Get ready for a classic Colorado mountain escape. From soaking in mineral waters to riding a roller coaster perched high above a canyon, and exploring historic red-stone hamlets and white marble towns, this itinerary covers the best of the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys.
Stop 1: Glenwood Springs — Hot Springs, Caves & Mountain Thrills
Nestled where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet, Glenwood Springs is Colorado’s premier “land of water”.
The Hotel Colorado and Hotel Denver are exquisite historic hotels in the heart of Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Hot Spring Hotel is directly across from the Glenwood Hot Springs. A majority of all hotels are located within walking distance of the hot springs and dining on main street.
- Soak in Geothermal Waters:
- Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: Home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, open since 1888.
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs: Features 28 riverfront mineral and experience pools overlooking the Colorado River.
- Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves: Relax inside natural underground rock chambers filled with 112°F geothermal steam.
- Ride the Mountaintop Theme Park:
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Ride the scenic gondola up the mountain to reach the country’s only mountaintop theme park.
- Check out Defiance, a high-elevation looping roller coaster with a massive free-fall drop, alongside underground cave tours of the Fairy Caves.
- Downtown & Bites:
- Walk through Seventh Street’s Restaurant Row for local craft brews at the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub or pick up fresh morning pastries at Coloradough.
- My fabulous favorite dining and bar (family friendly) is Doc Holidays for which he comes to life. I love, love to eat here. We do so many times during our stay.
Stop 2: Redstone — Tudor Castles & Crystal River Charm
Head south from Carbondale along Highway 133 into the Crystal River Valley to step back in time.
- Tour the Redstone Castle: Visit the historic 42-room Tudor-style manor (Cleveholm Manor) built in the late 1890s by coal industrialist John Cleveland Osgood. Guided tours explore the grand rooms and rich local history.
- Explore History & Art:
- View the mysterious, beehive-shaped Redstone Coke Oven Historic District right outside town.
- Browse local wood carvings and fine art at the Redstone Art Gallery.
- Soak and Refresh: Stop by Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs or dip your toes near the roadside Penny Hot Springs along CO-133. Grab a classic stay or meal at the Historic Redstone Inn.
Stop 3: Marble — Pure White Stone & Ghost Town Vistas
Continue further south on Highway 133 to the tiny mountain hamlet of Marble, famous for the glowing white stone used in iconic American monuments.
- Uncover Yule Marble History:
- Visit Millsite Park to see massive relics and historical displays of the Colorado-Yule Marble Company. You can’t help but stop at a gift shop to claim your own piece of marble. So much to choose from.
- Learn how local quarries supplied pure white marble for the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- See the Iconic Crystal Mill:
- Rent a Jeep/ATV locally or book a guided 4WD excursion through Crystal River Jeep Tours to view the intensely photogenic, historic wooden powerhouse perched above the rushing Crystal River.
- Lake & BBQ Refuel:
- Paddle or walk around peaceful Beaver Lake right outside town.
- End your afternoon with brisket and ribs at Slow Groovin’ BBQ, a local favorite.
Quick Trip Planner Tips
- Best Time to Go: Visiting Glenwood is a year-round experience, but summer offers opportunities for mountain coasters, rafting on the Colorado River, hiking the peaks of this fabulous Colorado high county and unpaved Crystal Mill access. Winter is awesome time to visit, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs pool as snowflakes melt away on your face. We love New Years in Glenwood as we spend the evening celebrating in the hot springs until 2am in the morning. The theme park situated on top of the mountain turns holiday into ice cycle dreams and colorful majestic visions.
- The hot springs are open year-round.
- Driving Route: Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then head south via Highway 82 to Carbondale, and branch onto Highway 133 south to wind through Redstone and Marble.
- If the opportunity affords you travel by Amtrak to Glenwood Springs from Denver, Colorado and experience the real majesty of the Colorado Rockies. Upon your arrival in the vast canyon of Glenwood Springs you’ll experience the true awe of Colorado.
If you’d like to plan further, tell me:
- How many days you have for the trip
- Whether you prefer camping, historic hotels, or modern cabins
I can help you build a day-by-day itinerary!