Log Off for a Restorative Nature Weekend in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs, Colorado’s long-standing appeal can be summed up in three words: thermal hot springs. Over the years, Ute Indians, Wild West legend Doc Holliday and now modern travelers have all made their way here to seek out the restorative powers of the area’s springs.

But magical as they are, the hot springs aren’t the only reason to spend time here — especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. Ahead, we break down how to have a weekend in Glenwood Springs that’s equal parts adventurous and relaxing.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Lace Up Your Hiking Boots

Start your day with a kick of caffeine over at the Bluebird Café. Grab one of their organic coffees, as well as a breakfast burrito or sandwich — you’re going to need it for the day ahead. (Honestly, it can’t hurt to go ahead and buy two.)

Today’s agenda includes hiking Hanging Lake Trail. Since it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, it’s a good idea to get there early. From May 1 to October 31, purchase a permit and ride the designated shuttle to the trailhead about 7 miles outside of Glenwood Springs. The trail is rated as moderate — it’s only 1.2 miles each way, but the path is rocky and somewhat steep.

Count the bridges you cross en route (there are seven) and you’ll know how close you’re getting to your destination: the turquoise-green, waterfall-fed Hanging Lake. You can continue your hike to Spouting Rock (the trail is well marked), a waterfall that appears to flow straight out of a large rock.

Follow up your morning on the trail with a quick carbo-load at Mama’s Pierogi food truck, then head around the corner to Glenwood Springs’ biggest draw: Glenwood Hot Springs & Spa of the Rockies, the world’s largest hot spring pool.

There are two main pools: The larger of the two is 400 feet long and heated to 90 degrees, while the 100-foot pool is heated to 104 degrees. You’re going to want at least a few hours to luxuriate here, so we’d recommend not planning anything else until dinner.

Come evening, consider the perennially popular Slope & Hatch. The taco joint is known for dreaming up some funky combinations (think curried lamb and sweet potato, or margarita grilled shrimp with pineapple-jalapeño salsa). They have drinks covered, too, with a rotating selection of craft beer on offer, many of which are brewed locally.

If you still have some steam left afterward, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub makes stellar suds and is often one of the liveliest spots in town after dark.

Saturday: Adventures for Everyone

Connoisseurs of breakfast foods are spoiled with options in Glenwood Springs. Today, start your morning slowly with a good sit-down breakfast. For atmosphere, you can’t beat Rosi’s Little Bavarian Restaurant, a chalet-style spot that dishes up German and American fare.

After you’ve eaten your fill, make your way over to Rifle Falls State Park, about 30 miles west of Glenwood Springs. There are lots of easy-peasy walks to choose from, but be sure to check out the falls for which the park is named (a short trail will even take you up behind one of them) and visit the limestone caves.

Next you’ll make your way to 19th Street Diner for retro vibes and plenty of filling lunch options — though be forewarned, the famous smothered chili cheeseburger is not for the faint of heart or small of stomach.

If your heart needs ever more relaxation, continue your thermal water crawl at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The facilities are situated along the bank of the Colorado River and feature 16 natural pools, each of varying sizes and temperatures.

Similarly, there’s the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, which utilizes a rare geological feature (naturally occurring mineral steam baths) to encourage relaxation.

On the other end of the adrenaline-rush spectrum is Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the only mountaintop amusement park in the country. It’s home to awe-inspiring cave tours, as well as thrill rides with incredible views of the valley below.

If you make it back downtown early enough, head to happy hour at Zheng Asian Bistro (known there as “Super Happy Fun Time”). If not, dive right in to dinner and drinks at the Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar, a spot known for its prime rib, made-from-scratch lasagna and pan-seared, barbecue-glazed salmon.

And if you have time and energy for a pint, end your night at Casey Brewing & Blending.

Sunday: Get Out of Town

There are oodles of mountain towns in Colorado, but what makes Glenwood Springs stand out is its affordability. Here, you can have a fabulous vacation without breaking the bank. It’s also centrally located, so it’s easy to use it as a base camp to explore other communities nearby.

Today you’re going to need wheels. While there are plenty of options of nearby cities to visit, Vail, Aspen and Snowmass Village have the most going on. Start your morning in Vail at Northside Kitchen, a local institution famous for its doughnuts (though if you want something heartier, there’s always the filet mignon and eggs plate).

Elsewhere in town, consider visiting the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame, touring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (the highest botanical garden in the U.S.), hiking Booth Falls or Booth Lake Trails and exploring the Vail Nature Center.

If you’re going to Aspen and Snowmass Village (two communities within 15 minutes of each other), plan ahead so that you can hike Maroon Bells. Like Hanging Lake Trail, you need to purchase a permit and take a shuttle into the park to see the pyramid-shaped peaks.

Afterward, some potential activities include shopping (or at least window-shopping) at the designer stores or hanging out at Base Village — there, grab lunch and a tasting flight at New Belgium Ranger Station, a casual spot from one of Colorado’s best craft breweries.

But if it’s winter, forget all that. Instead, strap on a pair of skis and hit the slopes, which attract visitors from around the world. Once your legs get wobbly, head to the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster to zoom through the forest on a low-slung, two-seater coaster cart.

For your final night, go all out with a meal at the Pullman back in Glenwood Springs. The menu at this sophisticated yet unpretentious restaurant is packed with unexpected dishes like elk bolognese, squash agnolotti and pork belly pastrami. And don’t sleep on cocktails like the “Cherry Tree,” a bright, boozy mix of whiskey, basil, and locally grown cherries.