DISC GOLF COURSE AT GLEN ISLE CURRENTLY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON, WE ARE SET TO RE-OPEN MARCH 16, 2026
Glen Isle was constructed in 1901 as a resort for the prominent and well-to-do, most of whom resided in Denver, some 50 miles to the east. It was developed by a group of Denver investors who sought to take advantage of easy railroad access and to promote not only tourism and the hotel patronage it brought, but also to boost sales of nearby building lots owned by the investment partners.
The South Platte River, its major forks rushing through the mountains toward Denver in two scenic gorges, was a favorite route for tourists and travelers from the middle 1880s. The north fork served as the route for one of the earliest narrow gauge rail lines to enter the Rockies west of Denver, and the river had long been known for its superb trout fishing.
The beauty of the Platte Canyon and its proximity and easy rail access to Denver — the canyon’s mouth is just twenty miles from Union Depot — attracted tourists, fishermen, and “summer cottagers” to what was described in a city newspaper of the time as a “breathing spot for Denverites. Cottages and more substantial summer homes sprang up in numerous villages from Strontia Springs, near the mouth of the canyon, to Grant, 40 miles upstream. The narrow gauge Denver, South Park and Pacific — later the Colorado and Southern Railroad — provided frequent train service for the mountain-lovers.
By 1895, the railroad had been suffering from an especially unprofitable year, and the Colorado & Southern attempted to increase passenger traffic on the line by promoting Platte Canyon tourism. Recreational activities, particularly fishing, were emphasized, the railroad stocking the river with up to a quarter million trout each season. In 1899, the company diversified its efforts still further by opening two resort hotels in the canyon, the Kiowa Lodge at Baileys, 55 miles from Denver,and the Shawnee Lodge, three miles further upriver. The large rustic structures patterned after resorts in the Adirondacks, were constructed of lodgepole pine logs and shingles. They were designed with wide, screened porches where guests could take advantage of the cool mountain breezes and enjoy the canyon views, and large dining and entertaining rooms. Golf, tennis, hiking, riding and fishing were favorite leisure activities, and a summer social season was created and enthusiastically reported by area newspapers. Fashionable people from Denver found the canyon to be a desirable escape from the heat and the boredom of the city, and many, having been at first attracted by the hotels, purchased house lots or cottages nearby.
Glen Isle Resort was opened in 1901, by five original investors. In 1923, the property was bought by the Baldwin’s and in the 1940’s it was given to the Baldwin’s granddaughter, Barbara and her husband Gordon Tripp. The Tripp family owned and operated the resort until Barbara’s death in November 2012.
Mary Ruth grew up coming to Glen Isle Resort as a child in the 1970’s. Her favorite memories are the chuckwagon dinners, horseback riding, evening dances, movie nights, and the endless activities that never grew old. Mary Ruth grew up, married Greg, and they started bringing their five boys to Glen Isle Resort.
Mary Ruth and Greg were both professionals in education, and revisited Glen Isle in the summer of 2016 after an Adele concert. They found their beloved Glen Isle was being sold. After much consideration, they found the idea of not pursuing a dream to be more terrifying than looking back and wondering “why” they didn’t…so they began the magical journey to purchase, restore, and bring historical Glen Isle back to life.
Amazing camping experience with a ton of history! The camping spots are great. When you arrive, you have a choice of several different spots, including spots away from the road.... read more We elected to take a spot by the road and the river. It was beautiful! Lots of trees and the river was super relaxing all night. As other reviews have said, there is a decent amount of road noise, so if you’re a soft sleeper, you may pick something else. My favorite part was the lodge. It’s an old 1900’s building and it was AMAZING! Walk around it. Go inside. Ask to go upstairs and see the old hotel rooms. You won’t be disappointed. A lot of older and historical places preserve a lot of the history so you don’t get to touch it or see it - not glen isle! They let me go through a 1950’s photo book they had. Overall just an amazing place. Definitely check out the recreation room too - my son and I burned about 5 hours in there throughout our trip. We’ll be coming back for sure!
Jeff MyersI can't rave enough about this resort! From the moment we drove onto the property we felt completely at home, comfortable, and welcomed beyond any resort experiance we've ever had. The property... read more has exceptional history that's tangible, real, and accessible with antiques from the functional pool table to the tiniest knick knack tucked away, yet in plain sight. This place felt like a home we were welcomed into, like an old friend, yet each cottage/cabin was private and comfortable enough we felt like we were the only ones there! The 59ers cabin would have comfortably fit my family of 6, but we got the Rosebank 1&2 also and loved the quaintess of each one. My only complaints are that Glenn Isle is 14 hours away from my home or I'd be there twice a year for sure! ❤️ and I didn't have enough time to walk around to see all the amenities and beauty.
A Thirsty ThistleWhere do I begin!? Glen Isle is such a safe and special place for me and my friends and family. Mary Ruth and Greg Vincent have put in such an... read more honorable and respectable amount of effort and love into bring this place back to life. Glen Isle is rich in history and experiences. From a historic lodge you could spend hours looking around in as well as the possibility of staying the night upstairs in one of the many historically decorated rooms. To staying in a cozy and renovated cabin right off of the creek or nestled up in the trees. To camping sites down by the river or up at the point where the views are breathtaking! There is so much to do between relaxing, hanging with the horses, hiking, playing disc golf, fishing, playing pool or ping pong in the basement of the lodge, and shopping at the gift shop. As well as one of my favorites, walking around hearing stories about the land and property and experiences of others who also share a love for Glen Isle and all that its about. It is truly a magical place that you cant fully understand until you experience it yourself! Go check it out if you havent already!!
Haley ElstonWhat a most magical experience! Mary Ruth and Greg are the perfect hosts and treat you genuinely, like family. The cabins and lodge, right on the Platte River, are perfect... read more and so picturesque that we felt that we were where we needed to be. I've traveled extensively but have to say this as beautiful and unique as it gets of you are looking for the perfect getaway. Will definitely be back sooner than later...........Thank you again Mary Ruth! She is an Angel!
Pamela OakesWe actually eloped here and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to have picked. The whole property is magical, the main lodge so unique, and the Isle of View... read more cabin absolutely perfect! Would recommend this place to anyone visiting Colorado.
Zak AlkhatibGlen Isle Resort is an amazing place to stay. The owners and staff who help there are super nice! I highly recommend going and staying there. It is so relaxing.... read more Enjoy sitting by the water. Great place to connect with nature. I will be going back!
michele