Destination: Glenwood Springs + Sunlight Mountain About: Located in the Roaring Fork Valley along the Colorado River this town has been a vacation spot for Coloradans since its inception in 1883. Because of its Geothermal activity the area has an abundance of hot springs. Route: I-70 W and CO-82 E to CO Hwy 117 to Sunlight Mountain Distance: 157 Miles Time: 2h 33m (Depending on Boulder traffic) Trip Length: Overnight Season: Year-round or Winter for skiing Sleeping: Resort Living In December, I got an Instagram DM saying I had won a trip! To my total surprise, an Instagram of mine had been picked at random by the Colorado Tourism board to win their December Trip Package to Glenwood Springs!
Woah! I know right?! After coordinating with the Glenwood Springs tourism we settled on a trip date for March. February and March were unseasonably dry, not ideal ski trip weather but great adventuring weather!
Glenwood Springs
Downtown Glenwood Springs is absolutely adorable. The shops and restaurants are all centered around the Colroado River, creating a fun walkable downtown. The area was under construction but still easily accessible during our visit. I really can’t wait to go back after the construction to walk along the Riverwalk.
Where to Stay Included in our trip was two nights at The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. The hotel is perfect for families. A stay at the resort includes free passes to The Hot Springs and a hot breakfast! The decor is really standard but all of the included amenities are great as well as the service.
The Springs If you stay at the Glenwood Springs Resort passes to The sSprings are included with your room. Otherwise, the prices are totally reasonable for a day pass. We, of course, had to buy slide pass as well. These aren’t dinky slides either, I screamed on both lol. The pool was crowded but totally worth it. We tested out all the pools, soaked up the sun and decided against indulging in ice cream. The Resort also features a Spa and Gym. Note you can rent a “cabana” for the day to secure some shade.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs – We did not go to Iron Mountain Hot Springs but I have read this is a more “Adult” setting with a spa and private pools. Where To Eat Dinner – We got in late and were torn between a few places for dinner but when we walked past CO Ranch House we knew we had found our spot. CO Ranch House decor is perfect! White wash walls, warm lighting, and a tasteful western cowboy decor.
We had a really hard time decided what to order but eventually settled on the Porcini & Mushroom Soup, Trout and Lobster Ravioli. The soup was incredible. I love everything mushroom and this was hands down the best Mushroom soup ever. The Lobster Ravioli was the winner between the entrees, as well. It was pretty chilly that night but CO Ranch House have a huge patio that would be perfect in the summer time. In the picture bellow – behind the bars is the patio. Lunch – We settled on BBQ for lunch and headed to the highly reviewed Smoke. We sat at the bar, ordered pulled pork sandwiches with mac ‘n’ cheese and margs (of course). The service was great and we enjoyed chatting with the bartenders and waiters.
Where To Drink Carbondale Beer Works – After skiing, we wanted cold beer and the sunshine so we headed to the patio at Carbondale Beer Works. The beers were great but after we saw some locals order Margaritas we made the switch too.
Sunlight Mountain
This small family friendly Mountain was way more than we expected. While the mountain only has three chairlifts it does have one of the longest trails at 2.5 miles and one of the steepest runs at in all of Colroado at 52 degrees. With 67 runs and 2,000 vertical most runs are for beginners or intermediate skiers. The mountain views from the top of Sunlight Mountain are breathtaking, Mt. Sopris is jaw dropping and The Rockies stretch for miles in either direction.
I’d love to go back to Sunlight Mountain on a powder day! Why? Well, the slopes were totally empty! It felt like our own private mountain for the day. Secondly, the trees looked amazing. Large aspen groves dot the mountain and looked like great tree skiing from the lift. I feel like we just scratched the surface of Roaring Fork Valley and can’t wait to go back this summer to explore more.
P.S. By using the CO hasthag #coloradolive you can be featured in their gallery and entered to win a trip around the state too!
Comments
Fredsays
It was nice that you could visit. There is never enough time to showcase everything a town has to offer but you sure showed some fine points. If you found the mac n cheese pulled pork you scored! A soak is a must my favorite is the good ole hot springs pool. Just saying, but Iron springs is more intimate and romantic. Next trip explore the Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park, they add new attractions all the time. Nice review, Thank for Sharing Fred
Blue Mountain Bellesays
Thank you! Actually, our waitress at the BBQ spot told us about iron springs so that is next on our list. As is the adventure park – I love rides! Our plan was to do it that Sunday before we left but couldn’t make it work.
It was nice that you could visit. There is never enough time to showcase everything a town has to offer but you sure showed some fine points. If you found the mac n cheese pulled pork you scored! A soak is a must my favorite is the good ole hot springs pool. Just saying, but Iron springs is more intimate and romantic. Next trip explore the Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park, they add new attractions all the time. Nice review, Thank for Sharing
Fred
Thank you! Actually, our waitress at the BBQ spot told us about iron springs so that is next on our list. As is the adventure park – I love rides! Our plan was to do it that Sunday before we left but couldn’t make it work.