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4 of 4 Transportation to Glenwood Springs by Train
Glenwood Springs has historically been a way station both west and east bound travelers.
In the 19th Century, the builders of the transcontinental railroad laid track along
the Colorado River. Today, Amtrack will take you to Glenwood Springs following the
ancient route. The train ride from Denver’s Union Station is slow, scenic,
and incredibly romantic.
Train travelers can take in the scenery from a seat in the main car, or if your
party requires privacy or just wants some peace and quiet, you can reserve a private
berth. When my husband and I took the trip we took seats in the main car for the
ride up and came back down in a private berth. I recommend the latter, for many
of the same reasons that plane travelers wish they could have a private cabin. There
are no screaming children other than your own to contend with. Though the private
berth option seems a little outrageous for a trip that lasts about five hours, you
do have access to Amtrack’s excellent porter service. You can also stretch
out and take a nap on your own freshly made bed.
The dining car is the most fun of the trip. Open for all meals, the train’s
kitchen crew will serve you meals of decent quality. If the meals are forgettable,
the conversation is not. As the train has little room to serve a maximum number
of guests, if you are a party of less than four chances are you’ll be seated
with strangers. The conversation can be lively and your fellow diners interesting.
My husband and I were joined for lunch one afternoon by a retired businessman and
a coffeehouse entertainer, both on cross-country trips.
The train will drop you off at the Glenwood Springs depot, a quaint, old-fashioned building from an era when train travel was less of a novelty.
Hike to Doc Holliday’s
Grave in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Doc Holiday, that principal participant in the gunfight at the OK Corral, spent
his remaining days in Glenwood Springs, dying of tuberculosis. The sulfur pools
could not cure him of his consumption, however, and he died in Glenwood Springs
shortly after his arrival. He is buried above the town in Pioneer Cemetery. A visit
to his final resting place is a good way to spend half a day. The other graves in
the cemetery are just as interesting as the good doctor’s if not nearly as
infamous and testify to Glenwood Spring’s roots as a mining town. Groups of
graves with similar dates mark the outcome of a mining accident or an epidemic.
The trail is steep but short and very accessible. But watch out for ice in the
winter. We hiked it one glorious day in February. The sun was out and the weather
warm and mild, which means that Colorado trails turn to a mixture of mud and slush
and ice. We did slip a few times, so be careful to monitor the quality of the trail
as you go.
Take Highway 85 south through town to 11th Street. Turn right on 11th the go three
blocks to Palmer Ave. Turn right on Palmer and walk about a little over a block
to Cemetery Road. Be aware that cars are not allowed on Cemetery Road.
Lodging in Glenwood
Springs, Colorado
Glenwood’s proximity to the slopes and the way the town straddles the Interstate
guarantee that it will have a variety of hotel accommodations. Hotels and Bed and
Breakfasts abound, as do the kind of smaller motels that displays the Triple A rating
sign in neon. For a complete listing of hotels, contact the Chamber of Commerce
at http://glenwoodsprings.net/wheretostay.htm. A few choices follow:
Hotel Colorado
If you want to see Glenwood Springs in style go no farther than the historic Hotel
Colorado. I have known old Colorado families that take vacations there each summer,
and it is an excellent place to hold weddings or seminars. This hotel is for people
who love to pamper themselves as well as a taste of adventure: the place is said
to be haunted. Prices tend to be on the higher side. Visit the Hotel Colorado web
site at www.hotelcolorado.com.
Hotel Denver
Just across the street from the train depot this hotel offers good service for a
moderate price. Expect coffee in the mornings and a paper at your door. It is also
affiliated with a good brewpub. The Hotel Denver will take pets. Inquire about reservations
at info@thehoteldenver.com.
Ramada Inn
Offers all of the conveniences of a chain hotel. Will take pets if you agree to
take a smoking room. Rooms have access directly to the outside. There is also and
Enterprise Rent-A-Car counter in the lobby. Inquire about reservations at info@ramadaglenwood.com.
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