Glenwood Springs, Colorado

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City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Home Rule Municipality
Glenwood Springs view towards south as seen from Glenwood Caverns
Glenwood Springs view towards south as seen from Glenwood Caverns
Location in Garfield County, Colorado
Location in Garfield County, Colorado
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country United States
State Colorado
County Garfield County Seat[1]
Incorporated September 4, 1885[2]
Government
 • Type Home Rule Municipality[1]
Area
 • Total 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km2)
 • Land 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km2)
 • Water 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation[3] 5,761 ft (1,756 m)
Population (2010)
 • Total 9,614
 • Density 2,000/sq mi (770/km2)
Time zone MST (UTC-7)
 • Summer (DST) MDT (UTC-6)
ZIP codes[4] 81601, 81602 (PO Box)
Area code(s) 970
FIPS code 08-30780
GNIS feature ID 0204659
Website City of Glenwood Springs

The City of Glenwood Springs is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Garfield County, Colorado, United States.[5] The U.S. Census Bureau stated that the city population was 9,677 in 2012 as compared to 9,614 according to the 2010 census.[6] Glenwood Springs is home to two of the campuses and the administrative offices of the Colorado Mountain College system.

Glenwood Springs in 2015 was awarded both as the most vibrant small town arts environment in the United States[7] by SMU and the 5th Best Place to Live in America[8] by Outside Magazine. It was also named the "Most Fun Town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today in their 2011 Best of the Road Rally contest.[9]

History

Glenwood Springs was originally known as "Defiance", a name sometimes still used by local teams or businesses. Defiance was established in 1883, 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 and in an attempt to make her environment somewhat more comfortable, persuaded the founders to change the name to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, after her beloved hometown of Glenwood, Iowa.[10]

Glenwood Hot Springs Bathhouse, Glenwood Springs, built c. 1888.

Its location at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River as well as gaining a stop on the railroad historically made it a center of commerce in the area. The city has seen famous visitors including President Teddy Roosevelt who spent an entire summer vacation living out of the historic Hotel Colorado. Doc Holliday, a wild west legend from the O.K. Corral gunfight, spent the final months of his life in Glenwood Springs and is buried in the town's original Pioneer Cemetery above Bennett Avenue. Infamous serial killer Ted Bundy was imprisoned in the Glenwood Springs jail until he escaped on the night of December 30, 1977, an escape which went undetected for 17 hours.[11] 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. Eventually a dam was built in Glenwood Canyon providing water for the Shoshone power plant. The plant began producing power on May 16, 1909.

Geography

Looking west from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park above Glenwood Springs.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), of which, 4.8 square miles (12 km2) of it is land and 0.21% is water.

Reddish colored sandstone cliffs surround the city.

Glenwood Springs is one of the most walkable towns in America, a distinction that has been recognized by PBS[12] and Walking Magazine,[13] including in the Walking Town Hall of Fame.[14]

The town itself is situated in the river valleys at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River. The area surrounding Glenwood Springs is steeply contoured on all sides with numerous caves to be found.

Climate

Glenwood Springs has a generally mild and semi-arid climate, much more consistently stable than that of the Front Range and most of Colorado, though still decidedly continental and prone to periods of extreme weather.

While not as consistently fecund as the extensive agricultural and viticultural areas nearby at lower altitude such as Palisade, most types of fruit and vegetable do very well in the light and soil if generously watered, particularly stonefruit such as cherries, peaches, and plums, pomaceous fruit such as apples and pears, and grapes.

Microclimates dominate Glenwood Springs, with areas close to the rivers often much more damp and cool than hillsides.

