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Written by Gabby Anstey
The Native Americans came for the hunting and fishing as well as the natural hot springs. The "yampah" meaning "big medicine" bore healing powers, spiritual and mental stimulation, and physical regeneration with their high mineral content. In the late 1800s, Walter Devereaux was drawn to the same energy. He and his two brothers succeeded in constructing the world's largest hot springs pool and the town soon became known as the "Spa of the Rockies." Although first dubbed Defiance because of its tendency toward a good time, riddled with bars, brothels, gamblers, gunslingers, miners and madams, the community adopted the name Glenwood Springs in 1885 and became inundated with members of all walks of life. President Theodore Roosevelt and President William Taft were frequent visitors, as was the infamous Al Capone. They came because the place had it all. Today, Glenwood continues to attract visitors from across the boards. Between countless outdoor opportunities; history, culture and entertainment; and prized natural hot springs galore, Glenwood Springs still has it all.

Day 1: SINK INTO SOME OUTDOOR ACTION
In summer, Glenwood is a mecca for adventure. Between hiking, mountain biking, flyfishing, rafting/kayaking, horseback riding and rock climbing, it's hard to decide where to start. To immerse yourself in one of the above, pack some snacks and make an early morning jaunt to Hanging Lake; a two-and-a-half-mile round trip hike, considered strenuous. Waterfalls and Spouting Rock are among the many beautiful highlights. If water is in your veins, get out on the Colorado River for a half-to-full-day of whitewater rafting. The 10-mile stretch alongside Interstate 70, within the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, including the popular Shoshone section (area), is perfect for almost anyone, but you must be at least 6-years-old.

Day 2: SOAK UP SOME CULTURE
Glenwood has a wild and wacky Western history. For a great glimpse into its past, visit the town's Frontier Historical Museum, then move on to the Glenwood Railroad Museum. Located in the historic railroad depot built in 1904, the railroad museum has photos and artifacts from seven historic area railroads, books, a gift shop, and both model and full-sized railroads on display. To top off the trip down memory lane, take a walk to Doc Holliday's grave, located in Linwood Cemetery on a hillside behind town. Holliday, a gunman/gambler/dentist was one of Glenwood's most renowned citizens. He came to town in the late 1800s, ill with tuberculosis, hoping the mystical hot springs would cure his disease. Unfortunately, this was to no avail, Holliday died in his bed at the Glenwood Hotel in 1887.

Day 3: SATURATE WITH RELAXATION
Take a load off and settle into a warm soak in the world's largest hot springs pool. Over the years the Hot Springs Pool and Spa has undergone many changes from a sacred Native American healing site, to an exclusive Victorian enclave, to a modern-day family destination. Throughout time, however, the waters have remained 100 percent natural and mineral-rich. Let your mind wander and your muscles relax amid stunning scenery. Next, check out the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, the only known vapor caves in North America. Hot mineral waters flow through the cave floors at 125 degrees creating a natural geothermal steam bath; purifying and soothing to body, mind and spirit. Massages, facials, European herbal body treatments, mud baths, private hot tubs and salon services are also available at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Initially inhabited by the Ute Indians and later discovered by white settlers, Glenwood Springs has captivated folks for centuries.