Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, hemmed in by canyon walls and national forest, which means hiking options start practically in town and fan out in every direction.
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Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, hemmed in by canyon walls and national forest, which means hiking options start practically in town and fan out in every direction. The 77 trails listed here range from flat road walks like the 12th Street Ditch Trail and Jess Weaver Trail to canyon approaches like Grizzly Creek Trailhead, which drops you into Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River. A good chunk of the listings are rated easy — Storm King Road, Boy Scout, Hubbard Cave Road, Bowen Lake Road, Green Lake Road — so this is a reasonable destination even if you're traveling with mixed-ability groups or just want to stretch your legs between other activities. Step up in effort and you'll find moderate terrain on routes like Wagon Gulch Road and Keyser Rim Road. The area also has historical weight worth knowing: Storm King Road leads toward the ridge where 14 firefighters died in the 1994 South Canyon Fire, so it carries a different tone than a typical trail walk. Summers are busy and afternoon thunderstorms are a real concern above the canyon rims. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable conditions, with fewer crowds and more stable weather windows in the morning hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Glenwood Springs?
Late April through early June and September through October are generally the most comfortable windows. Summer works but afternoon thunderstorms build quickly above the canyon rims, so plan to be back at the trailhead by early afternoon. Snow can linger on higher routes into May and return by late October.
Are there easy hikes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, several listings are rated easy and are well-suited for beginners or families. Storm King Road, Boy Scout, Jess Weaver Trail, Hubbard Cave Road, Bowen Lake Road, and Green Lake Road are all marked easy in the listings. The 12th Street Ditch Trail is also a low-key option that starts close to town.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
At minimum bring more water than you think you need — the canyon terrain is dry and exposed in places, and summer temperatures in Glenwood Springs regularly push into the 90s. A rain layer is worth carrying any time between May and September given the afternoon storm pattern. Trekking poles help on the moderate routes like Wagon Gulch Road and Keyser Rim Road where the surface can be loose.
Is the Grizzly Creek Trailhead accessible, and are there any access considerations?
Grizzly Creek Trailhead is located inside Glenwood Canyon and is reached via I-70. Parking at canyon trailheads can fill up fast on summer weekends, so arriving before 9 a.m. is a practical strategy. Check CDOT's travel information before you go, as I-70 through the canyon is periodically closed due to rockfall or flooding.
What is the historical significance of Storm King Road?
Storm King Road leads toward the South Canyon area where 14 wildland firefighters, including members of the Prineville Hotshots, died in a wind-driven blowup on July 6, 1994. The route is used as a memorial hike and the terrain itself tells part of the story of how fast fire moves in steep canyon country. It is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty, but visitors typically treat it as a somber destination rather than a casual outing.
