John Henry "Doc" Holliday (August 14, 1851 – November 8, 1887) was an American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist of the American Old West, who is usually remembered for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The legend and mystique of his life is so great that he has been mentioned in several books, and portrayed by various actors in numerous movies and television series. For the 100-plus years since his death, debate has continued about the exact crimes he may have committed during his life.
Suffering from tuberculosis from shortly after his graduation from dental school in Pennsylvania, Holliday moved to the Southwest hoping that the climate would be favorable to his health. After stays in Texas and Arizona, he moved to Colorado eventually ending up in Glenwood Springs, where in 1887, prematurely gray and badly ailing, Holliday made his way to the Hotel Glenwood, a sanatorium near the local hot springs. He hoped to take advantage of the reputed curative power of the waters, but the sulfurous fumes from the spring may have done his lungs more harm than good. As he lay dying, Holliday is reported to have asked the nurse attending him at the Hotel Glenwood for a shot of whiskey. When she told him no, he looked at his bootless feet, amused. The nurses said that his last words were, "Damn, this is funny." Holliday died November 8, 1887. He was 36. It was reported that no one ever thought that Holliday would die in bed with his boots off.
Although the legend persists that Wyatt Earp was present when Holliday died, Earp did not learn of Holliday's death until two months afterward. Big Nose Kate, Holliday's long time companion, later said she attended to him in his final days, but it is also highly doubtful that she was present.
An Episcopal minister presided at Holliday's burial on the day of his death. He is buried in Linwood Cemetery overlooking Glenwood Springs. Many argue that he could not have been buried on the day of his death due to frozen soil but I was involved in many funerals in North Dakota in the 1980s and we were able to do interments well into November and even did a few in December.
It is generally agreed that Holliday is buried in the Linwood Cemetery but it is not so well agreed exactly where. There are two separate headstones purportedly marking his grave. You pay your money (Actually there is no admission charge.) and you take your pick.
Getting to the gravesites may be a tougher challenge than some are willing, or able, to handle. It is a pretty steep climb of about a half mile, on a graveled trail but the view is also quite nice and the downhill trek is very easy.
Just when I thought that I was beginning to get the hang of this uploading pix thing, my computer crashed, I had to totally rebuild this tip AND I cannot open any of my pictures. I can find them but I cannot open nor upload them. Help, anyone, please?
Written Nov 21, 2011
The Glenwood Adventure Company stands ready to put together the adventure that is right for you and your family. They are uniquely positioned to provide activities in some of the best areas of the Rocky Mountains. They offer Whitewater rafting, Biking, Horseback Riding, Fly Fishing, ATV and Off-road Tours as well as Duckies, Tubes and even Paddle board Rentals in some of the most majestic terrain in the world. Their capable staff has years of experience in the outdoors and local knowledge that distinguishes us from the pack and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We had free shuttles to drop us off and pick us up from our adventure. Whether it's Whitewater Rafting in May, Fly Fishing in June, Horseback riding in July, Hiking and Biking in August or Off-road Tours through the golden aspen trees in September, they have an adventure for everyone. located on 723 Cooper Street, just 1 block off Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs.
Updated Jun 27, 2011
Address: 723 Cooper Avenue Glenwood Springs
Phone: 970-945-7529
Website: www.glenwoodadventure.com
Many virtualtourists have recommended the hot springs in the Glenwood Springs attractions area. Here are some good inside tips:
1) Go after 9:00 PM and get a discounted rate for the last hour they are open.
2) Don't be scared to go in the winter... it is less crowded and more fun, they are "hot" springs.
3) The upstairs lockers rooms, when open, are usually less crowded and more clean
4) The lockers can by yucky, take flip flops.
5) Take quarters into the pool, there are nice "bubblers" which cost a quarter.. take a few, buying bubbles for strangers is a good way to make friends.
6) Pay more (usually 2x) to use the members club for immaculate locker rooms, free towels, full gym, sauna/steam room plus the "coolness" of coming out of the local members club instead of the general pool area.
7) Don't have hanky-panky underwater... you can see a long way with Goggles in the dark underwater!
8) If you are overweight, don't worry, there are all shapes and sized there.
9) Don't wear watches and jewelry, the mineralized water will turn them green, blue, grey or black.
10) Don't talk so loud, everyone can hear you.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Sixth Street
Phone: 970.945.6571
If you are driving through Glenwood Springs, especially after a day of skiing, hiking or mountain biking, stop for a couple of hours and soak in the hot springs spa and pool. They have two very large pools, one at 104 degrees for soaking and one incredibly large pool at 90 degrees for swimming and wading. They are open until 10PM and it is wonderful to float in the warm pool and stare at the stars with steam drifting over your head. They also have two water slides.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 415 East 6th Street
It was a steep uphill hike of 1.1 miles to see the waterfalls of the Hanging Lake. It was tiring but it was worth it even for a non-hiker like me. It didn't matter if I had to hold on to the hand rails, almost crawl to reach the next stone up or sit to go down safely.
Updated Jun 8, 2009
Address: Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Caverns can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Even if you're not into theme park adventure, you can just take the gondola ride and walk the expanse of the park. The 4300 foot and 7-minute tram ride affords panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and Colorado river.
For the adventurous at heart, I recommend the canyon flyer and the swing shot. It will be an adrenaline rush. Outdoorsy people can enjoy the cave tour for a minimal fee.
Best enjoyed during summer season as some rides close during the winter season.
Updated Dec 2, 2008
Website: http://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/ngc_tram.html
My son was very excited to go in one of these. You take the Gondola ride up to Glenwood Caverns adventure park and and have a beautiful view of the city and surrounding mountains. He still talks about his ride up in the sky!
Written May 26, 2007
The Caves was the highlight of this trip. I took the kids here and they loved it. Glenwood Caverns has thousands of formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave bacon, beautiful underground formations years in the making. You are taken through two different caves-one the historic Fairy caves and then the Glenwood Caverns (a living cave because formations are still growing here). There are some beautiful spots to see the city from above as well.
It is cool in the caves, so a jacket is a great idea.
Written May 26, 2007
These caverns were "recommended" by some travel agent on the Glenwood Springs brochure. The best part about the caverns is the tram ride to and from, and of course the view from the top.
If its possible to just pay for the tram ride-do it-and have a drink at the hilltop bar. The caverns are not impressive, in fact, having been to a few caves (Shasta, Oregon Caves, Innerspace caverns, etc) these are a real disappointment.
Updated Oct 5, 2006
Address: Along I-70 east of (and above) Glenwood Springs
No visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado would be complete without a trip to the Pioneer Cemetery to visit the infamous Doc Holliday's grave.
The cemetery is pretty easy to find, just follow the red signs throughout the town. The start of the trail up to the graves is found at 13th and Bennett Street.
Although the literature listed the cemetery location as a "short hike" we found it to be more of a medium hike for the average tourist. Remember to bring plenty of water.
Written Sep 22, 2006
Address: 13th and Bennett Street
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No visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado would be complete without a trip to the Pioneer Cemetery to visit the infamous Doc Holliday's grave.The cemetery is...
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