For hiking and hot springs enthusiasts Glenwood Springs is a premier destination steeped in rich history and natural beauty. For centuries, the Ute people revered the area’s mineral waters, calling them “Yampah” or “big medicine,” and using the hot springs for healing and ceremonial purposes. In the late 1800s, settlers established the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, turning the area into the therapeutic retreat it is today. Staying at the historic Hotel Colorado adds a touch of charm to your getaway. My day in this picturesque Colorado mountain town began with an almond latte from Legends, a cozy coffee spot nestled in the lobby of Hotel Colorado. Sipping my coffee by the fire in the lobby set the tone for a day of hiking and soaking.
Morning Hike at Sunlight Mountain Resort
Sunlight Mountain Resort is the ski resort between Vail and Aspen you probably don’t know about. It’s less than 30 minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs. Known for its unpretentious charm, Sunlight Mountain Resort has been a ski destination since 1966. Locals will tell you its a secret gem and never crowded. While the downhill slopes are the main attraction, Babbish Gulch is a haven for snowmobiler, cross-country skiers, hikers and snowshoers. With microspikes on, I headed up Old Four Mile Road on a steady incline lined with aspens. It’s forest bliss with sun shining through the trees. If you’re seeking serenity in the forest, this is a place you can easily find it. At the one mile mark, there’s a old cabin with inviting porch, especially on a sunny day.
Discovering the Historic Sunshine Cabin
A highlight of the hike is the Sunshine Cabin, a structure rich with history. Built in the late 1880s, the cabin was originally the post office for the coal mining town of Sunlight. In 1912, it was moved by horse and cart to its current location. During the Great Depression, the meadow was a potato farm. Over the years, it changed hands and is now owned by Sunlight Mountain Resort and is a winter warming hut for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Walking into the cabin expecting to find someone, I was greeted with meows of a light brown cat. As I retreated, a thin, weathered gentleman was walking towards me. With a hardy hello, Frank is the caretaker, living in the cabin for the last three years. Blondie is his feline companion. Frank sets up a self-serve coffee and hot chocolate station on the deck daily. While waiting for water to boil, make sure to notice the sign listing prices from 1974.
From the cabin, I connected to Lower Sunshine Trail for a delightful loop back to the parking area. This narrow trail winds through aspen trees and lives up to its name as you bask you in sunshine for stretches along it. On the way down, the trail is more rolling with two steeper downhills that offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon Soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
After the hike, I returned to Glenwood Springs for a rejuvenating soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. This oasis, along with Glenwood Caverns, is a National Natural Landmark.
Iron Mountain has more than 25 pools, all with stunning views of the Colorado River. I spent the afternoon in the adult-only WorldSpring area, a serene haven where each pool is inspired by famous hot springs from around the world. My first soak was in a 103°F pool replicating the mineral waters of Kirsehir, Türkiye, followed with a brisk 55°F cold plunge for four minutes. Next, I eased into the 103°F pool inspired by Osaek, South Korea’s renowned springs discovered by a Buddhist monk in the 15th century. My final dip was set at 101°F, reflecting the healing waters of Vichy, France, the first medically prescribed spa in Europe. Each pool offers a unique experience in a soaking journey taking you around the world while melting away the day’s workout and stresses of the world.
Dinner and Drinks at Hotel Colorado
As the evening rolled in, I retreated to the elegant yet welcoming bar in Hotel Colorado for dinner. The historic bar exudes character, and Ashley, the lively bartender, made the experience unforgettable. Any visit to this bar for me starts with a Molly’s Gimlet. The fefreshing signature cocktail is named after the legendary Unsinkable Molly Brown, a Titanic survivor and frequent guest of the hotel. For dinner, I went for the classic Cobb salad sans bacon. They do a fabulous presentation of the hearty salad. As a nightcap, I indulged in the Cranberry Hot Toddy, a comforting warm drink to perfectly cap off an adventurous day.
