Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Encyclopedia
The City of Glenwood Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat
and the most populous city of Garfield County
, Colorado
, United States
. The United States Census Bureau
estimated that the city population was 8,564 in 2005. Glenwood Springs is home to one of the campuses in the Colorado Mountain College
system.
Its location at the confluence of the Colorado River
and the Roaring Fork River
as well gaining a stop on the railroad historically made it a center of commerce in the area. The city has seen numerous famous visitors including President Teddy Roosevelt who spent an entire summer vacation living out of the historic Hotel Colorado
. Doc Holliday
, a wild west legend from the O.K. Corral gunfight, spent the final months of his life in Glenwood Springs and is buried in the town's original Pioneer Cemetery above Bennett Avenue. Infamous serial killer Ted Bundy
was imprisoned in the Glenwood Springs jail until he escaped on the night of December 30, 1977, an escape which went undetected for 17 hours.
, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²), of which, 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it is land and 0.21% is water.
Glenwood Springs is home to Glenwood Caverns
.
of 2000, there were 7,736 people, 3,216 households, and 1,926 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,611 people per square mile (622.3/km²). There were 3,353 housing units at an average density of 698.5 per square mile (269.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 0.23% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.82% from other races
, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.30% of the population. 13.9% were of German
, 13.3% English
, 12.9% Irish
, 7.6% American
and 7.0% Italian
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 3,216 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples
living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,934, and the median income for a family was $52,903. Males had a median income of $38,506 versus $29,272 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $23,449. About 3.5% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.
services regularly stop at Glenwood Springs
. The California Zephyr
operates daily in both directions between Chicago
and Emeryville, California
(across the bay from San Francisco).
Amtrak takes an extremely scenic route through the mountains between Denver and Glenwood Springs. Much of the route follows the Colorado River
and is away from roads and major development. Part of the route near Glenwood Springs was used for locations in the 1995
action movie Under Siege 2: Dark Territory
, starring Steven Seagal
.
provides bus transit in Glenwood Springs and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The city also operates a free bus service, Ride Glenwood. Ride Glenwood offers a main route and a south route. Each bus features photographs of local activities on the side.
and Roaring Fork River
, converge in Glenwood Springs. Both are used extensively for recreation by locals, visitors and commercial outfitters. The waters of the Roaring Fork are "Gold Medal" fishing waters.
There is also a paved loop along the Roaring Fork River that takes you from one end of town to the other and back again.
. There is an entire recreation complex on top of the mountain with rides, children's activities, several eating options and an observation deck with a view of the valley. It also includes North America's first Alpine roller coaster, and a Screamin' Swing
called the Giant Canyon Swing which swings riders out over the edge of Glenwood Canyon, looking down at the Colorado River, 1300 feet below.
is located in Glenwood Canyon
about 7 miles (11 km) east of Glenwood Springs. The lake is reached via a trailhead located near I-70 in the bottom of the canyon. Over the Summer of 2010, the boardwalk at the lake was replaced.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
and the most populous city of Garfield County
Garfield County, Colorado
Garfield County is the eighth most extensive and the twelfth most populous of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. The county population was 43,791 at U.S. Census 2000. The county is named in honor of United States President James A. Garfield...
, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
estimated that the city population was 8,564 in 2005. Glenwood Springs is home to one of the campuses in the Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is a network of seven junior college campuses in western Colorado. Three of the campuses are residential campuses with student residence halls and cafeterias, and are located in Steamboat Springs, Leadville, Edwards and Glenwood Springs...
system.
