Hot springs & hiking: Glenwood Springs is CO's hidden gem

Doc Holliday was a famed Wild West gunman best known for his role in the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. As a gambler, a gunfighter, a lawman, and a dentist roaming the rowdy American West in the mid-19th century, he lived a fascinating life. What a lot of people don't realize is that the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral didn't start with that shootout, and it certainly didn't end there either. Doc Holliday and his friends, the Earp brothers, confronted rowdy cowboys all across the West, from Arizona and New Mexico to Colorado and Kansas.

Holliday had originally moved West in search of a better climate for his tuberculosis, from which he had suffered since he was 15. His condition slowly grew worse throughout his gunslinging years, but before long, he was too sick to continue fighting. He made his way to Glenwood Springs, hoping the mineral waters would help... but by this point, the sulfurous fumes did more harm than good. Allegedly, as he lay sick, he glanced down at his bare feet and said, "This is funny." He had always assumed he'd die in a gunfight, "with his boots on", as it was said. These were his last words before he died... at the shockingly young age of 36.

You can see his grave at the town's historic Linwood Cemetery. There are several other graves in the area, and the trail up to the cemetery is well marked. Many people like to bring along playing cards or coins to leave at his headstone.

For a taste of what life was like for the early settlers of Glenwood Springs, stop into the Frontier Historical Society and Museum. They have a replica pioneer house that gives a good look at what it was like back in the day. The museum also has displays on the Ute tribe, who lived here before, as well as information on ranching and mining. The museum offers a great look at how the town grew from its Wild West days into a destination that has attracted "entrepreneurs, presidents, outlaws, gangsters, movie stars and more."

Enough history; time for some food. The Pullman is a local favorite for adventurous and inventive cuisine served small plate style. From wild twists on old favorites (think, celery root tater tots and veal sweetbread nuggets with plum ketchup) to insanely delicious pastas, steaks, salads, and burgers, there's plenty to choose from here. They even offer a mouthwatering brunch, with tasties like fried french toast, maple duck sausage, salmon pastrami with hash, and more.

The springs have played a huge role in the history of Glenwood Springs, but they don't just take the form of pools. The Yampah Hot Springs Vapor Caves are natural, subterranean steam rooms where you can work up a sweat while soaking up the natural mineral goodness from the steam. The caves, which are heated naturally, average around 110 -112 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's suggested you take a break in the cooling room, or refresh yourself with cool water every 10 minutes or so. It's only $12 for an all-day pass to the caves, but you also get the pass included if you take advantage of any of their other spa treatments as well. They offer massages, facials, mineral bath soaks, wraps, and more.

There's a definitely Bavarian vibe in Glenwood Springs as well. Immerse yourself in the European atmosphere and check out Polanka, the town's Polish eatery. Pierogi, pork chops, blintzes, potato pancakes, Kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, and more make for a hearty and delightfully homecooked meal. Order a combo plate and try as much as you can... it's all authentic, and it's all delicious.