I was once again reminded of how lucky we are to live in Glenwood Springs when I attended Sunlight Mountain’s Skier Appreciation Day to kick off 2017. It is incredible how our community comes together for this event each year that provides support to The United Way of Garfield County. All day long people ski, eat, drink, party, listen to live music and create memories.  This year there was a contest for best dressed 1960’s attire.

Sunlight Mountain is a small ski area compared to most in Colorado.  What Sunlight lacks in acreage and amenities is surely made up in character and charm.  Sunlight is a skiing gem located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and it offers a variety of terrain for all types of skiers.

Brettelberg Condominiums are located on site but other than that very little residential real estate is located at the mountain. This is unusual considering most ski areas in Colorado are now peppered with residential real estate and you find houses located at almost all base areas. To get to Sunlight Mountain, you travel the 4 Mile Road corridor about 20 minutes from Glenwood Springs to reach the ski area and all along that drive there is residential real estate the entire way.  Many people consider “living up 4 Mile” to be the most desirable location within our community.  It sure is beautiful.

I took some photos and a video for you to enjoy and next year we hope to see you there too!

Click Here for Video: Mount Sopris View from atop Sunlight Mountain

Glenwood Springs is a river town that just sleeps through the Winter, isn’t it?  Wrong!! Glenwood Springs is actually one of the only true 4 season mountain towns that Colorado has to offer.  Although we have become famous because of our world class rivers for rafting and fishing along with our hot springs mineral pools for soaking, Glenwood Springs is also a fantastic ski location in the Winter.  On a very snowy day today I thought it would be appropriate to share how great the skiing can be in Glenwood Springs.

Ski Sunlight (http://sunlightmtn.com/) is our local mountain in Glenwood Springs and it offers historic, small town charm with the steepest ski slope (52 degrees) in Colorado! Sunlight gives you a full day of skiing for about half the cost of the mega resorts like nearby Vail and Aspen. You’ll park for free, walk to the lifts, and never stand in line. Without the big crowds, the powder lasts for days at Sunlight. All 67 trails lead right back to the lodge where you can stow your gear, meet your family and friends, and get something hot and delicious at the grill.  No matter the age or ability anyone who spends some time skiing at Sunlight is surely not to be disappointed.

It’s the way skiing should be and the way many that came before us remember skiing, “to be”.  You will be very happy if you decide to make a day trip or weekend trip to Ski Sunlight. In addition to the ski mountain, downtown Glenwood Springs offers a variety of boutique shops, hot springs and family activities for you to enjoy after a day on the slopes. If you love it so much you decide to relocate here, I would be honored to show you the local real estate market that Glenwood Springs has to offer. I hope to hear from you soon!

Unlike some Colorado resort towns, we have 4 true seasons here in town. Of the 4 seasons, springtime Glenwood Springs tends to be my favorite. Spring is wonderful because the snow is replaced with rain, more people are out and about through town, and the simple sights and smells are abundant everywhere.

Discover the range of mountain activities available throughout the Glenwood Springs area. Whether you wish to bike the Glenwood Canyon, hike to Hanging Lake, or experience the rides and sites of Glenwood Adventure Park.. Rafting begins at the end of April and extends through the summer months and into Fall depending on water levels.  Enjoy Downtown Glenwood Springs for dining and of course, don’t forget to visit one of the world famous hot springs.  We have Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs.

You really cannot go wrong with Springtime Glenwood Springs.

Here are the Top 10 Spring Break Activities for Glenwood **

1. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool – A Glenwood Springs icon since 1888, the World’s largest hot springs pool is right here! Let the kids splash around while you enjoy some relaxing moments in these soothing and restoring waters. Take advantage of one of our Glenwood Springs Lodging specials for a great value!

2. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – The Glenwood Canyon Flyer opens on March 21st weather permitting! Fun for the whole family, like nothing you’ve ever encountered before! This is high adventure at its best.

3. Skydiving with Roaring Fork Skydivers – Glenwood Springs recently became the 5th tandem skydiving dropzone in Colorado. You can now enjoy views of the Continental Divide from a whole new perspective. Tandem trips depart right from the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport!

4. Hike Hanging Lake – There is nothing like the pure beauty of these crisp mountain lakes. Hanging Lake is certainly a wonder and well worth the trip. It’s a heart pumper so make sure you bring your water bottle!

5. Ski Sunlight Mountain – One of the best things about springtime in the Rockies is that you can often ski, bike, fish, golf ALL in the same day. Take the crew to Sunlight for a few runs – it’s a super fun, family-friendly, mountain with old school charm.

6. Bike the Rio Grande Trail – The bike trails in Glenwood Springs are fantastic. Clip in and ride all the way to Aspen if your heart so desires! This 44 mile stretch of well-maintained, paved trail is a delight.

