It’s that time of year to schedule a relaxing, fun-filled, adult getaway before the busy holiday season kicks in. A big bonus is that the tourist season is slower in October and November in mountain towns like Glenwood Springs, Colorado. What’s not to like about quieter trails, easier-to-secure dinner reservations, and snowcapped peaks with hints of fall colors still dotting the landscape?
It’s also a perfect time to sneak in an adult getaway in without kids while they are occupied with school and activities. Let’s call it a win-win, with kids happy staying with friends or having doting grandparents on hand to manage the home front. So, grab your favorite person or posse—whether it is your significant other, girl or guy friends, or siblings—and head straight for the mountains and make Glenwood Hot Springs Resort your base camp.
Romantic Rendezvous
Nothing stokes the flames of love like a romantic adult getaway to a resort with hot springs in the Rocky Mountains. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, just 2.5 hours west of Denver and 1.5 hours east of Grand Junction, is an ideal destination for couples looking for a little alone time and for Glenwood Springs packages to make the trip planning easy.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Date Night Package is perfect for October and November adult getaways. The package includes 10% off overnight accommodations at the resort’s Lodge, unlimited soaking at the hot springs pool, and complimentary made-to-order breakfast served poolside at The Grill. Also enjoy use of plush robes during your stay and a delicious dinner out with a $75 gift card to either The Pullman or Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen, both an easy walk across the pedestrian bridge. The Date Night Package is available from Oct. 6 through Nov. 30, 2023 and is subject to availability.
While in Glenwood Springs, between blissful soaks in the mineral hot springs, grab your favorite warm beverage at a downtown coffeehouse, stroll the wide variety of shops, get out on the trails, and perhaps branch out to nearby towns like Basalt and Carbondale, both with charming central business districts.
Girlfriend Getaways
There is nothing better than sneaking in a few days off with your besties. Start and end your day right with leisurely soaks in the world’s largest hot springs pool as the sun begins to peek over the mountains in the morning or under a canopy of stars at night. The warmer Therapy Pool is truly divine, and the larger main pool is slightly cooler and perfect for sunshine-filled days, walking while talking, and sneaking a few laps in while your friends take a nap. Consider renting a cabana to have a more private place to connect and share favorite stories.
There is no need to leave for a tasty breakfast, as it’s included in every stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge to fuel up before heading out for biking, hiking or shopping the day away. There are paved recreation paths or trails that weave through the woods for girlfriend groups who want some time in the outdoors. Mix in spa treatments like facials, massages, mani-pedis and body wraps just down the street at Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves. There is even an Organic Pumpkin Spice Body Wrap for autumn.
While shopping at Bullocks Western Wear downtown, don’t forget to check out the Doc Holliday Collection on-site and hike up to his grave at Linwood Cemetery. Time your vacation right to take part in Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s popular Ghost Walk in Linwood Cemetery offered on various dates from Oct. 20-28, 2023. All this will make you hungry and thirsty, so head to Rivieria Supper Club & Scratch Kitchen for happy hour, a great meal and music. If you are in an Italian state of mind, try Brava Modern Trattoria or The Italian Underground.
Even though there is plenty to do in Glenwood Springs, if you are staying for several days and want a touch of glitz and glamour, Aspen and Vail are only about an hour away with other great towns and beautiful scenery along the way.
Guys Weekends
Autumn is a great time to fish, hunt, golf and bike in the Glenwood Springs area. There is an array of local outfitters for guided fly-fishing outings on the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers or book a tee time at the nine-hole Glenwood Springs Golf Club or 18-hole Ironbridge Golf Club, with weather guiding when the courses close for the season.
Bring your own mountain or road bikes to explore an extensive network of singletrack, the 42-mile paved Rio Grande Trail to Aspen or the shorter 16-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. If electric bikes are on your must-try list, rent from Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op.
No designated driver is needed when you can simply walk over the pedestrian bridge spanning the Colorado River to downtown. Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse, Smoke Modern BBQ and CO Ranch House are sure to satisfy hearty appetites. If there are beer lovers in your group, don’t miss Glenwood Cavern Brewpub and Casey Brewing Taproom. If you forgot gear, stop by REI, Glenwood Springs Outdoors and Summit Canyon Mountaineering.
Sibling Connections
While all the activities already mentioned can apply to great getaways for siblings of all ages, we have a few more suggestions. Remember family vacations that involved amusement parks? Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park isn’t just for kids and is open much of October and on select days in November. There are thrill rides like the Defiance Roller Coaster, Crystal Tower and Giant Canyon Swing or the slightly mellower Alpine Coaster and Zip Ride, which are all weather dependent. You are never too young or old to have fun taking each other out during laser tag or experience the 4D Motion Theater. Also, don’t miss the amazing cave tours.
No visit is complete without going to Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. The popular Holiday Show kicks off on Nov. 17 and runs through Jan. 13, and there are special events like the High Country Sinfonia on Oct. 21 and Warren Miller’s latest ski movie, ALL TIME, on Nov. 11.
May we suggest a sibling toast at the Stoneyard Distillery Tasting Room? Try a Horchata Colada, Margatini or E.T. Phone Home and consider bringing a bottle of spirits or a pack of shooters or bitters home to enjoy later.
During any adults-only getaway to Glenwood Springs, make plenty of time to soak in the hot springs as it’s been on countless must-experience lists since Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened in 1888. On clear, crisp autumn mornings and evenings and sunny afternoons, it’s hard to beat the feeling of being wrapped in a cloud of steam or lazily floating on your back in the mineral-rich water.