Glenwood Springs Waterfall Hikes and Soothing Hot springs
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Hiking in Glenwood Canyon Colorado offers endless views
3 Stunning Hikes in Glenwood Springs Colorado in 2024
A perfect anniversary getaway (take the train from Denver!), or an adventurous road trip stop with the family as you’re driving east or west on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs offers all kinds of outdoor adventures year round.
Within an hour of picturesque Aspen or Vail, Glenwood Springs offers three particularly stunning hikes nearby along Grizzly Creek, No Name Creek, and to the famous Hanging Lake — all in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon.
While Glenwood Canyon suffered from the 2020 Grizzly Creek fire, these three trails are open again. If you hike up far enough, you can see the burn scar first hand and witness the forest already rising up from the ashes.
After we unpack these wonderful hikes near Glenwood Springs, we’ll also show you why you should save an afternoon or two for a geothermal soak at the historic Glenwood Hot Springs and newer Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
Plan your stay in a gorgeous vacation home, like this one nestled on one private acre in the beautiful Rocky Mountains - a home with unparalleled view of Mt. Sopris.
Finally, we wrap up by highlighting more things to do in Glenwood Springs, including our favorite stops and hops on Restaurant Row.
The Grizzlly Creek Trail takes you along cascading waterfalls and a burn scar
Hiking in Glenwood Springs
More Hikes Near Glenwood Springs
Hot Springs and Things to Do in Glenwood Springs
PRO TIP: Don’t own a good hiking daypack? We love Osprey’s Packfinder Tool. Osprey makes some of the world’s best daypacks and overnight backpacks, in our combined 50+ years of experience hiking and backpacking. And they have great customer service.
Glenwood Springs hikes showcase Colorado wildflowers like these on the Jess Weaver Trail
Grizzly Creek
The Grizzly Creek is a super ideal hike in Glenwood Springs for adults and kids. Full of picnic spots and fishing holes, this is a great summer destination.
PRO TIP: As of Spring 2024, this trail is open, but only the first two miles are accessible. The rest of the trail is still closed for reforestation. It is still a worthwhile hike as the first two miles are beautiful as they follow the mountain creek.
This hiking trail laced with wildflowers offers so many sweet spots for playful pitstops in the water.
While we hiked this trail in spring, the huge tall pine trees would offer plenty of shade in the summer.
As you hike up along the cascading waterfalls of Grizzly Creek, look up and notice the stunning canyon walls and towering cliffs. You can hike up into the canyon as far as you like. The farther you hike, the less people on the trail.
The incline on the Grizzly Creek hiking trail is soft and gradual for the first couple of miles.
At around mile 2.4, the trail becomes more exposed and it goes a bit further away from the stream — but you can still hear the water.
This far in, you’ll be hiking through the burn scar of the Grizzly Creek fire. It’s fascinating and enticing. The trail has been mostly cleared, but there are a few tricky spots along the way.
Hiking in Glenwood Springs along the Grizzly Creek burn scar
You will hike a pretty steep incline around mile 2.7, and it will level out a bit as you slowly make your way closer to Grizzly Creek again.
To discover the Grizzly Creek Pipe Line that shoots over to No Name Creek, you will begin climbing again after mile 3.1. Hike to the end of the trail to where you’ll see the historic pipe line. You will have hiked about 3.9 miles one way at this point.
Trail Details: You will climb over 1,800 feet in elevation on this 7.8 mile round trip out-and-back hike, making it a moderate hike. Allow at 3-4 hours to complete this hike. Dogs on leash are allowed.
How to get to the trailhead: The Grizzly Creek trailhead is just east of Glenwood Springs. Use Exit 121 for Grizzly Creek Rest Area and park in the upper lot where the trail begins.
Pro Tip: In summer, begin this hike early in the morning to avoid the heat in the canyon. We recommend at least 2L of water per person for this hike and either a picnic lunch or plenty of healthy snacks. We burned over 2,000 calories on this hike. Younger kids would absolutely love the first mile or two of the hike.
