GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO

Originally inhabited by the Ute Indian Tribe, this area of bubbling hot springs has long been a destination for the health seeker.

In the early 1880’s, James Landis homesteaded the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Grand Rivers  that would become Glenwood Springs.
Historic Glenwood Springs Colorado

Early settlers Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux saw the potential for Glenwood Springs to become a highly regarded destination and developed these amenities into a world class resort. The arrival of the railroads in 1887 brought the first trainloads of tourists to enjoy all that Glenwood Springs offered. The addition of the Vapor Caves, Hotel Colorado and Fairy Caves provided a total package for the well-heeled traveler. The local economy was not only fueled by tourism, but also coal mining, farming and ranching, commerce and outdoor recreation. A visit to historic Glenwood Springs will take you back in time to enjoy all of the amenities that were formerly reserved for the well-to-do.
Read more at: www.glenwoodchamber.com

 

Glenwood Springs

Population:

8,743 year-round residents

ELEVATION:

5,899 feet

Nestled in a beautiful mountainous valley, Glenwood Springs sits on the western slope of Colorado and is just 40 minutes from Aspen, 45 minutes from Vail and 90 minutes from Grand Junction. Glenwood Springs is the Garfield County seat and the location for the Courts of the 9th Judicial District, as well as home of the Garfield County Jail and Three Rivers Regional Library Service System. The campus of Colorado Mountain College is just minutes away.

Glenwood Springs is located at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River, in the Roaring Fork Valley. The two rivers shape the town. They provide world-class fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking at the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park.

Originally named Defiance, the name was changed n the late 1800s when white men arrived from a town in Iowa called Glenwood. Many of the nearby towns (Aspen and Leadville) had their booms while Glenwood Springs was still in its infancy. Glenwood Springs was difficult to reach due to the canyons to the east and west; it was also located on Ute land. The town grew in part thanks to its location on the railroad and the Colorado River.

The  area is surrounded by public lands, especially the White River National Forest, which attracts hunters and campers from great distance.  Ski Sunlight is just 12 miles from Glenwood Springs and is one of Colorado’s best keep skiing secrets! The Grand Mesa is to the west and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area dominate to the North. The Flat Top Wilderness Area is large and offers unlimited high-country exploring.  Glenwood Springs is a truly great place to access all the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

 

Glenwood Springs Links:

Glenwood Springs Chamber
Glenwood Springs Video Tours
Ski Sunlight
Glenwood Post Independent
Glenwood Springs Real Estate
Glenwood Calendar of Events