10 Must-See Stops on Your Summer Road Trip from Glenwood Springs to Aspen
The scenic drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen offers some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes and hidden gems. This 40-mile journey through the heart of the Rockies packs in natural wonders, historic sites, and charming towns that showcase the best of Colorado’s summer beauty. Pack your hiking boots, camera, and sense of adventure for these unforgettable stops along one of America’s most stunning mountain routes.
1. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Nothing beats starting your adventure with a soothing soak in what locals proudly call the world’s largest hot springs pool. The mineral-rich waters maintain a toasty 90°F year-round, perfect for loosening up those driving muscles.
Established in 1888, these historic springs have been rejuvenating visitors for over a century. The massive main pool stretches longer than a football field, while the therapy pool stays at a steamy 104°F for deeper relaxation.
Families love the kiddie area with fountain features, while adults appreciate the poolside drinks and lounge chairs. Consider arriving early morning or evening to avoid summer crowds.
2. Hiking at Hanging Lake
Turquoise waters seemingly suspended on a cliff edge await those willing to tackle this challenging but rewarding hike. The trail climbs 1,000 feet in just over a mile, with several steep sections and rocky terrain that will test your determination.
Your efforts pay off when you reach the crystal-clear lake formed by travertine deposits. The delicate ecosystem features fallen logs where trout swim beneath and waterfalls that cascade from above. Remember to reserve permits in advance – this popular spot limits daily visitors to protect its fragile environment.
Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. The cool mountain air at the top provides perfect relief from summer heat.
3. Sunlight Mountain Resort
Summer transforms this winter wonderland into a playground of alpine adventures without the snow. The scenic chairlift carries you effortlessly up the mountainside, revealing expanding panoramas with each passing minute.
At 9,895 feet elevation, the summit offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Sopris, the Elk Mountain Range, and valleys stretching toward the horizon. Wildflowers carpet the slopes from June through August, creating natural gardens of columbines, Indian paintbrush, and lupines.
Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle the resort’s network of trails ranging from beginner-friendly cruisers to technical downhill routes. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas with million-dollar views.
4. Carbondale’s Artistic Haven
Nestled at the base of Mount Sopris, this funky mountain town serves as the creative pulse between Glenwood and Aspen. First Fridays transform downtown into an open-air gallery celebration with artists displaying works in studios, on sidewalks, and in converted alleyways.
The historic Main Street features Victorian-era buildings now housing farm-to-table restaurants where chefs create magic with ingredients from nearby ranches and farms. Don’t miss the Rio Grande ARTway, a linear park showcasing outdoor sculptures and community art projects along a converted railway trail.
Summer evenings often feature free concerts in Sopris Park, where locals spread blankets and share picnics while enjoying mountain breezes and live music under the stars.
5. Maroon Bells Scenic Splendor
Mother Nature flexes her artistic muscles at this iconic landscape, creating what many consider Colorado’s most photographed scene. Two 14,000-foot peaks, streaked with reddish rock that gives them their name, tower above a pristine alpine lake that mirrors their majesty.
Early mornings offer the most magical experience as dawn light paints the peaks gold while mist rises from the glass-like water. Wildlife abounds – keep your eyes peeled for marmots, deer, and even the occasional moose wandering through meadows.
Summer access requires using the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands (reservations recommended). Arrive at sunrise for fewer crowds and the best lighting for those postcard-perfect photos that will make your social media followers green with envy.
6. Ashcroft Ghost Town
Step back in time at this remarkably preserved 1880s silver mining town nestled in a verdant valley. Unlike many ghost towns that barely exist, Ashcroft features multiple standing structures including a saloon, hotel, and post office, their weathered wooden facades telling silent stories.
At its peak, this bustling community housed 2,000 residents, two newspapers, and 20 saloons before the silver boom went bust. Interpretive signs help visitors imagine the once-thriving streets where miners and merchants conducted daily life.
The contrast between abandoned buildings and the lush Castle Creek Valley creates a hauntingly beautiful scene. Guided tours offered by the Aspen Historical Society bring the town’s colorful characters and forgotten dreams vividly to life.
7. Castle Creek Road’s Winding Beauty
Narrow and twisting, this scenic byway offers a slow-paced alternative to the main highway, rewarding drivers with intimate mountain views impossible to experience elsewhere. The road follows its namesake creek, a bubbling waterway that switches between gentle meadow flows and dramatic mini-rapids.
Pull over at numerous informal turnouts where aspen groves create natural cathedrals of dancing leaves. Photographers treasure the changing light patterns as sunbeams filter through the canopy onto the forest floor.
Several trailheads provide access to lesser-known hiking routes where solitude comes easy. The Pine Creek Cookhouse area offers perfect picnic spots with tables situated to maximize mountain panoramas while enjoying your roadside feast.
8. Independence Pass Summit Adventure
Cresting at 12,095 feet, this legendary mountain crossing delivers heart-stopping views that seem to stretch into infinity. The Continental Divide runs directly through the pass, meaning raindrops falling inches apart could end up in either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.
Summer transforms the alpine tundra into a botanical wonderland where tiny, colorful wildflowers thrive despite harsh conditions. These miniature blooms have adapted to survive the short growing season by growing close to the ground where temperatures stay warmer.
Short interpretive trails let you safely explore the fragile ecosystem above treeline. Watch for mountain goats navigating seemingly impossible rocky slopes with casual ease, and golden-mantled ground squirrels darting between rocks gathering supplies for the coming winter.
9. Downtown Aspen’s Mountain Charm
Victorian architecture meets modern luxury in this pedestrian-friendly mountain town that somehow balances rustic western heritage with cosmopolitan sophistication. The brick-paved Hyman Avenue and Cooper Street malls invite leisurely exploration of boutiques, galleries, and outdoor cafés.
Summer brings the town alive with cultural events including the Aspen Music Festival, where world-class musicians perform against mountain backdrops. The historic Wheeler Opera House, built during the silver boom days, continues hosting performances in its beautifully restored interior.
For a taste of local flavor, visit the Saturday Farmers Market where Colorado growers offer fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. The people-watching rivals any big city, with an eclectic mix of outdoor enthusiasts, celebrities, and artists sharing the sidewalks.
10. John Denver Sanctuary’s Peaceful Finale
Tucked along the Roaring Fork River, this contemplative garden offers the perfect conclusion to your mountain journey. Massive river rocks, carefully arranged in circular patterns, display the beloved singer’s lyrics etched into their surfaces – silent testimony to Denver’s love affair with Colorado’s mountains.
Native wildflowers and grasses wave gently in mountain breezes, creating a living tapestry that changes with the seasons. The sanctuary’s design encourages quiet reflection, with strategically placed benches overlooking both the river and Aspen Mountain.
Take a moment to find the lyrics to “Rocky Mountain High” and other classics while listening to the soothing soundtrack of flowing water. Local musicians occasionally offer impromptu performances, keeping Denver’s musical legacy alive in this special corner of his beloved Aspen.