History
Glenwood Springs was originally known as Defiance, Colorado. Defiance was established in 1883, a camp of tents, saloons and brothels with an increasing amount of cabins and lodging establishments. It was populated with the expected crowd of gamblers, gunslingers, and prostitutes. Town Founder Isaac Cooper's wife Sarah was having a hard time adjusting to the frontier life and in an attempt to make her environment somewhat more comfortable, persuaded the founders to change the name to Glenwood Springs, Colorado after her beloved hometown of Glenwood, Iowa.Its location at the confluence of the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
and the Roaring Fork River
Roaring Fork River
Roaring Fork River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately long, in west central Colorado in the United States. The river drains a populated and economically vital area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley or Roaring Fork Watershed, which includes the resort...
as well gaining a stop on the railroad historically made it a center of commerce in the area. The city has seen numerous famous visitors including President Teddy Roosevelt who spent an entire summer vacation living out of the historic Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado is an 1893 Italianate structure in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA, and one of the oldest hotels in Colorado.-History:Established by silver magnate and banker Walter Devereux, construction began in 1891 at a cost of $350,000. Edward Lippincott Tilton designed the building as a...
. Doc Holliday
Doc Holliday
John Henry "Doc" Holliday was an American gambler, gunfighter and dentist of the American Old West, who is usually remembered for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral...
, a wild west legend from the O.K. Corral gunfight, spent the final months of his life in Glenwood Springs and is buried in the town's original Pioneer Cemetery above Bennett Avenue. Infamous serial killer Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy
Theodore Robert "Ted" Bundy was an American serial killer, rapist, kidnapper, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered numerous young women during the 1970s, and possibly earlier...
was imprisoned in the Glenwood Springs jail until he escaped on the night of December 30, 1977, an escape which went undetected for 17 hours.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²), of which, 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it is land and 0.21% is water.
Glenwood Springs is home to Glenwood Caverns
Glenwood Caverns
Glenwood Caverns is an extensive cave system located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Caverns are now part of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a popular Colorado tourist attraction. The caves are accessed by a cable car ride which takes visitors to the top of Iron Mountain. The park offers...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,736 people, 3,216 households, and 1,926 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,611 people per square mile (622.3/km²). There were 3,353 housing units at an average density of 698.5 per square mile (269.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 0.23% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.82% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.30% of the population. 13.9% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 13.3% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 12.9% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 7.6% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 7.0% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 3,216 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,934, and the median income for a family was $52,903. Males had a median income of $38,506 versus $29,272 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $23,449. About 3.5% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Glenwood Springs is the headquarters RE-1 school district. In all the city has 5 schools, Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS), Yampa Mountain High School (an alternative school not part of RE-1), Glenwood Springs Middle School (GSMS), Glenwood Springs Elementary School (GSES), and Sopris Elementary School (SES).Transportation
Automobile
Glenwood Springs lies along at exit 116 (main exit), about 150 miles (241.4 km) west of Denver. I-70 is one of the main east-west routes through the Rocky Mountains.Amtrak
AmtrakAmtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
services regularly stop at Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs (Amtrak station)
Glenwood Springs is a train station in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is served by Amtrak's California Zephyr train.The station also serves as a second Greyhound bus stop in Glenwood Springs...
. The California Zephyr
California Zephyr
The California Zephyr is a long passenger train route operated by Amtrak in the midwestern and western United States.It runs from Chicago, Illinois, in the east to Emeryville, California, in the west, passing through the states of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California...
operates daily in both directions between Chicago
Union Station (Chicago)
Union Station is a major train station that opened in 1925 in Chicago, replacing an earlier 1881 station. It is now the only intercity rail terminal in Chicago, as well as being the city's primary terminal for commuter trains. The station stands on the west side of the Chicago River between Adams...
and Emeryville, California
Emeryville, California
Emeryville is a small city located in Alameda County, California, in the United States. It is located in a corridor between the cities of Berkeley and Oakland, extending to the shore of San Francisco Bay. Its proximity to San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, the University of California, Berkeley, and...
(across the bay from San Francisco).
Amtrak takes an extremely scenic route through the mountains between Denver and Glenwood Springs. Much of the route follows the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
and is away from roads and major development. Part of the route near Glenwood Springs was used for locations in the 1995
1995 in film
-Top grossing films:-Events:* March 22 - The Dogme 95 movement is officially announced in Paris by Danish directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg.* March 28 - Actress Julia Roberts and singer Lyle Lovett announce their plans for separation....
action movie Under Siege 2: Dark Territory
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory is a 1995 American action film set on board a train traveling through the Rocky Mountains from Denver to Los Angeles. Directed by Geoff Murphy, it stars Steven Seagal as the ex-Navy SEAL, Casey Ryback and is the sequel to the 1992 film Under Siege also starring Seagal....