Climate data for Glenwood Springs (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1893–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 60
(16)		 67
(19)		 79
(26)		 88
(31)		 95
(35)		 102
(39)		 102
(39)		 100
(38)		 100
(38)		 88
(31)		 80
(27)		 65
(18)		 102
(39)
Average high °F (°C) 35.5
(1.9)		 41.0
(5)		 51.5
(10.8)		 59.4
(15.2)		 69.8
(21)		 81.0
(27.2)		 87.3
(30.7)		 85.1
(29.5)		 76.2
(24.6)		 63.8
(17.7)		 47.2
(8.4)		 35.4
(1.9)		 61.2
(16.2)
Average low °F (°C) 13.4
(−10.3)		 18.5
(−7.5)		 26.6
(−3)		 32.1
(0.1)		 39.2
(4)		 46.0
(7.8)		 52.8
(11.6)		 52.0
(11.1)		 43.6
(6.4)		 33.2
(0.7)		 23.9
(−4.5)		 14.9
(−9.5)		 33.1
(0.6)
Record low °F (°C) −38
(−39)		 −30
(−34)		 −14
(−26)		 2
(−17)		 17
(−8)		 27
(−3)		 30
(−1)		 28
(−2)		 20
(−7)		 10
(−12)		 −12
(−24)		 −22
(−30)		 −38
(−39)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.49
(37.8)		 1.10
(27.9)		 1.42
(36.1)		 1.52
(38.6)		 1.79
(45.5)		 1.07
(27.2)		 1.07
(27.2)		 1.27
(32.3)		 1.95
(49.5)		 1.85
(47)		 1.34
(34)		 1.28
(32.5)		 17.15
(435.6)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 17.9
(45.5)		 11.2
(28.4)		 6.6
(16.8)		 1.8
(4.6)		 0.3
(0.8)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 1.1
(2.8)		 5.3
(13.5)		 14.9
(37.8)		 59.3
(150.6)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 8 7 8 8 7 5 6 8 7 6 6 8 84
Source: WRCC (temperature and precipitation data 1981–2010, snowfall 1893–2012)[15]

Demographics

Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs.
Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1890 920 —
1900 1,350 46.7%
1910 2,019 49.6%
1920 2,073 2.7%
1930 1,825 −12.0%
1940 2,253 23.5%
1950 2,412 7.1%
1960 3,637 50.8%
1970 4,106 12.9%
1980 4,637 12.9%
1990 6,561 41.5%
2000 7,736 17.9%
2010 9,614 24.3%
Est. 2014 9,840 [16] 2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[17]

As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 7,736 people, 3,216 households, and 1,926 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,611 people per square mile (622.3/km²). There were 3,353 housing units at an average density of 698.5 per square mile (269.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 0.23% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.82% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.30% of the population. 13.9% were of German, 13.3% English, 12.9% Irish, 7.6% American and 7.0% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 3,216 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,934, and the median income for a family was $52,903. Males had a median income of $38,506 versus $29,272 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,449. About 3.5% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Glenwood Springs' economy has centered on hospitality for vacationers since its foundation, unlike many of Colorado's mountain towns, which were generally settled for mining or railroad purposes. While early railroad access and inclusion on main lines and proximity to Aspen certainly boosted the city's prospects, Glenwood Springs consistently attracted visitors, and thus never really experienced the bust or quiet years most mountain towns endured.

Much of this tourism, particularly during the summer months, typically involves local outdoor sports or the amenities of the town. In the winter, the proximity of Glenwood Springs to multiple major ski resorts and its hot springs draw visitors as well. Autumn is scenic as the gambel oaks studding the hillsides change color, and spring brings a tide of violas and other flowers, particularly bulbs, from traditional daffodils to native sego lilies.

Historically, Glenwood Springs has been most visited by residents of other parts of Colorado, but tourism from the rest of America and the world has been the most rapid source of growth recently.[19]

Glenwood Springs also serves as a bedroom community for Aspen and Vail, while many people who work in Glenwood Springs in turn live further down the Valley.

Bloomberg Business named Glenwood Springs the 7th wealthiest small town in America in 2015.[20][21]

Further growth is expected to be slow due to severe geographic constraints[22] and, if further population growth is to be accommodated, it must come primarily from multifamily infill development.[23]

Education

Glenwood Springs is the headquarters of the Roaring Fork RE-1 school district and the Colorado Mountain College. In all, the city has 5 public K-12 schools: Glenwood Springs High School, Yampah Mountain High School (an alternative school not part of RE-1), Glenwood Springs Middle School, Glenwood Springs Elementary School, and Sopris Elementary School. St. Stephen's Catholic Elementary School, which was founded in 1982, is K-8.

Transportation

The Glenwood Springs train station run by Amtrak.

Amtrak

Amtrak's California Zephyr, operating daily in both directions between Chicago and Emeryville, California, serves Glenwood Springs, the second busiest station in Colorado, behind only Denver's Union Station.[24]

Amtrak takes a scenic route through the mountains between Denver and Glenwood Springs. Much of the route follows the Colorado River and is away from roads and major development. Part of the route near Glenwood Springs was used for locations in the 1995 action movie Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, starring Steven Seagal.

Bus

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority(RFTA, pronounced "rafta") provides bus transit in Glenwood Springs and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. VelociRFTA BRT service, the first rural BRT in the USA, began in September 2013, offering connections between south Glenwood Springs and Aspen roughly every 15 minutes with a 60-minute total travel time. The city also operates an intracity bus service, Ride Glenwood. Ride Glenwood offers a main route from the west side of town along the 6&24 corridor, through downtown, to the south part of Glenwood along Hwy 82.

