Attractions
Photo courtesy Minturn Saloon
Stop 1: Minturn Saloon
The Minturn Saloon is the most historic restaurant in the Vail Valley. Folks have been enjoying great food and drinks at this location since 1901 from a variety of owners sporting various restaurant names. The Minturn Saloon has been a “must” for valley locals and visitors. Recently renovated to preserve its iconic past and bring the building into the future, the renowned restaurant and bar blends the old with the new.
Photo courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation
Stop 2: Town of Red Cliff
The Town of Red Cliff is the oldest town in Eagle County. It was the first County Seat for Summit County, which included the current areas of Summit and Eagle Counties. At 8,650 feet above sea level, Red Cliff boomed at the turn of the century as a mining town with saloons, a bank, sawmills and even an opera house. The town established in 1879, was mapped and patented in 1883 by the U.S. Government. Today, it is a quaint mountain community that continues to attract rugged individualists from business entrepreneurs to outdoor enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy Nova Guides
Stop 3: Camp Hale
Camp Hale Continental Divide National Monument sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, offering guests a wonderful setting for recreation and relaxation. Camp Hale is historic because the 10th Mountain Division, an unit of 15,000 men, trained here in mountaineering and skiing techniques during World War II.
In 2022, President Biden designated the 53,804-acre Camp Hale a National Monument to preserve the area’s important historic, natural and recreational values.
Stop 1: Glenwood Canyon
The gateway to Glenwood Springs, was carved over 3 million years by the power of the Colorado River. This 16-mile canyon provides endless opportunities for recreation including hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more. It is also home to a thriving wildlife population including bighorn sheep, marmots, raccoons, birds, bears, deer, mountain lions & coyotes.
Three rest areas serve Glenwood Canyon: Bair Ranch, Grizzly Creek and No Name. Each one features parking areas, restrooms, interpretive displays, picnic grounds, water fountains and trash receptacles. There is a Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path which follows the 16-mile canony and connects at the rest areas, but check if the path is open if you plan to take a walk or bike in the canyon as it sometimes closed based on current weather conditions and river water levels. For questions about Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, please call CDOT Region 3, Monday – Friday at 1-970-243-2368 Ext. 9.
Photo courtesy Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Stop 2: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Springs’ most popular attractions is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring cave tours, thrill rides, special events and a restaurant. Start the day with a cave tour exploring the stunning caverns and formations in Colorado’s largest show cave. Then take turns on the rides and attractions at the park. You can fly down the mountain on the Alpine Coaster and soar high above the town on the Glenwood Canyon Flyer. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is burstin’ with fun and adventure all year long!
Photo courtesy Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Stop 3: Iron Mountain Hot Springs
On your way home stop by the Iron Mountain Hot Springs and soak in their geothermal pools. There are 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools and a freshwater family pool with a jetted spa. More than 14 different minerals are found in their water, including iron and sulfate which are known for their relaxing qualities. Sit back, relax and enjoy the majestic mountain views.