Summer has arrived in the San Juan Mountains, which means that now is the perfect time to embark on some of Glacier’s most beloved activities. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and thousands of acres of protected wilderness, this community offers a plethora of exciting (and relaxing) endeavors, all steeped in natural beauty. Below, we highlight five of our favorite summer activities right here at Glacier.
Tennis and Pickleball
Glacier is home to three tennis courts and four pickleball courts, which are situated amidst towering pines a quick walk (or quicker golf cart ride) from the Mountain Golf Course. They are also conveniently located adjacent to the Courtside Grill cafe, which allows players to easily grab a quick bite or drink after an invigorating game.
You can also kick off your morning with a lively game of pickleball. In addition to being an enjoyable social activity, pickleball enables players to work on a number of skills, including balance and agility. This easy-to-learn sport is perfect for groups of varying ages and skill levels.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
There’s nothing quite as rejuvenating as hiking through the San Juan Mountains. Glacier has adjacent hiking and mountain biking trails, with a wide range of difficulty levels. Be sure to stop and admire the beautiful wildflowers and keep an eye out for wildlife—kit foxes and sparrows are native to the area and active in the summer months. Create unforgettable memories by exploring miles of scenic trails along Chris Park, Haviland Park, and Purgatory Bike Park.
Cycling
Summer is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors through cycling. Durango is proud to offer some of the best cycling in the world. In fact, a Durango native just won a stage of the legendary Tour de France. Glacier residents can rent road bikes and e-bikes for the day, but be sure to make reservations in advance by calling Valley Fitness Center. E-Bike rentals, which are available from the beginning of May to the end of October, have a two hour reservation time limit and a rental fee of $15 per person. This fee also covers the helmets. (Although it is complimentary for Aspen members and their guests). To make a reservation, please call the Valley Fitness Center at (970) 382-7847.
Clubhouse Restaurants
Whether you’re in the mood for casual fare or prefer fine dining, there’s plenty of options at Glacier’s two clubhouses. The Mountain Clubhouse menu specializes in locally sourced fare—think Roasted Organic Scottish Salmon and Glacier Chicken Piccata—expertly curated wines and breathtaking mountain views. The Mineshaft menu at the Valley Clubhouse, meanwhile, offers a more casual dining option.
Swimming
Cool off this summer by going for a refreshing swim. Glacier is home to a total of three pools, including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The pools have a stunning backdrop of beautiful, glacier-carved San Jose Mountains, allowing swimmers to enjoy a postcard-perfect setting of southwest Colorado. After swimming, consider relaxing in the hot tub.