Greyhound Lines also stops in Glenwood Springs on trips between New York and Las Vegas twice per day and Denver and Las Vegas once per day.[25]

Daily[26] bus service named the Bustang[27] runs between Glenwood Springs and Denver operated by CDOT.[28] Amenities include free Wi-Fi and electricity and restrooms.

Automobile

Glenwood Springs lies along I-70 at exit 116 (main exit), about 150 miles (240 km) west of Denver. I-70 is one of the main east-west routes through the Rocky Mountains.

Airport

Glenwood Springs Airport, a municipal airport, was built in the early 1940s. Its airport code is KGWS. The airport was also named the 4th most challenging mountain airport by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The main reasons cited were the airport's mountainous location, the runway, and the unpredictable wind gusts, which caused a crash in 2007.[1] In 2004 a Cessna crashed into an apartment near the airport due to engine problems.[2]

Recreation

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Glenwood Springs abound; many visitors choose to have their experiences arranged by an outfitter. Activities include whitewater rafting, kayaking, caving, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours, off-road Hummer tours, Segway tours, tandem paragliding flights, world-class fishing, and lodge stays in Glenwood Canyon.

Skiing

Glenwood Springs lies about 45 miles (70 km) north of Aspen and 60 miles (100 km) west of Vail. There are 6 world-class ski resorts in this triangle: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk in the Aspen area and Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain in the Vail area. There is also a family ski resort, Sunlight Mountain, 10 miles (16 km) from town. Another ski area, Red Mountain, existed until the mid-1900s. Some of the ski lift towers can still be seen. Nowadays the old service road acts as a hiking trail.

Rafting, kayaking, and fishing

Two rivers, the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River, converge in Glenwood Springs. Both are used extensively for recreation by locals, visitors and commercial outfitters. The waters of the Roaring Fork are "Gold Medal" fishing waters. The two raftable rivers makes the experience fun for any skill level. The Roaring Fork river provides a tame float trip with very few class 2 rapids. The Colorado River trip starting at Grizzley Creek is also a tame class 2 float trip fun for anyone. Running the Colorado From the Shoshone put in provides an amazing experience for the thrill seekers with its upper class 3 rapids is perfect for any adrenaline junkie.

Paragliding

Glenwood Springs is an amazing place to try your first paragliding experience or if you are already a pilot it is an excellent place to fly. With three launches on two different mountains in town and five more sites less than 40 minutes away, Glenwood Springs makes a premier home base for the experienced pilot.

Mountain biking

There are quite a few noted mountain bike trails in the Roaring Fork Valley, all requiring fitness and stamina. The favored routes for locals are the Forest Hollow Trail that winds along the rim above Glenwood Canyon and the Scout Trail, an extreme drop from the canyon rim into downtown Glenwood. Red Mountain, also known as the Jeanne Golay Trail, is a dirt trail up Red Mountain that locals use for training and exercise.

Golf

Glenwood Springs is home to a 9-hole golf course referred to by locals as "The Hill" and is within driving distance of mountain golf. One golf club received Golf Magazine's "Best of America's New Courses" list.

Bike trails

The 16-mile (26 km) long recreation trail through Glenwood Canyon is sandwiched between the canyon walls and the Colorado River. It is suitable for families and recreational riders, with several access points and rest areas along the way. Bike rentals and shuttles are available at several outfitters in town. There is a paved loop along the Roaring Fork River that runs from one end of town to the other and back again. The Rio Grande trail runs roughly 41 miles (66 km) from Glenwood Springs to Aspen along the railroad tracks of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Glenwood Caverns

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a small amusement park that is fun for all ages. A tram takes visitors up to what was formerly called the "Fairy Caves", now known as the Glenwood Caverns. The Glenwood Caverns is an incredibly complex cave system that travels throughout the bowels of Iron Mountain. A guided walking cave tour will take you through the cave system to see places like Kings Row, the most highly decorated cave room in Colorado and the Barn, the second largest cave room in Colorado. The Park also includes rides like North America's first Alpine roller coaster, and a Screamin' Swing called the "Giant Canyon Swing", which swings riders out over the edge of Glenwood Canyon, looking down at the Colorado River 1,300 feet below. The most recent addition to the park is the cliffhanger roller coaster. This coaster, added in 2013 is located near the top of the mountain and sits near the edge of a cliff.

