It’s only a 45-minute drive from Glenwood Springs to a place where you can learn about the railroads that brought prospectors who came to seek their fortune in gold, the early cattle barons who helped settle the land, or even pan for gold yourself! There are guided tours of the mining districts and a museum to explore. Old and young alike will thoroughly enjoy all the fun-filled exhibits and demonstrations. Open year round, but some outside events are contingent on weather.

It’s less than a 2-hour drive to Leadville, Colorado, the mining town that was made famous in the movie, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” If your family loves adventure, this is the place to visit. Leadville’s East Side Mining District features 100 miles of trails, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and winter cross country skiing that offer amazing opportunities to explore and see mountaintop beauty. Fat biking is a popular way to experience the mountain trails and kids love it! 

After a day of hiking, biking, or other strenuous activity, nothing could be better than a relaxing visit to the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. There are 16 geothermal soaking pools that will soothe tired muscles and offer the ultimate in relaxation for your entire family. Each pool is a different shape, temperature, and offers a unique experience. Lockers, towels, and other amenities are provided. Another fun fact is that all the pools have natural minerals that boost your body’s health. Although not required, reservations are recommended because of the popularity of the area. 

A doughnut lovers paradise, Sweet Coloradough boasts having the best doughnut in the state. Handcrafted and delicious, this sweet little bakery offers twists, bars, Bismarcks, fritters, rolls, and a wide variety of croughnuts. For the grown-ups, you get hot or cold caffeine and non-caffeine favorites and a few international varieties. For everyone else, they have hot chocolate, chai, cider, sodas, juices, smoothies, and tea. If you crave a more savory start to your day, they also offer muffins, bagels, croissants, and handcrafted sandwiches that will satisfy your early morning hunger pains. 

The most visited national forest in the country, White River is over 2 million acres of adventure just waiting to happen for your family. You could camp or stay in one of the available cabins here and never need to venture elsewhere with over 2,500 miles of hiking trails, special scenic areas, wilderness areas, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and water activities. All throughout the area are family and group campgrounds and picnic areas. Piney Guard Station is a great place to rent for the weekend and there are other rentals in the area. There are 5 developed areas specifically for overnight camping. 

If your family prefers more traditional lodging, a stay at the Best Western Antlers offers a children’s playground, seasonal outdoor swimming, free Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and many other amenities that your family will love. It’s nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley and is the largest hotel in the downtown area, and only a short distance from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Located on top of Glenwood Mountain, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a western-themed part that has a unique cave discovered in the late 1800s and was one of the first public caves to be lit by electricity. Accessed by a gondola, the park has thrill rides, stores, restaurants, kid-friendly fun, and beautiful scenic overlooks to the town below. There is an underground lake and was formed from hydrothermal water from deep in the earth. 

During your stay in Glenwood Springs, you have to make time to eat at the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. Known for its filling soups and sandwiches, this great eatery has a kid-focused menu and free gift with each meal. Adults will like the signature burgers and wide variety of brews and varietals. This is where history meets great food!