Glenwood Springs, CO is a mecca for river fun! Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
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For those of you for whom the mountains call, Glenwood Springs, CO is a must for your bucket list. Drive 3 hours west of Denver, straight into the center of the Rocky Mountains for super hiking, world famous fishing and other outdoor fun. Some attractions are pricey, like the Glenwood Adventure Park. But here are a local’s recommendations for the best FREE things to do when visiting.
Glenwood Springs is a mountain town mecca for Denver families looking for respite from the city. There are a plethora of activities for those with a bit of extra cash in their pockets, including the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, whitewater rafting, ATV tours, snowmobiling even paragliding, all in this beautiful valley.
Nearby Rifle Falls is as beautiful as it is natural! Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
6 Free Things to Do in Glenwood Springs Colorado
1. Hiking Trails 2. Linwood Cemetery 3. Climbing in Glenwood Canyon 4. Fishing 5. Off-Roading 6. River Fun
+ 2 Bonus things to do:
7. Biking
8. Nature is free!
1. Hiking Trails
Views high above the city. Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
Hiking trails are a big draw for those visiting Glenwood Springs and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, with the uptick in visits, the city decided to capitalize on one of the most beautiful hikes in the area … Hanging Lake. It is now necessary to make a reservation, pay a fee and ride a bus to the trailhead.
However, there are dozens and dozens of other trails that are breathtaking and free. For family-friendly options, take the fam to nearby Rifle Falls and enjoy the triple waterfalls and the caves along the trail. Or try Grizzly Creek Trail, or HorseShoe Bend Trail and catch a view of the resident Big Horn Sheep!
Glenwood is really a hiking mecca with so many gorgeous hikes in the area and best of all, hiking is always an option, no matter where you go, for a great free thing to do!
Visit Doc Holliday’s grave in the cemetery up above the city. Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
Another great free thing to do in Glenwood Springs is to experience a little pioneer history at Linwood Cemetery. Here you can visit the graves of some infamous characters. Doc Holliday’s grave is one of the most famous attractions in the cemetery. Harvey Logan, aka “Kid Curry” is also buried in Linwood after committing suicide following a train robbery in 1904. For a while, Logan had been a member of the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid gang.
Linwood Cemetery is located in the heart of downtown. It’s just a little hike up with some great lookouts over the city. Ample parking on the street makes this a great foray.
3. Climbing in Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is one of the best spots for climbing … a favorite is called Amphitheater. Photo credit: Connor Bartek
Aside from being the most beautiful place I’ve ever laid eyes on, Glenwood Canyon is home to many rock and ice climbing opportunities throughout the year. Side canyons offer some amazing spots as well. Really, you can’t go wrong in Glenwood Canyon as nearly every exit off the highway offers a climbing opportunity for those who know what they are looking for.
Climbing is one of those sports, that once you have the gear, you can set off in search of amazing fun. Definitely put climbing in Glenwood Canyon in your itinerary of top free things to do In Glenwood Springs, CO.
4. Fishing
Fishing is a big draw to Glenwood Springs, CO! Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
Fishing is a favorite getaway for many who visit. From Glenwood Springs there is access to multiple rivers, including lengthy stretches of Gold Medal designated waters in which to fish. The region is home to exceptional fishing opportunities. Here you can cast your line from shore or while floating down the river in hopes of catching trout. Everything from rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout all swim abundantly in the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers!
If it’s a guide you are looking for, look no further than my friend and guide, Dustin Harcourt. His parents took my family fly fishing for salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska and we never had so much fun, or learned so much as we did with them!
5. Off-Roading
Fantastic views from up above on Transfer Trail! Photo credit: Susie Kellogg
The State of Colorado is an off-roader’s dream, with riding trails ranging from dirt to gravel to paved, there is something for everyone in every nook and cranny of the state! Glenwood Springs can be a bit tricky, but Transfer Trail is not only incredibly fun, but absolutely drop dead gorgeous. As I road up into the flat tops, I couldn’t help but think I’d died and gone to heaven. Aspen trees, pines, wild flowers, lakes and butterflies. The experience was second to none. Bring a tent and spend the night!
With Glenwood Springs offering this trail, you must put off-roading on your itinerary of fun, free things to do In Glenwood Springs, CO!
6. River Fun
There is a lot of river in Glenwood Springs, CO. The Colorado River offers Class II-IV and the Roaring Fork Class II-III. There is a little something for everyone!
If you don’t have your own craft, you can fork out a little cash and book a whitewater raft trip or even pay for a rental raft. But, for even cheaper you can grab a tube from your local tire store and have a blast tubing down the Grizzly Creek section of the Colorado River. This section is perfect for beginners especially later in the summer as the water is cool and the waves are small.
Glenwood Springs also has a whitewater park, for kayakers and SUPers, just below Two Rivers Park. It’s the perfect standing wave for surfboards, boogie boards, SUP’s, kayaks and yes, even tubes!
Stay safe and be sure to wear a PFD (more commonly known as a life jacket) as you enjoy my favorite fun thing that is also one of the best free things to do In Glenwood Springs, CO.
7. Biking
Biking is a big deal here and one of the most popular free things to do In Glenwood Springs, CO. From mountain biking to dirt biking and beyond, Glenwood Springs is on the map when it comes to biking.
Paved trails along the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers offer riders of all abilities access to beautiful scenery along smooth surfaces. There are also plenty of off-road rides, like the Scout Trail, that climb high above Glenwood Springs and finish with a wild ride back into town.
A lot of time, money and effort was put into ensuring access to top notch trails, bike lanes and connecting routes for commuters. Your littlest rippers will love the bike trails along the river and they might even get to see bighorn sheep along the way!
8. Nature is Free
As a full-time traveling family, we are often asked where or what our favorite free family locations or activities are. Our obvious answer is everything in nature!
There are national parks and state parks that may charge a small fee, but most of our public lands are free to use and enjoy. America is full of wondrous and glorious natural habitats that are just waiting to be discovered!
Get outside with your kids … fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, real fun is often absolutely free!
What’s your favorite outdoor adventure? Share with us in the comment section below.
thanks so much for the excellent suggestions. my hubby and i are heading west in sept. this has been on our bucket list for years, and finally making the trip. beaches are great, but looks like there is SOOOO much to see and do I ‘m on pins and needles just thinking about the upcoming adventures. thanks again, diane and jon
S says
Hanging lake is no longer free fyi
diZ loverich says
thanks so much for the excellent suggestions. my hubby and i are heading west in sept. this has been on our bucket list for years, and finally making the trip. beaches are great, but looks like there is SOOOO much to see and do I ‘m on pins and needles just thinking about the upcoming adventures. thanks again, diane and jon