Hanging Lake in Colorado
Hike to Hanging Lake
One of our top favorite Colorado hiking trails is in Glenwood Springs.
Following a soothing stream in the White River National Forest, your legs will feel the burn on this rewarding climb to Hanging Lake.
The rocky, shaded ascent to Hanging Lake aims to please tho. The peaceful blue-green lake, with a bonus jaunt to a huge waterfall called Spouting Rock, is well worth the cardio workout.
You will need a permit reservation for hiking to Hanging Lake.*
From the rest stop parking lot off of I-70, the hike to Hanging Lake starts on a paved path along the Colorado River before you reach the trail through the forest. The hike begins along Dead Horse Creek and steps up through the rocky canyon.
There is minimal to no cell phone coverage in this area. Always tell someone where you are going before you begin your hike.
As with any hiking trail, do not cheat and shortcut the trail’s switchbacks. This only increases erosion and negates the beauty of the terrain.
Take your time! There are several places to stop and take a breather, so just enjoy the hike! Just before you reach Hanging Lake, there are steep stairs honed from the canyon’s rock. Be careful.
You’ve arrived at Hanging Lake! Please stay on the built-just-for-you boardwalk. Do not tip-toe out onto fallen trees laying across the lake, and please do not get into the water.
It’s a very fragile eco-system. Don’t be that guy or gal, just for the sake of the ‘Gram.
Reservations Needed to Hike to Hanging Lake in 2024
As of this writing, reservations to hike the Hanging Lake Trail are available through the next 30 days via the booking portal.
NOTE: The US Forest Service has scheduled a rebuild of the Hanging Lake Trail that is set to begin this spring and last throughout the summer months. Reservations will be available at the discretion of the US Forest Service, continue to check this page for updates.
Please read all information about the Hanging Lake Trail before purchasing your permit.
Again, know this is a challenging hike due to challenging elevation gain and it can be very difficult for young children and elderly. Do not take them.
Summer permits are $12 per hiker during the summer season.
Your hiking permits and reservations to Hanging Lake include self parking at the trailhead.
Hiking to Hanging Lake in Winter
Winter permits through April 30th are $10 per hiker and include self parking at the trailhead.
NOTE: This hiking trail is not maintained in winter and can be hazardous. Use at your own risk and be prepared for winter hiking conditions, including inclement weather, cold temperatures, snow and ice.
Wear spikes and use hiking poles and turn around if it’s too treacherous.
Brush up on these winter hiking tips before you hop on a trail.
RELATED: A Year Round Guide to What to Wear Hiking in Colorado
Spouting Rock just up from Hanging Lake in Colorado
Don’t miss Spouting Rock! After you’ve seen Hanging Lake, double-back along the trail just a bit and take the very short hike up to Spouting Rock. A tall, refreshing waterfall shoots forth from a hole through the limestone cliff wall.
Trail Details: You will climb nearly 1,200 feet in elevation on this short 3.1 round trip out-and-back hike, making it a steep moderate hike. Allow a couple of hours to complete this hike. No dogs allowed.
How to get to the trailhead: If you are traveling east from Glenwood Springs, take Exit 125 to Hanging Lake. If you are traveling west on I-70, take the Grizzly exit (Exit 121) in Glenwood Canyon. Because there is no westbound exit, you will then turn around and get back on I-70 headed east to exit at Hanging Lake.
This is a big, developed rest area with toilets, drinking water and information. You will find the Hanging Lake trailhead about 1/4 mile east of the rest area, right before a bridge.
Pro Tip: Once you leave the rest area, there are no other places to get drinking water. This is a strenuous hike, so we recommend at least 1L of water per person, healthy snacks, and appropriate footwear. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes are a must.
Waterfall Hikes in Colorado
We rounded up 27 Waterfall Hiking Trails that cover a lot of our favorite Colorado hiking trails all over this Rocky Mountain state.