7. Go Get Some Tasty Bites – Glenwood Springs has become a mecca for delicious dining options! Take a walk downtown and see what we’ve got to offer.

8. RAFT!  Tons of options to go rafting in Glenwood Springs, just ask any local for advice!  – Realtor Shawn’s Pick*

9. Go Fish – With two rivers in town (the Colorado and the Roaring Fork) and Colorado’s longest stretch of Gold Medal water, Glenwood Springs is nationally recognized as a fishing mecca.

10. Grab a Round of Golf – If the weather is cooperating, the local golf course is open. Stunning views and crisp, mountain air – what more can you ask for?

** Best Western Antlers – Glenwood Springs, CO

Welcome to downtown Glenwood Springs!  With incredible history, culture, and arts and entertainment, Glenwood Springs consistently ranks as one of Colorado’s “top places to live.”  According to Outside Magazine in August 2015, Glenwood Springs was ranked the #5 place to live in the entire United States!

The unique part of Glenwood Springs is we have several small areas around town that make up our neighborhoods.   Nothing compares the the history, charm and incredible 19th century feel of downtown Glenwood Springs.  Many of the restaurants, bars and shops located downtown still operate from the original buildings that were built in the late 1800’s.   In addition to commercial space, we have a couple thousand residential properties located in the downtown area also.

On your next visit to Glenwood make sure to leave time for some retail therapy.  A leisurely stroll through Glenwood’s downtown shopping district can do wonders.  Most of this will be found between Grand and Cooper Avenues and 7th and 11th Streets. One of the highlights of Glenwood’s core shopping district is the myriad of independently owned boutiques.  Many of these are occupying some of the town’s most historic structures. The stores here offer an eclectic retail mix. This includes book shops, home décor boutiques, art galleries, thrift shops, clothing shops, fine and costume jewelry purveyors, a candle maker, and several sweet shops. Stop by the fabric and quilting shop where beautiful handwork is always on display or slip into something more comfortable at the shoe store that specializes in men’s and women’s comfort shoes.

In the event you are really feeling lazy and want a list of things to do in Downtown Glenwood Springs, we made this for you!

• Adventure Park – Ride Colorado’s longest alpine coaster at 3,400 feet.  Jump into an Old West–themed laser-tag shootout or catch a flick in the 4D theater (complete with moving seats and special effects).  Take a spin on the newly-configured Soaring Eagle Zip Ride which takes you 625 feet down the mountain while affording a birds-eye view of the stunning canyons below.
• Glenwood Vaudeville Revue – Good clean fun for the entire family to enjoy.  Come early for dinner and a ragtime piano sing-a-long.  After that you can get your laugh on during a comedy show performed by a professional cast. Not only do the actors dish out a good batch of hilarity, but they also serve your food and drinks including a full bar. One of the most interesting parts of the show is a rarely seen 1918 Orchestrion—an instrument once used to produce sound effects for silent films.
• Pullman –  No visit to Glenwood Springs is complete without a visit to The Pullman.  With its easy sophistication, communal feel, and friendly, laid-back service, the restaurant is a destination in itself.  There’s an inventive, industrial vibe here, and it shows in everything from the décor to the thoughtfulness of the menu.  Settle in with a cocktail and start with the house-made kimchee and truffled pork rinds. Health-conscious guests will appreciate the variety on the salad menu, while those in search of a truly decadent meal should go for the slow roasted pork belly with bacon braised kale and white cheddar grits.
• Hot Springs – If you want to bypass the traffic of the hot springs than head to the less-crowded and more “earthy” Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves.  Originally used by the Ute Indians for healing rituals, these underground caves are a natural sauna.  The125-degree water is sourced from the Yampah spring—the same one that supplies the famous pool down the street—but here, you’ll find a more relaxing, private vibe.  Between soaks, cool off in the solarium room or take in the fresh mountain air on the outdoor deck.  You can also indulge in a massage.
•  Retail Therapy – Top off your visit with some well-deserved retail therapy. Head to the heart of downtown to browse the locally owned shops that line Grand and Cooper avenues between 8th and 11th streets. Here, you’ll find everything from home décor to outdoor gear suppliers to souvenirs to commemorate your Colorado vacation.
• Hike – Yes, it might wintertime when you visit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out for an invigorating hike to a National Natural Landmark.  Hanging Lake Trail is a short drive from Glenwood Springs and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.  The trail’s pretty steep and likely slippery in winter, but the off-season is also the perfect time to enjoy this very popular spot.  Soak up a unique aquatic environment while taking in a vista of canyon cliffs below.

