COME TO LIFE / Roaring Fun in the Roaring Fork Valley: Aspen, Snowmass & Glenwood Springs ROARING FUN IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY: ASPEN, SNOWMASS & GLENWOOD SPRINGS COLORADO The Roaring Fork River flows through a valley that has always been a favorite playscape. DAY 1 T WINTER FUN There’s just as much to do in the Roaring Fork Valley during the winter months. The Aspen/ Snowmass area is home to four big-time ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk Mountain, which will host the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals March 15–17, 2017, held outside Europe for the first time in 20 years. And Glen-wood Springs is home to Sunlight Mountain Resort, where you can ski, hop on snowmobile tours and tackle the scenic Nordic trails on snowshoe or cross-country skis. Start the day with a bike ride up the Colorado River on Glenwood Canyon ’s paved path. As you stare up at the 1,300-foot choco-latey canyon walls, you’ll notice it feels like a precursor to the Grand Canyon located nearly 500 miles downstream. Hikers should visit Hanging Lake (1) , a mysterious natural wonder high in the bluffs. Next, melt any muscle aches away in the new Colorado River-side Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ (2) 16 soaking pools or long-time favorites Yampah Spa & Salon and Glenwood Hot Springs , home to the world’s largest hot-springs pool. Mineral-rich waters fluctu-ate between 90 and 93 degrees and swimming lanes, a kiddie pool, waterslides and mini golf add elements of fun. Follow your sighs of relaxation with squeals of delight at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (3) , where a mountain sling shot, zipline and Cliffhanger Rollercoaster provide year-round exhilaration for all ages. Then, grab some laughs at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue , where family entertainment and comfort food collide. 1 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: HANGING LAKE, JASON LEWANDOWSKI; IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS; GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK; ISTOCKPHOTO; GLENWOOD SPRINGS CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION. Dine alfresco along Seventh Avenue and stay the night in Glenwood Springs , named the Most Fun Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today . DAY 2 It’s time to explore Aspen . Renowned as a haven for celebrities, skiers and culture vultures, Aspen manages to maintain a character that is 100 percent Colorado and family friendly. Experiencing the essence of Aspen in a day is a tall order, so hit the ground running with a jaunt through downtown to survey the town’s famous stores. In the summer, hit up the Saturday Market for its farm-fresh produce and local products. Spend the afternoon savoring the scenery of the upper Roaring Fork River Valley. Take a gondola 2 3 QUICK TIP 128 / Visit Hanging Lake early in the morning to avoid the crowds — those on the trail by 5:30am find tranquility and spectacular light for photos. The short bonus trail behind the waterfall is worth a peek! COLORADO.COM
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2017: Page 128