Glenwood Vaudeville Revue

The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is a two-hour family fun dinner theater show with professional talent performing a variety of comedy skits, jokes, high energy dance numbers, unique novelty songs and original comedic presentations that are guaranteed to entertain, and help you laugh your worries away; and all this while you savor a meal prepared by many of the Glenwood Springs best restaurants. John Goss has spent the last 25 years performing in small theatre and melo- dramas ranging from Cripple Creek, CO to Denali, AK where he created and “I havent laughed that hard in years!” directed a number of vaudeville type revue shows. In our shows this year, John and the talented cast have put together some of their best material to bring you a wonderful variety of comedy, song and dance numbers that will have you saying, "Wow! I've never seen that before". Come see us! You'll have a great time! All of our shows are entertainment at its finest and have received great reviews; and this year is sure to please young and old alike. As usual, this summer we have new and original material including: An all New Rap, Gary's Dramatic Readings, More Babies and all New Jokes, Gags, Skits and Bits.

Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake is located in Glenwood Canyon about 7 miles (11 km) east of Glenwood Springs. The lake is reached via a trailhead located near I-70 in the bottom of the canyon. In the summer of 2010 the boardwalk at the lake was replaced.

Hot Springs

The large hot springs pool

Glenwood Hot Springs is a premier Colorado Hot Springs resort. The large pool is kept at a comfortable 93 degrees Fahrenheit year round and is the world's largest hot mineral springs pool. The smaller "Therapy Pool" averages 104 degrees Fahrenheit year round is known for its healing minerals. There is a 107 room lodge, which includes unlimited access to the hot springs and a full hot breakfast for all guests. Spa of the Rockies is an award winning mineral spa that specializes in natural, mineral based treatments. Other amenities include a full service athletic club, gift shop and restaurant. Two waterslides, mini golf, and a cold water kiddy pool are open during the warmer months. Yampah Hot Springs vapor caves are historic underground steam baths. They are over 100 years old and were used by the Ute Indians as a source of rejuvenation and healing. Today, the vapor caves consist of three adjoining underground rock chambers. Cave temperatures average 110 to 112 °F (43 to 44 °C). The hot springs and mineral caves are tourist attractions and were a main reason for the settlement of Glenwood Springs.

Off Roading

Glenwood is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, this unique geography provides hundreds of miles of off-road trails minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs. The most popular trail near Glenwood Springs is called transfer trail. This trail starts on the base of Iron Mountain and travels on the flat tops going near many pristine mountain lakes and hidden caves.

Downtown Market

Glenwood Springs has many different festivals and markets throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Downtown Market. This farmers market occurs every Tuesday throughout the summer months. Vendors display their locally grown and Colorado made products. Many great cooking demonstrations are held throughout the summer teaching people how to cook with fast, delicious, fresh and healthy foods. Another great reason to visit the Downtown Market is the free music played throughout the 14 week season.

Notable people

See also

References

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External links

Glenwood Tourism:

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08/0830780.html
  7. ↑ http://www.postindependent.com/news/14800284-113/garfield-pitkin-combine-for-no-1-in-arts-vibrancy-index
  8. ↑ http://www.outsideonline.com/2006426/americas-best-towns-2015
  9. ↑ http://www.visitglenwood.com/most-fun-town
  10. ↑ http://www.basecampco.com/
  11. ↑ Michaud, Stephen, and Hugh Aynesworth. The Only Living Witness. Authorlink 1999, paperback. ISBN 1-928704-11-5. p. 212-213.
  12. ↑ http://www.pbs.org/americaswalking/travel/travelmost.html
  13. ↑ http://www.active.com/articles/america-s-best-walking-communities
  14. ↑ http://www.utne.com/environment/walk-of-fame-compass.aspx
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ http://www.postindependent.com/news/17864596-113/the-world-is-coming-to-visit-glenwood-springs
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ http://www.postindependent.com/news/17811209-113/glenwood-linked-with-aspen-is-7th-richest-small-us
  22. ↑ http://www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us/departments/publicworks/water/files/Water%20Conservation_Plan_Glenwood_Springs_8_03_09.pdf
  23. ↑ http://www.postindependent.com/news/15734373-113/no-room-for-renters-as-population-prices-rise
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ http://www.summitdaily.com/news/18888991-113/bustang-to-offer-new-weekend-service-on-interstate
  27. ↑ http://www.postindependent.com/news/17203506-113/bustang-service-kicks-off-monday
  28. ↑ http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_25697256/cdot-buses-will-find-home-at-union-station>
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