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Glenwood Springs in Colorado is a fascinating stop on our travels this August. We arrived yesterday and spent the night at "No Name" Rest Area located at mile marker 117. Interesting name and fantastic rest area. Nestled in the canyon along a 17 mile stretch of Interstate 70, this rest area welcomes one with spacious parking enough for cars, trucks, 18 wheelers, motor homes, van, or whatever your travel vessel of choice. Awe inspiring mountain peaks surround the rest area with peaks at canyon crevices which make one want to put on climbing gear, while the river flows along the interstate below the rest area. Fantastic views make visitors want to pull out the camping gear. Beware of the rest area highway workers, though if you decide to stay more than one night. Four hours is the limit officially, but most workers will give you eight hours grace before taking down your license plate. What do they do with your plate number? Turn it over to highway patrol the following morning if you are still parked there. Colorado Highway Patrol will be speedily called on the second day, at which time lingering visitors will be given a notice to tow citation.

All official warnings aside, take time to stop at the No Name rest area. Walk the wonderful trail that follows the river for a span of twelve miles. Bicyclists can enjoy the wide walkway alongside walkers while gazing at the many rafting expeditions flowing down the river and the kayakers. This river flows east to west through the White River National Forest.

Cephas and I took pictures of the friendly rafters who waved and posed for us. I will post them as soon as I buy a card reader to upload to the computer from my canon digital.

We enjoyed the walk along the river and the many sites. All the while, I was wishing we had thought to make a reservation for a rafting tour or to stay at the campgrounds located along the riverside in Glenwood Springs Canyon.

Be sure to visit town with its quaint old town, with many stores, shops, and facilities. Folks were out after 9pm walking about, families, and children and old folks alike. Seems like a friendly town with all the activity at this time of night.

Visit the fanciful new town which is based at the foot of a fantastic red mountain that is covered with the greenest trees that offset the dark red earth. The sunset view from the corner just outside Starbucks is awesome! I took a picture of that as well. Oh yeah, Starbucks in Glenwood Springs offers free AT&T Wi-Fi with your registered Starbucks card. I sure enjoy it!

Don't forget the one main attraction that brings folks from around the country and probably the world, I would guess..the mineral Glenwood Springs Hot Pools. I can find more information on this but the stories about the town and the springs dates back into the 1800's with tales of Doc Holiday, who died in the Glenwood hotel, and the Ute Indians who used the hot pools as a sacred healing site. Have to check my facts on all this, but meanwhile, surf online to find out more for yourself and visit Glenwood Springs.

I forgot one thing...the Amtrak route through Colorado runs through the canyon. I have taken this trip myself on several occasions and I highly recommend it. It is the most inspiring and beautiful ride with views in the tops of the mountains that defy description. You just have to see it for yourself.

 

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