When you visit Glenwood Springs, the downtown area will have just about everything your family is looking for in a small Colorado town.  We also wanted to share a little information on this history and geography of Downtown Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs was originally known as “Defiance”.   Defiance was established in 1883.  It was a camp of tents, saloons, and brothels with an increasing amount of cabins and lodging establishments. It was populated with the expected crowd of gamblers, gunslingers and prostitutes. Town Founder Isaac Cooper’s wife Sarah was having a hard time adjusting to the frontier life.  In an attempt to make her environment somewhat more comfortable she persuaded the founders to change the name.  The name was changed to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, after her beloved hometown of Glenwood, Iowa.

Glenwood Springs was one of the first places in the United States to have electric lights. The original lighting was installed in 1897 inside of the Fairy Caves in Iron Mountain.  Later, a dam was built in Glenwood Canyon providing water for the Shoshone power plant.  The plant began producing power on May 16, 1909 and retains the largest and oldest water rights to the Colorado River.

Glenwood Springs winds throughout narrow mountain valleys.  These valleys host the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River. The surrounding terrain is steeply contoured on all sides.  There are also numerous caves to be found. Reddish colored sandstone cliffs surround the city. Glenwood Springs is one of the most walkable towns in America.  Downtown Glenwood Springs has extensive trail systems for walking, hiking and biking. 

Glenwood Springs owns some of the most senior water rights to tributaries of the Colorado River.  The town’s drinking water is supplied primarily through senior rights.  These rights are to major watersheds in the Flat Tops wilderness area and the tap water is generally of excellent quality.

If you are looking to sell or buy real estate in Glenwood Springs, contact Shawn Manwaring and he would be delighted to assist you.

Manwaring Properties

Manwaring.RealEstate@gmail.com

970.389.6069

See you downtown!

One of the newest attractions in beautiful Glenwood Springs is Iron Mountain Hot Springs.  Opening in July of 2015, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs have quickly made a name for themselves.  With 16 mineral pools available to the public from 10am-9pm daily, there is a perfect soak waiting for just about anyone.

Thinking of something a bit cozier? In time, there will be sixteen naturally shaped mineral hot springs pools, each of heated to a different temperature ranging from 99 to 108. Relax in the one that’s just right for you or move from one to another for a progressive soaking experience. The pools are connected with heated walkways to keep your toes toasty in the winter. A quiet zone surrounds the soaking pools to ensure a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere. The soaking pools are filled with our natural thermal waters that complete a total changeover every two hours. There are more than 14 different minerals found in the analysis of our water. The five most abundant minerals in the soaking pools are iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium and calcium. Iron and sulfate are known for their relaxing qualities. Magnificent views, which vary from pool to pool, include the Colorado River as it winds through the valley, Iron Mountain, Red Mountain, the Flat Tops and the twin peaks of majestic Mt. Sopris to the south, make your visit to the Glenwood hot springs even more enjoyable.

Designed to keep the whole clan happy, this is the largest of our pools. The lower portion is filled with 100,000 gallons of fresh water that’s heated to a comfortable 90 degrees Fahrenheit by the geothermal exchange. A curving, gently sloped ramp into the family pool makes it accessible by wheelchair and by anyone who prefers to avoid stairs. A smaller, elevated whirlpool spa with jets sits on the edge of the family pool with a perfect soaking temperature of just over 100°F. Parents can enjoy the hotter water while supervising their children below, with the calming sounds of a waterfall in the background as water cascades from the upper to the lower section.

When you are looking for a hot springs experience of a lifetime, make sure to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs.  When you or someone you know from the community need a realtor, contact Shawn Manwaring at 970.389.6069 or Manwaring.RealEstate@gmail.com

If you ask any tourist or local alike in Glenwood Springs what their favorite thing to do in town is, the more than likely answer you will get is Glenwood Hot Springs!  Until recently we had only one large hot springs pool here in Glenwood.  With the recent addition of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, the 125 year old Glenwood Hot Springs is not the only player in town anymore.

Whether you are passing through town on I-70 looking for a soak to relax, you just finished skiing and want a refreshing soak or you are just looking for an activity on your day off from work, the hot springs will never disappoint.  The first few times I saw the pool filled with hundreds of people on a 90 degree Summer day, I thought they must be crazy but oddly enough the hot springs are still super refreshing even during hot Summer days.

The hot springs pool offers multiple pass types so whether you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, or a season pass, you will have great options to choose from.  In addition to the pool, there is also a hotel, spa and fitness center on site.   Just a few steps from the pool you will find the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge and inside the facility there is also a spa and fully outfitted fitness center.  To many, Glenwood Hot Springs is a one stop shop when traveling through Colorado.

With the recent Grand Ave. bridge construction project underway, there are certainly impacts on the property that belongs to the hot springs but one thing we know for sure from a community point of view is that when the bridge project is completed, the epicenter of town will absolutely remain located at the historic hot springs.  See you there next time you are enjoying a soak!

For real estate needs contact Shawn Manwaring at Sotheby’s.  970.389.6069 or Manwaring.RealEstate@gmail.com