COME TO LIFE | Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass, Aspen SUMMER FUN 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 mountainbiking trails and the Lost Forest — a new activity center featuring an alpine coaster, ziplines, a challenge course and climbing wall. side Iron Mountain Hot Springs ’ soaking pools, Yampah Spa ’s steam baths and Glenwood Hot Springs , home to the world’s largest hot springs pool and several new water features. Get your bearings from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park ’s gondola, which lifts you off the valley floor to the top of Iron Mountain. The caverns’ mountain sling shot, Cliffhanger Rollercoaster and more provide maximum thrills. For a blast of another sort, hook up with a rafting outfitter for a Colorado River ride through spectacular Glenwood Canyon . Then dine alfresco along Seventh Avenue, browse downtown’s shops and stay the night. COLORADO ROCKIES PLAYGROUND IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS Day 2 In the Certified Colorado Creative District of Carbondale , arts performances and events, galleries and workshops can be had all over town. Walk or bike along the Rio Grande ARTway , for more art, gardens and Mount Sopris views. The (free!) Powers Art Center focuses on contemporary and pop art. One of “The Top 10 Adventure Towns in the U.S.,” outdoor pursuits include biking (hit the upgraded trails at Prince Creek and Red Hill), kayaking, paddleboarding and flyfishing. In winter, excellent crosscountry skiing can be found at Spring Gulch. Farther on, the town of Basalt at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan rivers is known for Gold Medal ESCAPE TO NATURE 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. PARK THE CAR AND USE THE FREE OR $1 SHUTTLES TO MOVE BETWEEN TOWNS; HOP ON SELF-GUIDED HISTORY TOURS IN GLENWOOD AND ASPEN; PICK UP TRAIL MAPS AT VISITOR CENTERS TO EXPLORE IN AND AROUND THE VALLEY. Start the day with a mountain bike ride in the Red Mountain ’s trail system for sweet views, climbs and downhill Next, wash aches away in the Colorado River 118 1-800-COLORADO IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS. Day 1 action minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs . Hikers head for Hanging Lake, a natural wonder. Visit early weekday mornings to avoid the crowds. If you’re there May–October, you’ll use the reservation and shuttle service. Go to visitglenwood. com/hanginglake . PARK YOURSELF IN LUXURY AT THESE TOWNS’ FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS AND SPAS. SOAK UP THE AMENITIES AT OPULENT HOTELS, INCLUDING HOOKUPS FOR STARGAZING TOURS, BACKCOUNTRY LUNCH HIKES, WELLNESS PERKS AND MORE.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 118
