It’s that time again in the mountains. Melting snow is trickling down and filling Colorado’s waterways. Not only do rivers carry precious water to fields and communities, they sustain wildlife and are a soul-filling source of beauty and amazing recreation. There is nothing quite like getting in a raft and experiencing the ebbs and flows, sights and sounds of a river!
In Glenwood Springs, the Colorado River tumbles its way through massive cliffs that form Glenwood Canyon, slicing through 16 miles and making mild to wild rafting excursions a reality. Water temperatures vary, depending on the time of year and water levels, but just know that part of the adventure is helping out with the paddling and getting wet.
So if you are a little cold or sore, know that a warm, relaxing soak awaits at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The pool dates back to 1888 and is the largest natural mineral hot springs pool in the world. However, Ute Native Americans had figured out the joys and benefits of soaking in the area’s hot springs long before.
Get your calendar out and start dreaming about the three Rs in Glenwood Springs—and we aren’t talking about reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic! Nope, it’s rafting, rapids and revitalization here!
Rafting … Is Exhilarating
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort makes it easy to combine all three Rs with its Whitewater Adventure Package. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery and a relaxing, half-day float on the Colorado River with Blue Sky Adventures. This excursion is appropriate for all ability levels, and the package includes lodging at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, hot springs pool access from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and grab-and-go breakfast from the poolside Grill. The package is available now through Oct. 10, 2021.
Blue Sky Adventures and other local rafting companies offer various types of guided trips that vary in length (usually half- or full-day), location and adrenaline level. Several outfitters also provide options that combine rafting with other outdoor action like biking, ziplining and horseback riding.
One of the highlights of booking a trip are the personable raft guides who not only know how to read the river, they lead participants in helping out, share stories about the area and point out wildlife like bighorn sheep, bald eagles, marmots and mule deer along the way.
Skilled boaters with their own rafts or gear rented from outfitters can access the river from Glenwood Canyon boat launches located at the Shoshone or Grizzly Creek rest areas. The easiest takeout point is Two Rivers Park boat ramp or extend your adventure by continuing through South Canyon to the takeout there. If you don’t have experience, make sure to go with a guide!
Rapids … Are a Blast
Runoff from melting snow begins in late March and April and hits its peak in June, when flows are highest and fastest. Flow rates taper off into August and early September, resulting in milder waters. Overall, Glenwood Canyon rafting is considered intermediate, with most rapids falling between Class I to IV.
Class I/II rapids are ideal for families with young children and those who want a relaxing adventure. Class II/III rapids provide a nice combination of whitewater and leisure, while class III/IV are great for people who savor a good dose of adventure. The popular Shoshone section of the Colorado River has rapids with fun names like such Tombstone, Man Eater and The Wall.
If rafting isn’t on your vacation agenda (or even if it is!), check out the Sopris Splash Zone aquatic park at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool to get a taste of what it’s like to journey down the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. Shoshone Chutes is an open-air tube ride that plunges riders downhill (riding solo or in a two-person tube) with plenty of twists and turns amongst lush landscaping and cascading tiers. You’ll hear plenty of laughter and maybe a scream or two!
Families also will enjoy the children’s play area in Sopris Splash Zone with three smaller water slides, waterfalls modeled after the popular Hanging Lake hike in Glenwood Canyon, interactive water features and shallow play areas. And the Grand Fountain is a water feature that acts as a kid-friendly splash pad by day and a lighted show fountain at night.
Revitalization … Take a Deep Breath
While rafting, there are places to pull over to splash, swim and sit in naturally occurring riverside hot springs if you are lucky. However, true relaxation and revitalization begins with a blissful soak in Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. For the ultimate in pampering, rent a poolside cabana and stay just steps away at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge so you can soak the next day, too, which is included in an overnight stay.
You’re sure to feel even more revitalized after time in the gym or a class at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Athletic Club, located in the pool’s historic sandstone bathhouse. Need a snack after all this? The Poolside Grill & Snack Bar and summer food truck can help satisfy hunger pangs with all sorts of tasty treats.
Visit Glenwood Springs soon, feel the magnetizing power of the river and mountains, and have one Mother Nature of a good time!