Glenwood Getaway

REST – We all have to learn how to make room for it. Ryan and I are both high on quality time regarding our love languages, so trips are always our go-to option when we both need to slow down. We decided to take a 4-hour drive to Glenwood Springs at the last minute. I have my lists (I’m a list person) for everything, including travel. I have my international list, my domestic list, and my Colorado list. Glenwood Springs was on the Colorado list, and we snagged a pretty great deal staying at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

It’s the perfect spot to stay – nestled in the valley, with mountains all around, hot springs access, and breakfast included. The first thing we did when we got to Glenwood Springs was eat; 4 hours in a car will make you pretty hungry. I’m a big foodie – it’s imperative – so I always do my research. We decided on Slope & Hatch, and let me tell you…it was GOOD – like we went twice. If we could have, I would have stayed all week to work through their entire taco menu!

Then, we rode the Iron Mountain Tramway (gondola) that is part of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park because we wanted to take in all the views – and it was worth it. We got to the top, where the adventure park is located, and walked around to all the overlooks (we didn’t go on any rides). We love walks. We have some of our best deep conversations when we are just strolling along hand in hand. 

The next day (after lots of hot springs), we drove just a few miles outside of town to the trailhead for Hanging Lake. Neither of us had ever hiked it before, but it’s probably one of Colorado’s most well-known, beautiful, and popular hikes. Usually, during the summer, there is a line of cars all day waiting to park and hike the trail. I’m not sure I love that amount of congestion, but it tells you just a bit about how amazing it is! They hope to get to where you have to apply for a permit here pretty soon to hike it since the number of people is not great for the environment – so make sure to keep that in mind and plan! We want to protect our beautiful Colorado nature!

When we went (March), it was VERY icy in spots – like I was bear crawling at a few points on the way up, haha (and this is when Colorado hasn’t had a lot of snow this winter), and sliding on my butt at those spots on the way down. We did our research and knew it would be icy, but I would recommend hiking poles and crampons – they will go a long way. Otherwise, the hike is pretty moderate. It’s about 1 mile up, and although it’s uphill, it isn’t too physically challenging. The nice thing about the icy trail is that congestion goes WAY down, so you don’t feel rushed, and it’s much more peaceful and easier to enjoy everything. I mean, check out that view! Worth it, right?! And then some hot springs after that – yes, please! The perfect little getaway!