Glenwood Springs is known around the state of Colorado as an incredible vacation destination with diverse natural amenities and a historical past. Located about 3 hours west of Denver, the route to Glenwood Springs takes you through several great ski towns such as Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek. However, the best part of the drive was saved for last. With the highway running parallel to the Colorado River, layers of sedimentary rock, the 12.5 mile drive through Glenwood Canyon is considered by many to be one most scenic sections of highway in America.