By Road or Rail

By Bobbie Green

Glenwood Springs Colorado

Are you looking for a getaway without flying? Try the drive to Glenwood Springs Colorado.  From the Mesquite/St George area it is approximately 1250 miles round trip, the long way around.  We took 8 days with plenty of side trips. But you may choose to take Hwy 15 north to Hwy 70 over and back with maybe one scenic detour over Beaver Mountain, less mileage and time will be needed.

Do allow time to stop at the rest stops along Hwy 70. The fantastic views are alive with twisted desert trees and rock formations.  You will also find the native Indians selling their beautiful pottery at reasonable prices. Should you want to break up the drive and stay over one night while traveling Green River has a very nice Best Western sitting on the river with a park like grass area and atmosphere. What a peaceful way to end your day. If you were traveling on a weekend I would definitely reserve the room ahead of time. The John Wesley Powel River History Museum is directly across the street. There you will find the history of the river- boats as well as John Wesley Powel. The museum also houses fantastic bronze artwork. It is definitely worth a visit.  From Green River you should be able to make Grand Junction Colorado for lunch. I recommend going to the historic downtown area. It is not hard to find and has a pleasing small town flavor, with works of art along the street.  Other optional stops are the Colorado wineries, found mostly around the Palisade area right off Hwy 70.  They are open daily.  Just outside Fruita you may take the short but spectacular loop through National Monument Colorado. The amazing rock sculptures along the 23mile Rim-Rock-Drive is well worth your time. The roads, which include many switchbacks, allow you to view the rock formations from many different angles. What you thought you saw and what you really seen are different. You photo enthusiasts will love it.  The Park Ranger Station offers clean restrooms, a small museum, and a worthwhile movie short, on the Monument.

Glenwood Spring is a historic, tourist town renown for one the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool and the memorable Hotel Colorado. The authentic Denver and Rio Grande train station, located within walking distance of the hotel, is still in use by Amtrak. The town is nestled between the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River run right through town adding to it charm.

Hotel Colorado opened in 1893 as one of the first hotels to be electrically lit and has housed many notables. It has been very well kept and you too can reserve your place in history by staying there. Double rooms start at $118.00 per night to $431.00 for the 3-bedroom suite. If you choose not to stay there be sure and visit. The Hotel has a walking tour guide pamphlet. Know that you are welcome. The Hotel has many original pieces of furniture still being used. When entering the old world charm hits you like a light bulb being turned on. One can sense the history with out even looking at the wall pictures depicting it.  It gives an eerie feeling like when visiting the Queen Mary. It is easy to imagine the ladies in their period dress descending the grand staircase. The grounds are beautifully kept. You may sit in the garden and look down the hill to the natural hot springs pool. Or you may sit at the patio bar and imagine how it was for the memorable people who have sat there before you.

While there you won’t want to miss a visit to the recently reopened Glenwood Caverns and fairy caves. Another local attraction is the grave of the infamous Doc Holiday. He died at the TB sanitarium there and is buried in the towns Linwood cemetery high on a hill overlooking the valley. The cemetery is all natural terrain, has a few picnic benches and interesting reading on the old tombstones.  Hiking up the hill is one and only way to reach the cemetery. Bring water with you. The cemetery does offer a lovely view of the town. The Frontier Historical Museum features area artifacts, photographs and Doc Holiday memorabilia. A short drive away by car is Hanging Lake, another popular and scenic hiking area.

Today as yesterday Glenwood Springs is a tourist town, popular still, because of the 615’ x 75’ 90 degree hot springs main pool and the 104-degree therapy pool. Open to the public for a nominal fee of $ 8.75 for adults’ $5.75 children 3-12.  Next door you will find miniature golf and covered water tubing. Definitely this is a great year round family destination. Glenwood Springs sits between Vail and Aspen. Even so it boast its own family resort in Sunlight Mountain, with all the winter sports and horseback riding in the summer.

There are plenty of motels and a variety of dining choices. Enjoy life in America on the road or on the rails with Amtrak in Glenwood Springs.