springs was a hangout for wild western figures, most notably Doc Holliday and Wild Bill Hickok, back in the frontier days. Doc Holliday died of tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs, in bed, ironically. He is buried high on a hillside overlooking the town; I hiked up there once. (Hickok was shot during a poker game in Deadwood, South Dakota. In his hand were aces and eights, now known as the dead man’s hand.) Vestiges of the western cowboy theme define the town.

Train station and Colorado RIver, view from walking bridge

It’s also known for frequent visitor Teddy Roosevelt, during annual hunting trips, who stayed at the elegant Hotel Colorado. The hotel staff made him the first “Teddy” bear, now iconic.

There’s a newer hot springs spot in town I have visited a few times. Tiny round pools of varying temperatures provide a little solitude or a place for an intimate conversation. Slipping into the warmth with the cool mountain air in my hair, looking out at the snow-covered hills… heavenly. An afternoon soak mellowed me out. I would be well-rested and ready for the first of my all-day drives the following morning.

View from Iron Mountain Hot Springs

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Published by rkrontheroad

Writer, photographer, traveler

30 thoughts on “Glenwood Springs”

  2. The quickest way to reach any destination is by plane, but taking a scenic road trip is far more memorable and exciting. This is especially true when embarking on a Colorado to California road trip. Can’t wait to read all about it 🙂 Aiva

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  3. Glenwood Springs may be unassuming, but it packs a lot of notable history! From Doc Holliday to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, a lot of famous, historic characters have come and gone, all the while made their mark along the way. Definitely a noteworthy stop, and I hope the rest of your journey to southern California was a smooth one: welcome to my home state!

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  5. I’ve never actually stopped in Glenwood Springs despite driving through multiple times. It sounds like there is a lot of history there and many things to do. Perhaps later this year, once ski traffic dies down, I’ll check it out.

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  14. Glenwood is one of those places with more to do than its size would suggest. Biking along I-70 is the best way to see the canyon (or maybe by train? Never done it). Hanging Lake is a beautiful hike. The cemetery is worth the climb up above the town, with several famous names buried there. And rafting on the river is a must. Despite all that, Glenwood has a really laid-back throw-back feel, which only adds to its appeal IMHO. Every time we pass through the canyon I am in awe of the engineering of the highway. I can’t imagine whatever less-convenient route you had to drive before I-70 made it all the way through the Rockies.

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