My Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mini-VacationDo you have three or four days that you'd like to spend riding a train through spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, swimming in a hot springs pool, or exploring a historic cave? If your answer is "Yes" then Glenwood Springs is for you. We selected a package deal - roundtrip train ride, Ramada Inn, free full breakfast each day, and a one-day pool pass - just the ticket. On the train we just settled back and watched the world go by as it sauntered through about 35 tunnels, and climbed high mountain ridges. Lunch in the dining car was delicious although we had to wait until the second seating. It was worth it. Many rafters navigated and floated down the Colorado River as we watched and munched. The Ramada Inn had a room waiting for us - clean and comfortable and within walking distance of restaurants. The hotel dining room was adequate, service was good, and the food was plentiful. The next day was beautiful and sunny, and we drove to The Hot Springs Pool (it's the largest natural hot springs in the world!) in our rented van. It was easy for me to swim in that warm mineral-rich water. I even tried the very hot (104 degrees) therapy pool. I couldn't stay in it for more than five minutes, but it was extremely relaxing. In the winter you can go to the hot springs and sit in the steamy water while it's snowing. How fun!
The following day, we started out on another journey to the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park. After a dazzling aerial tram ride straight up the mountain we disembarked on top and were greeted by Doc Holliday and his sidekick (famous old-time Western gangsters).
Aerial Tram
View from the tram The cave was cool- 58 degrees. The guide took us through the many tunnels and rooms where we saw stalactites ("a deposit of calcium carbonate having the form of a large icicle, formed by the trickling of water from the roof of a cave") 
and stalagmites ("a deposit of calcium carbonate formed by the dripping of water into the shape of a large inverted icicle rising from the floor of a cave"). I saw one column where the stalactite and the stalagmite had met. We saw bacon formations (flowing calcium deposits on the ceiling). At one point the guide turned out the lights so that we could experience just how dark really dark is. Rather chilling and unbalancing, I thought!Various rides were available as well. One was a swing that flew out over the canyon (not for me!) another was a whizzing car roller coaster ride, the speed gauged by the driver another was a bungee swing. All ages had something to enjoy. Another fun activity was the miniature golf course which we enjoyed for two evenings. One night I tied with my grandson. My trip to Glenwood Springs was a delightful mini-vacation. I felt relaxed and happy as I enjoyed the various activities, the warm family fellowship, and the train ride home. Return to the Denver Colorado Tourist Guide from Glenwood Springs Return to Glenwood Springs from this Review
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We devoured lunch at the hamburger/hot dog stand and rested in the shade while we got our second wind. I didn't try the diving board or the water slide, but both were available and being used quite enthusiastically.
