Colorado - Glenwood Springs & Rifle Falls State Park

At the end of our trip, we were visiting friend in Avon Colorado. We had an afternoon to explore the area by our selves. We were looking for another hot springs, but the ones in this area are very expensive. We found a natural (free) hot springs on the internet in Glenwood Springs. It took a little work to find it. We drove I-70 west to exit 111 (South Canyon). Then we followed a dirt road for about ½ mile until we saw a small pullout. There was a small trail on the right side of the road that led to a hot spring.

When we arrived, there were 5 people already there. Two couples were just leaving and an older gentleman was in the springs. He manages teh spring and told us the story of it. It used to be down near the road, but teenagers would frequent it and leave a mess and make a racket. The local officials dymonited the spring to destroy it. He said that later he walked up the hill and found where the spring was emerging again. He dammed it up and created a sitting space. He is now the caretaker of the spring. He was a wealath of information and very interesting. However, he was also a naturalist. He like to soak in the nude. Luckily he never stood up.

Rifle Falls State Park

The gentleman at the hot springs recommended that we visit Rifle Falls State Park. After leaving the hot springs, we drove to Rifle Falls State Park. This park is known for its triple water falls and hiking trails.