Colorado Getaways 2023: Roaring Fork Valley

Three Courses in One

IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY, Ironbridge serves as the hub of the Ironbridge Golf Club and Mountain Community, but also caters to visitors visiting the Aspen region as a respite from the summer heat.

Ironbridge is celebrating its 20th year in 2023 and the course’s 18 holes give visitors three experiences. The round begins on holes that are familiar to anyone playing traditional high-end community style courses. Then come the links-style holes bordered by natural grasses and long vistas. And then the round concludes with ‘alpine golf on steroids,’ says Cal Kendrick, Ironbridge’s assistant GM. “Major elevation changes, forced carries, views of the red rocks,” he says. “Extreme golf style.”

Arthur Hills designed the course, and in 2014 it received a remake by Tom Lehman. Like everywhere else in the mountains the season is affected by the weather, but there are years in which play goes on well past the posted Oct. 31 end-of-season date.

The Ironbridge flyfishing program gives visitors options for more. The club has access to nearly two miles of the Roaring Fork River and offers guided trips and lessons. The community has hiking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and wide-open spaces.

While you are Here

Down the road from Ironbridge is downtown Glenwood Springs, where summertime means a visit to the hot springs that dot the region. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is open to people staying at the lodge, or to day-trippers. The ‘Worlds Largest Hot Springs Pool’ features water with 15 natural minerals, and just feels good. Spa stays include the poolside grill, a fitness facility and a boutique shop and guests staying at the lodge receive unlimited pool admission and a hot breakfast served at the grill. Nearby, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers 16 hot mineral pools available for three-hour dips, with reservations highly recommended.