COME TO LIFE / Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass, Aspen ROARING FUN IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY Book stays in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass and Aspen . The Roaring Fork River flows through a valley that has always been a favorite playscape for folks in these mountain towns. COLORADO ROCKIES PLAYGROUND T WINTER FUN The Aspen/Snowmass area is home to four big-time ski areas: Aspen Moun-tain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk Mountain. Snowmass’ new base village offers a slopeside ice-skating rink. 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. DAY 1 Start the day with a ride on the new Grandstaff Trail , the newest route in Red Mountain ’s moun-tain-biking trail system — offering killer views, challenging climbs and exhilarating downhill action just minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs . Hikers head for Hanging Lake (1) , a mysterious natural wonder high in the bluffs. Visit on early weekday mornings to avoid the crowds — those on the trail then find tranquility and spectacular light for photos. If you’re visiting May 1–Oct. 31, you’ll use the new reservation and shuttle service. Go to VisitGlenwood.com/HangingLake to learn more. Next, melt any muscle aches away in the Colorado River-side Iron Mountain Hot Springs ’16 soaking pools, Yampah Spa ’s steam baths and Glenwood Hot Springs (2) , home to the world’s largest hot-springs pool. There’s also a new adventure river and splash pad to keep the kiddos occupied. Get your bearings on the area as a whole from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park ’s new Glenwood Gondola (3) , which lifts you off the valley floor to the top of Iron Mountain. There, the caverns’ mountain sling shot, Cliffhanger Rollercoaster and Haunted Mine Drop await to provide maximum thrills. For a blast of another sort, hook up with a rafting outfitter for a whitewater ride on the Colorado River as it winds through spectacular Glenwood Canyon . 1 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: HANGING LAKE, VISIT GLENWOOD SPRINGS; GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS, C2 PHOTOGRAPHY; GLENWOOD GONDOLA, C2 PHOTOGRAPHY; SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT SKI SCHOOL. R SUMMER AT SKI RESORTS 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. For a wind down, check out the Glenwood Springs Fish Hatchery along Mitchell Creek on the west side of town. Bring quarters to buy fish food for the five species of cold-water fish raised there. Then dine alfresco along Seventh Avenue, browse downtown’s shops and stay the night here. DAY 2 Make your way farther into the valley today. In Carbondale , the (free!) Powers Art Center focuses on contemporary and pop art. Recently named a Certified Colorado Creative District, arts events, performances, galleries and workshops abound. Walk or bikeride along the Rio Grande ARTway , a path lined with public art installations, gardens and Mount Sopris views. 2 3 QUICK TIP 130 / Those seeking a ride up to Glenwood Springs from Denver can hop on the Bustang West Line — a 55-passenger, bathroom-and WiFi-equipped bus that travels from Denver’s Union Station. Once there, Roaring Fork Transit’s VelociRFTA can get you back and forth between all the other towns in this itinerary. 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 130
