Where can a Glenwood Springs family go to ensure year-round fun for everyone?

The answer is as simple as it is obvious — the Hot Springs Lodge and Pool, which has again snagged the Local’s Choice award for Best Outing with Kids.

“It’s a big bathtub,” said general manager Kjell Mitchell. “Being able to play with kids just breeds fun.”

The Hot Springs is more than just a pool, more than just a water park. As one might guess by its name, part of its appeal is that it stays warm throughout the winter, making it a family destination 12 months a year.

Its year-round season, along with its classic splash-equals-fun formula, is what has made the Hot Springs one of the more popular destinations for fun-seeking families.

Each time the pool does a customer survey, said Mitchell, “it comes back time and time again that they’re delighted with their experience.”

Mitchell said that he’s delighted with the accolade, and said he credits the pool’s business philosophy with their success with families.

“Philosophically, we do try and be family friendly,” Mitchell said.

Other Finalists: Glenwood Caverns, Rifle Fish Hatchery


Best Place to Camp

The Flat Tops have proven themselves once again to be a world-class camping site. Not to be missed by any camping enthusiast, the Flat Tops offer lakes, streams, miles of trails, and plenty of isolation.

Other Finalists: Rifle Falls, Ruedi Reservoir


Best Place to Hike

The short but difficult hike up to Hanging Lake in the Glenwood Canyon is a small price to pay for the extraordinary beauty waiting for any hiker who wants to view it. And the surrounding area, the oft-called “hanging gardens,” is almost as stunning.

Other Finalists: Flat Tops, Glenwood Canyon path


Best Place to Watch Sunset

Glenwood Caverns — WOW! What a view.

Other Finalists: Flat Tops, Glenwood Tram


Best Fishing Hole

Harvey Gap is the Locals Choice — whether it’s dropping a line in from the dam or trolling in the middle, this popular fishing hole lures plenty of anglers.

Other Finalists: Roaring Fork River, Rifle Gap


Best Place to Snowshoe

The Flat Tops aren’t only a summer recreation area. Their superb scenery and fantastic trails made it this year’s Locals Choice for the Best Place to Snowshoe.

Other Finalists: Sunlight Mountain Resort, McClure Pass


Best Place to go

Rock Climbing

With its wicked overhangs, abundance of routes, and world-class moves, Rifle Mountain Park is an easy choice for the top slot of Best Place to go Rock Climbing.

Other Finalists: Glenwood Canyon, Rifle Falls


Best Run at Sunlight

Ute — this popular run has long been a favorite of locals. If you’ve skied Sunlight you know the term “Shoot the Ute.”

Other Finalists: Beaujolais, Joslin


Best Place to Work Out

Given its multitude of facilities, which include everything from basketball courts to weight rooms to a climbing wall, the Glenwood Springs Community Center has more than enough to satisfy even the most demanding athlete.

Other Finalists: Hot Springs Pool, High Mountain Fitness


Best Rafting Company

Glenwood’s Whitewater Rafting combines the thrill of rafting the rapids with an unsurpassed reputation for excellence and friendliness, making it number one for the Locals Choice.

Other Finalists: Blue Sky, Rock Gardens


Best Fishing Guide

Bruce Stolbach knows where to cast a line, and Garfield County residents know it. Stolbach was voted this year’s Locals Choice Best Fishing Guide.

Other Finalists: Adam Hansen, Kevin Hurley


Best Golf Course

The Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club has proven that it not only has staying power but that it’s a course to be reckoned with. For the second year in a row, it’s the Locals Choice for Best Golf Course.

Other Finalists: River Valley Ranch, Iron Bridge


Best Snowboarder

Jason Smith, a 2000 Basalt High School graduate, represented the United States in the Olympic Games in Italy. He finished in sixth place, and was the second best American behind Gold Medal-winner Seth Wescott.

Other Finalists: Darrin Binion, Justin Wareham


Best Skier

Patrick Drake carved his way to the Locals Choice for Best Skier.

Other Finalists: Joe Sims, Kaya