
Boy Scout Trail Glenwood Springs
An extreme adventure hike featuring a thrilling rappel into Glenwood Canyon to reach secluded natural hot springs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for hiking & rappelling

Boy Scout Trail Glenwood Springs
Best Time
Best weather for hiking & rappelling

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An extreme adventure hike featuring a thrilling rappel into Glenwood Canyon to reach secluded natural hot springs.
"The ultimate adventure: rappel into a canyon for a rewarding soak in untouched hot springs!"

🎒 Gear Up for Adventure
Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers, water, and rappelling gear. A helmet is a must!
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Download offline maps. The trail can be tricky to follow, especially the rappel descent.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boy Scout Canyon Hot Springs
Glenwood Canyon
Remote hot springs accessed via a challenging hike and rappel. A true adventure!

Glenwood Canyon Scenery
Glenwood Canyon
Stunning views of the Colorado River and dramatic canyon walls. A visual feast.

The Thrill of the Descent
Trailhead
Experience the adrenaline rush of rappelling down into the canyon. An unforgettable challenge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Conditions
Safety First: Rappelling & Hiking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Gear Up for Adventure
Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers, water, and rappelling gear. A helmet is a must!
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Download offline maps. The trail can be tricky to follow, especially the rappel descent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The hike can be strenuous.
🤝 Go with a Buddy
Never attempt this hike alone. Having a partner is crucial for safety and assistance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Gear Up for Adventure
Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers, water, and rappelling gear. A helmet is a must!
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Download offline maps. The trail can be tricky to follow, especially the rappel descent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The hike can be strenuous.
🤝 Go with a Buddy
Never attempt this hike alone. Having a partner is crucial for safety and assistance.
☀️ Check the Weather
Avoid this trail during or after heavy rain, as flash floods are a risk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Boy Scout Trail is an extreme adventure for experienced individuals, offering a challenging rappel and a rewarding soak in natural hot springs. While the journey is demanding and requires specialized gear, the secluded beauty and unique thrill make it a highly sought-after experience for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers. Some find the technical requirements daunting, and proper preparation is essential.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is typically accessed from I-70 in Glenwood Canyon. Look for exits that lead to the canyon floor and trail access points. Parking can be limited, so arrive early.
While you can drive to the general area of Glenwood Canyon, the trail itself requires hiking and rappelling to reach the hot springs. The canyon itself offers scenic drives.
Parking is available at designated rest areas and trailheads along I-70 within Glenwood Canyon. These can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's best to drive or arrange a shuttle service if you don't have your own vehicle.
The drive through Glenwood Canyon on I-70 is incredibly scenic, often called 'the most beautiful stretch of interstate in America.' It's a great experience even if you're not hiking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no permit is required for day hiking or rappelling on the Boy Scout Trail itself. However, always check with the local Forest Service or BLM office for any current regulations or closures.
There are no entrance fees for Glenwood Canyon itself. However, some activities or facilities within the canyon might have associated costs.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, due to the rappelling involved, it's best to start well before dusk to ensure you have enough light.
Yes, several local outfitters offer guided tours that include rappelling and hiking to the hot springs. This is highly recommended for those without experience.
The hot springs at the end of the Boy Scout Trail are natural and undeveloped, so there is no fee to access them. The cost is in the adventure to get there.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the springs involves a 1.5-mile descent and another 0.5-mile hike after rappelling, plus the rappel itself. Expect it to take several hours, potentially a full day, depending on your group's pace and experience.
This trail is considered very strenuous and technically demanding due to the rappelling requirement and rugged terrain. It's best suited for experienced hikers and climbers.
Essential gear includes a full rappelling kit (harness, helmet, belay device, carabiners), sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing layers, plenty of water, and snacks.
There are no facilities or restrooms along the trail itself. Plan accordingly and be prepared to pack out everything you pack in.
You'll find natural, undeveloped hot springs in a beautiful canyon setting. They are often secluded and offer a rewarding soak after the challenging journey.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic canyon vistas, the rappel descent, and the serene hot springs. The interplay of light and shadow in the canyon is particularly photogenic.
It's best to secure your camera in a protective case or backpack while rappelling. Some photographers use chest mounts for hands-free operation, but ensure it's secure.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for canyon photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers good visibility.
Drone usage is often restricted in national forests and canyons. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable due to potential water exposure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
💪 Adventurous Hikers & Climbers
Be prepared for a strenuous full-day adventure. Pack plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and be ready for rugged terrain. The reward is a truly memorable experience in a stunning natural setting, far from the crowds of more accessible hot springs.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
While the rappel is a significant obstacle, the secluded hot springs are a unique natural phenomenon. Even if you don't rappel, the scenic drive through the canyon and accessible trails like the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path offer plenty to appreciate for nature lovers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Rappelling
Safety is paramount when rappelling. Always double-check your setup and communicate clearly with your belayer. The descent into the canyon offers a unique perspective and a true sense of adventure, setting this trail apart from more conventional hikes. The feeling of accomplishment after successfully navigating the rappel is a significant part of the experience for many visitors.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush combined with natural beauty, the rappel is the main draw. It transforms a strenuous hike into a multi-faceted adventure. Remember that the rappel is also the exit route for some, meaning you might need to ascend back up, or find an alternative, potentially more challenging, scramble out.
Discovering the Natural Hot Springs
The setting is as much a part of the experience as the springs themselves. Surrounded by the towering walls of Glenwood Canyon and the gentle flow of water, it's a truly immersive natural encounter. Unlike commercial hot springs, there are no amenities here, so be prepared to 'leave no trace' and pack out everything you bring in. This pristine environment is what many visitors cherish.
Finding these springs is part of the adventure. They are fed by the canyon's geology, offering a unique connection to the earth's geothermal activity. The effort required to reach them makes the eventual soak feel incredibly earned and special. It’s a hidden gem for those willing to put in the work.
Navigating Glenwood Canyon
Beyond the Boy Scout Trail, the canyon offers numerous opportunities for exploration. There are rest stops with access to the river, picnic areas, and other hiking trails. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path is a paved trail that runs alongside the interstate, perfect for biking or a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views without the extreme challenge of the Boy Scout Trail.
When planning your visit, be aware that weather can impact travel through the canyon. Snow can close passes in winter, and heavy rains can lead to flash floods or road closures. Always check road conditions before you travel, especially if you're visiting during shoulder seasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit