COME TO LIFE / Roaring Fun 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 7 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. And Glenwood Springs is home to Sunlight Mountain Resort, where you can ski, hop on snowmobile tours and tackle the scenic Nordic trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Start the day with a bike ride up the Colorado River on Glenwood Canyon ’s paved path and pause to stare up at the 1,300-foot chocolatey canyon walls. Hikers should visit Hanging Lake (3) , a mysterious natural wonder high in the bluffs. Visit in the morning to avoid the crowds — those on the trail by 5:30am find tranquility and spectacular light for photos. Next, melt any muscle aches away in the new Colorado Riverside Iron Mountain Hot Springs ’ (1) 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 fluctuate 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 (2) , where a mountain sling shot, Cliffhanger Rollercoaster and the new Haunted Mine Drop, which plunges riders 110 feet inside Iron Mountain, provide year-round thrills, as do three in-town escape rooms. For photo ops, “Doc” Holliday’s grave site is located in Linwood Cemetery , a short hike from downtown Glenwood Springs with terrific views of the town and the valley. Then 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 . 1 DAY 2 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS; GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK; HANGING LAKE, @KALEY.HERMAN; ASPEN MOUNTAIN, ASPEN SNOWMASS. It’s time to explore Aspen . Renowned as a haven for celebri-ties, skiers and culture vultures, Aspen manages to maintain a character that is 100 percent Colorado and family friendly. 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 ride to the top of Aspen or nearby Snowmass Mountain for 360-degree views. On Aspen Mountain , hike the well-marked trails and dine at the Sundeck; on Snowmass Mountain , play disc golf or mountain bike on 40 miles 2 @kaley.herman 3 QUICK TIP 120 / When visiting Aspen, park in the parking garage, and then utilize the Downtowner , an on-demand shuttle service that will take you anywhere in the downtown core for free. Similarly, Snowmass’ free shuttles get you around town with ease, and there’s a free RFTA bus that goes between the two towns for free. COLORADO.COM
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 120
