Glenwood Springs has long been a destination renowned for its steaming mineral waters, which some say are healing. Wild West dentist-turned-gunslinger John Henry “Doc” Holliday even trekked here for a geothermal cure. Experience everything this Rocky Mountain town has to offer — including outdoor adventures and a creative culinary scene — down the road at Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast.
With wooden beds draped with patchwork quilts, walls adorned with antique trinkets and owners who welcome you with open arms (and tasty treats!), this secluded and unassuming bed-and-breakfast is a Colorado crown jewel. Upon arrival, guests are immediately greeted with sprawling acreage and rustic charm. Book the Creekside Cabin and fall asleep to the burbling water outside your window. Stay in the Garden Cabin, whose surrounding perennials come alive in early summer. Or, lay your head in the second story of Four Mile Creek’s historical red barn. Built in 1915, Four Mile Creek will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a Willa Cather novel as you cozy up to the fireplace or sip your morning coffee in rocking chairs on the porch.
Originally homesteaded in 1885, Four Mile Ranch — where the B&B is located — is on the National Registry of Historic Places list. During your stay, you can roam the storied grounds and imagine what life would have looked like nearly two centuries ago when treasure seekers mined for gold and silver across mineral-rich Colorado.
The less-than-10-minute drive to Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort has our vote! With more than 75 trails and two uphill routes to explore, this family-friendly ski area is where the locals go when the powder’s fresh.
Every morning, bed-and-breakfast owner Jim Hawkins serves a hearty homemade meal. A little backstory — Jim is a retired Denver firefighter who often cooked for his crew while on shift. Today, Four Mile Creek lodgers will savor his buttery scones, pumpkin muffins, scrambled eggs and meaty side dishes while hearing his colorful stories, like about that one time he saved a 2-year-old bear at the ranch — we’ll let him finish the rest!
Not only is Jim a phenomenal cook, he’s also a talented songwriter. Many nights, he transforms the old barn into a stage, welcoming local musicians and B&B guests for a night of song, dance and good, old-fashioned jamming out. Music ranges from Americana and folk to twangy country ballads.
From the 1892 Hazelton Brothers upright piano to bullets dating back to the Civil War, there are antiques and one-of-a-kind vintage items displayed around every corner of this charming B&B. Fun fact: Jim’s wife Sharill designs folk-art jewelry using vintage objects, such as old fruit tins made into brooches and earrings. You can purchase her jewelry wholesale or find pieces at one of the nearby art galleries that carry her work.
“We are so pleased with our stay at Four Mile Creek. This charming setting is close enough to Glenwood Springs area attractions that you can easily get there and yet feel like you're escaping civilization when you are here. We stayed in the Creekside Cabin, and it was absolutely delightful — the rooms are all decorated in a rustic and welcoming way with lots of interesting curios and personal touches. The in-room breakfast is spectacular. Every day we were greeted with a new type of frittata, a sweet scone or coffee cake of some kind, fresh orange juice and yogurt. We will definitely be back.” — Pattie C., Tripadvisor
Glenwood Springs is most known for being home to the world’s largest mineral hot-springs pool. Experience deep relaxation in steaming waters at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves. You’ll also find a host of other water-based adventures including Gold Medal fly-fishing, rafting and kayaking. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Glenwood Springs is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, like Hanging Lake, a steep 1.2-mile backcountry hike known for its inspiring scenery and cascading waterfalls (a permit is required). Discover more things to do in Glenwood Springs.
Photos courtesy of Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast