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Wondering what there is to do in the winter in Colorado besides skiing? We’ve got you covered with an epic winter weekend in the mountains exploring ice caves and relaxing in hot springs. This is the perfect winter activity for families in Colorado!
Where to Stay
Base yourselves in the Glenwood Springs or Rifle area either at a hotel or cozy cabin. We personally prefer the Hampton Inn in Rifle because it’s super cheap, pet friendly, includes breakfast, and has an indoor pool. Glenwood Springs definitely offers more in the way of shops and restaurants, but Rifle does have a cute little downtown and is only 20 minutes from Glenwood Springs.
How to Visit the Ice Caves
The ice caves are located in Rifle Mountain Park and there is a small parking lot off 217 on the left. Once you park, take the Rifle Mountain Trail Park, an easy 1.3 mile easy hike that takes you through two large ice caves. The first cave is right by the car park so you don’t have to go far if you just want to peek inside one. But we highly recommend doing the full trail because it’s short and beautiful! Make sure to bring microspikes to walk inside the caves and waterproof snow gear for the kids because I promise you they won’t be able to resist sliding and playing in the caves! Once you get through the second ice cave, it’s easiest to cross the little bridge and walk on the road back to your car.
Bonus Waterfall Viewing
After the ice caves, you’ll pass right by Rifle Falls State Park. We definitely recommend stopping by to see the triple waterfalls, and it really is a bonus because they’re just a short walk from the parking lot. Keep your spikes with you because it can be slippery around the falls and with them you can hike up to the top of the falls for even more beautiful views. There are some caves at the top too that the kids will no doubt have fun exploring! There is an entry fee for Rifle Falls State Park-either a $10 day pass or State Park Pass are required.
Hot Springs Soak
After lunch in Rifle or Glenwood Springs, head for an afternoon soak at either Iron Mountain Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs. So which is better…Iron Mountain Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs? Well it depends on what you’re looking for! And why not compare for yourself and do one Saturday afternoon and one on Sunday morning? Iron Mountain Springs has 16 soaking tubs of varying temperatures and they are in a quiet zone to relax and chill out. There is also a family pool and elevated, jetted hot tub where kids and families can splash around. Kids under 5 are only permitted in the family pool and life jackets are available if needed. Alcohol and food are served at Iron Mountain and towels and lockers are provided. Reservations are required for Iron Mountain Hot Springs and mornings tend to be less busy. Make sure to book well in advance for busy holiday weekends! For both hot springs, I’d recommend bringing a bath robe for walking between the pools and locker room; it gets chilly out there!
Glenwood Hot Springs has the world’s largest hot springs pool and also has an onsite hotel. Overnight lodge guests get unlimited access to the hot springs pool. In the summer at Glenwood Hot Springs there is a kiddie pool and cabanas are available for rent. In summer there is also a grill and snack bar available.
Nearby
If you’re looking for things to do in the area for Sunday, Hanging Lake would be a good option. It’s a tough but beautiful hike in winter; reservations are required. There is also a small, wild hot spring in the Glenwood area if you haven’t gotten enough soaking time, or stop by one of the ski towns or Georgetown to wander around a bit on your way back to Denver!
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