During the glory days of autumn in Colorado, there is a relatively short window to take in the astonishing beauty of the Rocky Mountains awash in gold, orange and red against deep-green pines. It can be busy on weekends, when people have days off from work and shuffling kids to and from school and activities. The solution? Push reset during midweek fall vacations and getaways in Glenwood Springs or consider a glorious staycation if you live nearby.
While it might not work for everyone, that’s the point! It is easiest to book Sunday through Thursday evening stays at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge during the prime fall season, and you’ll find reservations for dining and outdoor activities more available as well. Tables at prime times at downtown restaurants are more likely to be available, and there is more room to quaff a pint at local craft breweries or to truly savor a hand-selected flight. You may even catch the owner for a conversation at Stoneyard Distillery’s tasting room in Glenwood Springs or receive some tips from the talented mixologists.
Another benefit is savoring peaceful soaking in the mineral hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with no reservations needed. Come and go as you please using either an annual or day pass. This means you can soak, go play or drive amongst the fall foliage, and come back again at no extra cost. Or stay as long as you like during business hours as there is no need to leave for a snack, meal or drink because the poolside Grill has it all, including coffee drinks, beer and wine.
While the resort may have the world’s largest hot springs pool, providing plenty of room all year long, there is something about breathing in the mountain air and relishing the changing aspen trees on surrounding mountainsides while it’s quiet. No splashing, no Nerf balls flying or games of Marco Polo surrounding you in the large pool. The warmer and recently renovated Therapy Pool is always a sanctuary, and five more pools with varying temperatures will open on the east end and provide an additional oasis starting sometime in 2024. 
When to Visit & Packages
The prime time for fall colors in Glenwood Springs is from the middle of September through early October, but Mother Nature is in control of the conditions. As the leaves start to drop, so do the crowds and prices so visiting from the middle of October through most of November also has its advantages.
In fact, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Buy Now & Save package, is available from Oct. 1-Dec. 17, 2023, and has a two-night minimum so you can truly relax. The package features 20% off the Lodge’s best available rates and includes unlimited access to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and breakfast at the Grill. The package is subject to availability and is not available from Nov. 22-24 during Thanksgiving week.
If you want an option that includes an outdoor activity, consider the Whitewater Adventure (until Sept. 30), E-Bike Exploration (until Oct. 31) and Stay, Play & Swim Golf (until Oct. 31) packages to save money and planning. 
Beautiful Fall Drives & Paved Paths
Sometimes just combining hot springs soaking, downtown strolling, and driving in the comfort of a car or on the seat of a motorcycle is all that is needed for the perfect getaway vacation.
Traveling to Glenwood Springs along Interstate 70 is spectacular in the fall, especially the 12.5-mile stretch through Glenwood Canyon to the east, which was carved out by the power of the Colorado River over three million years ago. The fact that people can drive, walk and bike through the canyon today is an engineering marvel. Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path traverses 16.3 miles between the Colorado River and Interstate 70 from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero. A main trail access point is conveniently located near Glenwood Hot Springs Resort on Sixth Street.
A day trip along the Roaring Fork Valley on U.S. Highway 82 from Glenwood Springs to Aspen also is a worthy drive with stops in Carbondale, Basalt and Snowmass Village along the way. Or bike the Rio Grande Trail’s 42 paved miles that connects Glenwood Springs and Aspen.
For a big loop, drive on Highway 82 from Aspen, cross the Continental Divide at Independence Pass, and head back to Glenwood Springs via Leadville, Tennessee Pass and Minturn. This route is part of the Top of the Rockies scenic byway. Or explore three other nearby scenic byways (West Elk Loop, Flat Tops Trail and Grand Mesa Trail) to admire more of the Centennial state’s iconic landscapes and Colorado fall colors before returning to Glenwood Springs.
Push reset during midweek fall getaways and vacations, it’s one of the best times to visit Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, a Colorado icon dating back to 1888 but with the modern luxuries of today.