Glenwood Springs, Colorado
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Glenwood Springs, Colorado | |
 |
|
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Colorado |
| County | Garfield |
| Area | |
| - City | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| - Land | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population (2006)[1] | |
| - City | 8,564 |
| - Density | 1,784.2/sq mi (690.7/km²) |
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) |
| - Summer (DST) | MDT (UTC-6) |
| Website: www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us | |
Glenwood Springs is a city in Garfield County, Colorado, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 8,564.[1] It is the county seat of Garfield CountyGR6. Glenwood Springs is home to one branch of Colorado Mountain College.
Contents |
[edit] History
Glenwood has a long, interesting history. Its unique 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. Coral gunfight, spent the final months of his life in Glenwood Springs and is buried in the town's original cemetery above Bennett Avenue.
[edit] Geography
Glenwood Springs is located at (39.539575, -107.329449)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.5 km² (4.8 mi²). 12.4 km² (4.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.21% is water.
Glenwood Springs is home to Fairy Cave / Glenwood Caverns and Bridal Veil Falls.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 7,736 people, 3,216 households, and 1,926 families residing in the city. The population density was 622.3/km² (1,611.6/mi²). There were 3,353 housing units at an average density of 269.7/km² (698.5/mi²). 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.
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.
[edit] Transportation
- See also: Glenwood Springs (Amtrak station)
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Glenwood Springs, operating its California Zephyr 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 is away from roads and development and follows the Colorado River.
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority provides bus transit in Glenwood Springs.
Glenwood Springs Airport (GWS)
Glenwood Springs lies along I-70 at exit 116, about 150 miles west of Denver. I-70 is one of the main east-west routes through the Rocky Mountains.
[edit] Recreation
[edit] Skiing
Glenwood Springs lies about 45 miles north of Aspen and 60 miles west of Vail. There are 6 world class ski resorts in this triangle: Apen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk in the Aspen are and Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain in the Vail area. There is also a nice family ski resort, Sunlight Mountain 10 miles from town that the locals are very loyal to.
[edit] Rafting/Kayaking
Two rivers, the Colorado and Roaring Fork, converge in Glenwood Springs. Both are used extensively for recreation by locals, visitors and commercial outfitters.
[edit] 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, aka the Jeannie Golay Trail, is a straight up- straight down dirt road that locals use for training and exercise.
[edit] Bike Trails
The 16 mile 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.
[edit] Community Center
The town has a nice recreation center with and ice rink, indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, fitness area, running track and gym. Visitors are welcomed with a daily fee. The center provides babysitting and internet access.
[edit] Hot Springs Pool
The largest natural hot springs pool in the world sits right beside the highway.
[edit] Glenwood Caverns
A tram takes visitors up to geological marvel that was formerly called the Fairy Caves. There is an entire recreation complex on top of the mountain with unusual rides, childrens activities, several eating options and an observation deck with a view of the valley.
[edit] Yampa Hot Springs
This is an historic spa, also known as the Vapor Caves.
[edit] Noted natives
- Scott McInnis — Former US Congressman representing Colorado.
- Sarah Schleper — Alpine skier.
- John David Vanderhoof — Former Colorado governor.
- Bobby Julich — Bike racer and Bronze medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Population for All Incorporated Places in Colorado (CSV). 2005 Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division (June 21, 2006). Retrieved on November 17, 2006.
[edit] External links
- City of Glenwood Springs official website
- Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association website
- RoaringFork.net
- A Roaring Fork Area wiki
- A blog written by the locals in Glenwood Springs
- Glenwood Springs info at AllAspen.com
- Maps and aerial photos
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
