Colorado Resort Courts Family Reunions

Glenwood Springs has always been a go-to destination for families: affordable, accessible and jam packed with activities and attractions that suit relations of every age. This four-season Colorado resort area is located between Aspen and Vail, 165 miles west of Denver or 90 miles east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 off exit 116. Popular soft adventures like the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park combine with activities like rafting, horseback riding, ziplining and Vaudeville shows to entertain everyone attending a multigenerational vacation.

“There are so many options for family reunions in Glenwood Springs – we really do have it all – accommodations, attractions, activities – and we make it simple to plan. We have something for everyone, of every age and interest,” said Lindsey Lewis, VP of Tourism Marketing for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Local Resorts Set Up Reunion Planning Websites

Glenwood Springs’ newest properties, the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, make it easy for planners by offering customized web pages to aid families in organizing the upcoming event. Groups can personalize pages with photos, insert agendas to keep everyone apprised of the schedule, and even include links to relevant websites like Ancestry.com.

Families and other large groups of people such as school reunion and military groups often need a place to gather. The newest addition to Glenwood Springs’ inventory of meeting rooms is the Hotel Denver’s spacious third floor room overlooking the Colorado River called The Loft. With Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company located at ground level, catering is easily arranged.

Several Denver area families have been returning to the world famous Glenwood Hot Springs for over half a century, not only because of the allure of the natural hot springs themselves, but also excellent service, value and the proximity to so many great amenities. An overnight stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge includes unlimited admission to the world famous hot springs and continental breakfast at the poolside restaurant.

Less than two miles from town, reunion-goers can gather on the banks of the Colorado River at Glenwood Canyon Resort, which is also the home of Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures and Rock Gardens Rafting. Here guests can choose from tent and RV sites to cozy cabins or luxury suites, then head off to the adventure of their choice without leaving the property. It offers ideal indoor/outdoor meeting spaces, diverse catering options and accommodations that will meet each family member’s requirements and budget.

Another scenic setting in Glenwood Canyon ideally suited for a family reunion is High Canyon Adventures guest ranch, a family-owned working livestock ranch which has operated continuously since 1919. The ranch encompasses over 5,500 acres, surrounded by Colorado wilderness, offering miles of trails and access to the Colorado River. Guests can overnight in a teepee, cabins or a 3-bedroom vacation home. There is plenty to do on the ranch, including fishing, jeeping, ATV tours and horseback rides.

Colorado Outdoor Adventures Mean Something for Everyone

Try a new experience to reconnect with relatives. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a perfect place to start. Take in the expansive views of the Roaring Fork Valley beginning with a ride on the Iron Mountain Tram to the park entrance. Thrill seekers will find two new rides set to open in May, 2011: the adrenaline-pumping bungee jump will feature a 70-foot drop from a tower overlooking the valley, while the zip ride will carry two riders at a time 625 feet down the mountain in a comfortable seat. Other popular attractions include the alpine coaster, giant swing, bungee trampolines, laser tag, 4-D movie theater, and of course-- guided tours of the magnificent Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves.

Another valuable resource for family reunion planners is Glenwood Adventure Company in downtown Glenwood Springs. They specialize in customizing activities; for example, very young children and grandparents can comfortably float downriver on a raft, while older kids get thoroughly soaked riding inflatable kayaks or inner tubes. Teens and adults can raft the rigorous Shoshone rapids on the Colorado River, then stop and pick up younger or older family members at a convenient point further downstream; together the group can enjoy the remainder of the float into Glenwood Springs. In addition to whitewater rafting, options include fishing, horseback riding, cycling, ATV trips, off-road jeep tours and more.

For more information about family reunions and other group events in Glenwood Springs, check out Glenwood Springs Tourism information. By phone, reunion planners can request assistance with activities at 970/945-6589 and with lodging reservations at 888/888-445-3696.