COME TO LIFE / Roaring Fun ROARING FUN IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY: ASPEN, SNOWMASS & GLENWOOD SPRINGS The Roaring Fork River flows through a valley that has always been a favorite playscape. COLORADO 7 WINTER FUN DAY 1 Start the day with a ride on the Grandstaff Trail , the newest route in Red Mountain ’s (2) mountain-biking trail system — offering killer views, challenging climbs and exhilarating downhill action just minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs . Hikers should visit Hanging Lake , a mysterious natural wonder high in the bluffs. Visit on early weekday mornings 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 Colorado River-side Iron Mountain Hot Springs ’ 16 soaking pools, Yampah Spa & Salon ’s steam baths and Glenwood Hot Springs (1) , 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 (3) , 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 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. 1 DAY 2 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. Enhance your morning 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, or cruise the area on two wheels with a bike rental from 43 WE-Cycle Stations in Aspen and Basalt . CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS, C2 PHOTOGRAPHY; RED MOUNTAIN, STEVE MOHLENKAMP; GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK; ASPEN MOUNTAIN, THE LITTLE NELL. 5 SUMMER AT SKI RESORTS America” by Rand McNally and USA Today . Ride the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for hiking trails, dining amid gorgeous views, and yoga and meditation classes. Snowmass Mountain has disc golf, more than 40 miles of mountain-biking trails and the Lost Forest — a new activity center featuring an alpine coaster, ziplines, a challenge course and climbing wall. 2 3 QUICK TIP 112 / Those seeking a ride up to Glenwood Springs from Denver can hop on the Bustang West Line — a 55-passenger, bathroom-and Wi-Fi-equipped bus that travels from Denver’s Union Station to Glenwood Springs and back daily, with additional stops in Vail, Eagle and Frisco. 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 112