, starring Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal
Steven Frederic Seagal is an American action film star, producer, writer, martial artist, guitarist and reserve deputy sheriff. A 7th-dan black belt in Aikido, Seagal began his adult life as an Aikido instructor in Japan...
.
Airport
There is a municipal airport, Glenwood Springs Airport, which was built in the early 1940s. Its airport code is (KGWS). The airport was also named the 4th most challenging mountain airport by the AOPA. The main reasons cited were the airport's mountainous location, the runway, and the unpredictable wind gust in the area. Wind was the cause of a crash at the airport in 2007.http://www.postindependent.com/article/20070921/VALLEYNEWS/70920002&parentprofile=search In 2004, a Cessna crashed into an apartment near the airport due to engine problems.http://www.postindependent.com/article/20041024/VALLEYNEWS/110240007&parentprofile=search The city provides snow plow operations in the winter. Due to noise concerns, runway 14 is recommended for take-off, and 32 for landing. Currently, 73 planes are based on the field.Bus
Roaring Fork Transportation AuthorityRoaring Fork Transportation Authority
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority was established in 1983, and is operated by a Rural Transportation Authority. The RFTA provides bus service to Aspen, Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, Basalt, a portion of Eagle County, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and their newest member New Castle.-Fleet:RFTA...
provides bus transit in Glenwood Springs and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The city also operates a free bus service, Ride Glenwood. Ride Glenwood offers a main route and a south route. Each bus features photographs of local activities on the side.
Outfitters
The outdoor recreation opportunities in Glenwood Springs are endless. Many visitors choose to have their experiences arranged by an outfitter. Glenwood Adventure Company puts out an annual guide magazine to Glenwood Springs. The publication pin points all of the best activities for individuals and families and how to go about booking them. Glenwood Adventure Company specializes in whitewater rafting, kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, ATV tours, Off-road Hummer tours, Segway tours, world-class fishing, and lodge stays in Glenwood Canyon.Skiing
Glenwood Springs lies about 45 mile north of Aspen and 60 mile west of Vail. There are 6 world class ski resorts in this triangle: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk in the Aspen area and Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain in the Vail area. There is also a family ski resort 10 miles (16 km) from town, Sunlight Mountain. Another ski area, Red Mountain, existed until the mid 1900's. Some of the ski lift towers can still be seen. The old service road acts a hiking trail nowRafting/Kayaking/Fishing
Two rivers, the Colorado RiverColorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
and Roaring Fork River
Roaring Fork River
Roaring Fork River is a tributary of the Colorado River, approximately long, in west central Colorado in the United States. The river drains a populated and economically vital area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley or Roaring Fork Watershed, which includes the resort...
, converge in Glenwood Springs. Both are used extensively for recreation by locals, visitors and commercial outfitters. The waters of the Roaring Fork are "Gold Medal" fishing waters.
Mountain Biking
There are quite a few noted mountain bike trails in the Roaring Fork Valley, all requiring fitness and stamina. The favored routes for locals are the Forest Hollow Trail that winds along the rim above Glenwood Canyon and the Scout Trail, an extreme drop from the canyon rim into downtown Glenwood. Red Mountain, also known as the Jeannie Golay Trail, is a dirt trail up Red Mountain that locals use for training and exercise.Golf
Glenwood Springs is home to a 9 hole golf course referred to by locals as "The Hill", and within driving distance of some of the best mountain golf Colorado has to offer. 15 minutes west of Glenwood along I-70 sits Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club, which is a Jim Engh designed course that winds its way through the hills in New Castle, Colorado. Located south of Glenwood is the mountains "best kept secret" Ironbridge Golf Club. Beyond that in Carbondale, Colorado is River Valley Ranch Golf Club which has received Golf Magazines "Best of America's New Courses" list. Within an hour and a half of Glenwood Springs west to Grand Junction, south to Aspen, and East to Vail , there are over 20 different mountain courses.Bike Trails
The 16 miles (26 km) long recreation trail through Glewood Canyon is sandwiched between the canyon walls and the Colorado River. It is suitable for families and recreational riders, with several access points and rest areas along the way. Bike rentals and shuttles are available at several outfitters in town.There is also a paved loop along the Roaring Fork River that takes you from one end of town to the other and back again.