Hiking in Glenwood Springs on the Jess Weaver Trail
Jess Weaver Trail
A fantastic Glenwood Springs hike following No Name Creek, the Jess Weaver Trail is open again in 2024.
The 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire shut down Interstate 70 for an unprecedented two weeks — the burn scar is fascinating.
PRO TIP: Be aware of increased risk from hazard trees, falling rocks, stump holes, and flash flooding resulting from the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire.
This is a wonderful trail sprinkled with wildflowers that follows No Name Creek up through a beautiful canyon. Eventually the trail takes you into the burn scar, if you’re game to go all the way. Kids would love this hike as well.
You’ll hike up along a watershed area for Glenwood Springs, with No Name Creek on your right through the first 3 miles or so. Then you’ll cross over a sweet walking bridge to climb even higher.
The first mile or two of the Jess Weaver Trail feel quite easy. While you hike, watch and listen to lovely cascading waterfalls, spurring you onward and upward.
Note the elevation gain on the Jess Weaver hiking trail near Glenwood Springs
Even while the incline may seem like a lot once it starts, you can easily pace yourself. Just when you feel the incline is becoming challenging, the trail levels out to give you a break, readying you for the next climb.
You will not see much evidence of the Grizzly Fire in the first 1.5 miles or so. Once you cross the walking bridge after 3 miles, you will see first-hand how the fire affected this watershed area. While it feels like a war zone, it’s strangely cool and beautiful to witness the life of a forest.
Trail Details: You will climb over 2,000 feet in elevation on this 8 mile round trip out-and-back hike, making it a moderate hike. Allow at least 3-4 hours to complete this hike. Dogs on leash are allowed.
How to get to the trailhead: The Jess Weaver Trailhead is just east of Glenwood Springs. Take exit 119 off of I-70 and head .5 miles north on County Road 129 to a small parking area at the trailhead. There are only 4 parking spots at the trailhead. If there is not a spot for you, you will have to park back down by the rest area about .5 miles back. There are private properties all along the road, so you are not allowed to park along the road.
Pro Tip: In the summer, start early in the morning before the canyon heats up. We recommend at least 2L of water per person for this hike and either a picnic lunch or plenty of healthy snacks. We burned over 2,000 calories on this hike.
Here’s our go-to gear for Colorado Hiking Trails in 2024:
We love the Osprey Sirrus Hiking Daypack for women, or the Stratos version for men, for carrying water, layers, and snacks on Colorado day hikes
Lightweight, versatile Hiking Poles built for a full day’s send on the trail — hike longer and stronger
2L or 3L Water Reservoir — This affordable reservoir is easy to fill
Patagonia Torrentshell - a true waterproof rain jacket and fantastic layering piece
Nano Puff Jacket - our favorite for 3 seasons in Colorado
Maroon Bells in the Snowmass Wilderness
More Hikes Near Glenwood Springs
Doc Holliday
An easy .7 out and back trail that while steep, it’s over before you know it. Worth it if you’re a Tombstone fan. Doc Holliday is buried somewhere in this historical graveyard.
Glenwood Canyon Trail
Popular for bicycle riding, this meandering paved trail with a mostly gentle grade provides fabulous views of the Colorado River and Glenwood Canyon, one of the prettiest canyons in the entire USA.
RIO GRANDE TRAIL
For a relaxing family bicycle ride, take the RFTA bus one-way to Aspen and ride the 42 miles back to Glenwood Springs, mostly downhill.
MAROON BELLS & ASPEN
Aspen is just a 41 mile scenic drive from Glenwood Springs. We cover a lot of great hikes in the Aspen area, including the Maroon Bells:
Hiking to the Maroon Bells: Different Trails to See These Beauts
These Aspen Hikes Dish Out Fantastic Views
Rifle Falls State Park
Just a 40 minute drive from Glenwood Springs, add this little jaunt off the beaten path to see Rifle Falls via a short hike. Even in the winter, it’s a wonderland. Great adventure with kids and all skill levels.
Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails we’ve trekked in Colorado. Book a 30 or 60 minute call with us and gather knowledgable advice and tips.
Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado
Things to do in Glenwood Springs
If you’ve been with us a while, you know we like to suggest good hops for after the hiking trail.
This includes fun things to do unique to the area, as well as local breweries for a post hike recovery drink.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Since 1888, folks have been treating themselves to these massive, family friendly geothermal pools.
The first large therapeutic pool is 104 degrees. The second, even larger, pool is warm and inviting and great for walking, floating, and playing with kids. In the summer, the Sopris Splash Zone and Shoshone Chutes are also open.
PRO TIP: Bring your own favorite beach towel and a robe for the pools. Don’t stay at the outdated, overpriced Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. Opt for a cozy, modern vacation rental and just pay for a day pass at each of the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.
Nextdoor to Glenwood Springs Hot Springs, you’ll find the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves. These are natural underground hot mineral water steam baths.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Located on the banks of the winding Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, with a view of Iron Mountain, these 16 geothermal soaking pools offer guests a total soaking experience.
With pools ranging in temps from 99 to 108 degrees, you can soak where it’s most comfortable for you. Also on site is a freshwater family pool, perfect for all ages, with an attached elevated jetted spa.
Enjoy the restaurant that serves up food and drinks. Also take advantage of the modern changing rooms with hot showers.
PRO TIP: Be sure to bring your own favorite beach towel and robe for the pools. Otherwise, you’ll be buying a towel on site.
RELATED: Steamboat Springs Hot Springs and Hikes
Fishing
If you’re into fly fishing and more, talk to the experts at Hookers on Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs.
Hookers is a sweet local fishing shop with friendly service, a good selection of fly fishing clothing brands, as well as flies, fly rods, and well, pretty much anything related to fly fishing.
Bonus: The Hookers staff has personal insights into the local rivers. They also offers guided fly fishing floats. 719 Grand Avenue Glenwood Springs, CO
Rafting
With over 45 years in the business, Whitewater Rafting LLC, this family run business is your go-to for a good time on the river.
With rafting trips on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers in Glenwood Springs, trips vary from family friendly to wild rides for the more experienced rafters. 2000 Devereux Road Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Springs Restaurants
Just a stroll over the pedestrian bridge from the Glenwood Hot Springs, walk over the Colorado River to enjoy additional shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Casey Brewing Taproom
Our favorite place to hop to, we couldn’t get enough of Casey’s. We visited three days in a row.
With Casey Brews including Constant Elevation (West Coast Douple IPA), Two Rivers (Hazy Pale Ale), a Pils, a Helles Lager, and so much more.
If you want a thick, dessert beer so-to-speak, go for the Barrel Aged Vanilla and stay a while.
While they don’t serve food here at Casey’s, they invite and encourage you to bring in your to-go boxes from neighboring establishments. Perfecto. Enjoy the outdoor seating under the bridge.
Smoke BBQ
Serving lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch, Smoke BBQ also delivers a smashing happy hour Tuesdays through Friday! Brisket Sliders, Ribs on the Bone, Burnt End Nachos and 25% off all Colorado Draft Beers.
Being from Kansas City, I can attest this BBQ is on point.
The Grind
This cool spot offers house-ground grass-fed burgers, amazing salads, and a full bar with craft beer and boozy shakes. We actually had their Mediterranean salad and it was every bit of wonderful.
Slope and Hatch
This small take-out spot dishes up international tacos and locally sourced frankfurters. The fish tacos were delectable and my scarfed down his dog.
Sundae Ice Cream
“Small batch artisan ice cream served with a smile.” Sundae Ice Cream scoops up delicious homemade ice cream flavors, perfect treat for after the hiking trail.
Picture Salted Cookies & Cream, Espresso, Strawberry, and Cheesecake to name a few, as well as rotating limited edition flavors. Also, Sundae’s offers mix-ins, toppings, waffle cones, shakes and more.