Community Center
The facility is a large 17 million dollar Community Center featuring a covered ice rink, climbing wall, internet lab, banquet area, childcare, gymnasium, fitness center, outdoor tennis courts, dance studio and aquatic center with competitive swim lanes and an interactive play zone.Glenwood Caverns
A tram takes visitors up to geological marvel that was formerly called the Fairy Caves now known as Glenwood CavernsGlenwood Caverns
Glenwood Caverns is an extensive cave system located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Caverns are now part of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a popular Colorado tourist attraction. The caves are accessed by a cable car ride which takes visitors to the top of Iron Mountain. The park offers...
. There is an entire recreation complex on top of the mountain with rides, children's activities, several eating options and an observation deck with a view of the valley. It also includes North America's first Alpine roller coaster, and a Screamin' Swing
Screamin' Swing
Screamin' Swing is a pneumatically powered pendulum ride designed by S&S Power. The ride was first installed and operated in 2004 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, USA.-Design and operation:...
called the Giant Canyon Swing which swings riders out over the edge of Glenwood Canyon, looking down at the Colorado River, 1300 feet below.
Hanging Lake
Hanging LakeHanging Lake
Hanging Lake is a lake in the U.S. State of Colorado. It is located in Glenwood Canyon, about 7 miles east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado and is a very popular tourist destination. The lake is reached via a trailhead located near I-70 in the bottom of the canyon...
is located in Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is a rugged scenic canyon on the Colorado River in western Colorado in the United States. Its canyon walls climb as high as above the Colorado River. It is the largest such canyon on the Upper Colorado...
about 7 miles (11 km) east of Glenwood Springs. The lake is reached via a trailhead located near I-70 in the bottom of the canyon. Over the Summer of 2010, the boardwalk at the lake was replaced.
Yampah Hot Springs
Yampah Hot Springs vapor caves are historic underground steam baths. They are over 100 years old and were used by the Ute Indians as a source of rejuvenation and healing. Today, the vapor caves consist of three adjoining underground rock chambers. Cave temperatures average 110 to 112 °F (43.3 to 44.4 C). The hot springs and mineral caves are prime attractions to tourists and were a main reason for the settlement of Glenwood Springs. As such, there is an adjoining spa and salon.Noted natives
- Scott McInnisScott McInnisStephen Scott Emory McInnis is a lawyer and former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado. In August, 2010, McInnis lost his bid to be gubernatorial nominee after a plagiarism accusation and apology hurt his standing.-Education and professional history:Born in...
— Former US Congressman representing Colorado. - Sarah SchleperSarah SchleperSarah Schleper is an American alpine skier who has competed since 1995. Her lone World Cup victory was at a slalom event in Switzerland in 2005....
— Alpine skier. - John David VanderhoofJohn David VanderhoofJohn David Vanderhoof served as the 37th Governor of Colorado from 1973-1975 as a Republican. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon...
— Former Colorado governor. - Bobby JulichBobby JulichRobert Julich, most commonly referred to as Bobby Julich, is an American former professional road bicycle racer who last rode for Team CSC in the UCI ProTour racing series. He got his international breakthrough when he finished 3rd overall in the 1998 Tour de France race, but has since ridden...
— Bike racer and Bronze medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics - Blake Neubert — Artist
- Doc HollidayDoc HollidayJohn Henry "Doc" Holliday was an American gambler, gunfighter and dentist of the American Old West, who is usually remembered for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral...
— Wild West gunfighter, gambler, and dentist