Glenwood Hot Springs first opened in 1888. Photo courtesy Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Steam rises in wisps from the mineral-rich waters, disappearing into the snow-filled sky above. As I sink deeper into the hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, snowflakes drift lazily downward, melting instantly as they touch the 104-degree water.
The magic of cool mountain nights envelops Glenwood Springs, a beloved retreat where generations of Colorado families have found respite from everyday life. My husband Ben and I continue this tradition—one I’ve cherished since childhood when my parents would pack our family van for the winding journey up the canyon from Denver to what locals call “Glenwood.”
Colorado is known for skiing, but fewer know this other side of the Centennial State. But let me tell you — there’s nothing like slipping into the mineral hot springs for a soak, surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies.
The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
It’s not something we broadly share, but the Rocky Mountains in the Centennial State are filled with hot mineral springs. We even have a Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.
Some hot springs have been turned into world-class hot spring spas and resorts. Others are tucked along rivers, where anyone can stop and soak. To reach others, you’ll need to hike a bit to reach the natural hot springs pools.
Glenwood Hot Springs: A Historic Haven
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is known for its hot springs. In fact, many would consider this town of 10,250 the top hot springs destination in Colorado.
The story of Glenwood Hot Springs is as rich as the mineral content of its waters. Long before European settlers arrived, the Ute Indians called these springs “Yampah,” meaning “Big Medicine.” They believed in the healing properties of these waters, which contain 15 different minerals and are some of the hottest in the world, emerging from the source at 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
In 1888, the site was developed into the world’s largest hot springs pool, as it remains today. Walter Devereux, a silver mining engineer, saw the potential in these springs and invested $100,000 (an enormous sum for the time) to create the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The grand opening on July 4, 1888, marked the beginning of Glenwood Springs’ evolution into a premier resort destination.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Today, Glenwood Hot Springs retains its historic charm while providing modern touches, like cold plunge pools, an adults-only area, and the family-friendly Sopris Splash Zone, which includes a whitewater river open-air tube ride, mini-slides for little ones, and the Grand Fountain splash pad.
Grand Pool and More
The Grand Pool stretches the length of two city blocks and is maintained at a comfortable 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This pool was made for recreation. It has a diving area, lap lanes for those who wish to swim for exercise, and plenty of room for fun.
The therapy pool, a smaller but warmer option, remains at 104 degrees and is rich in minerals like sulfate, chloride, and calcium.
Yampah Mineral Baths, Adults-Only Relaxation
The Yampah Mineral Baths are a newer addition. This collection of five pools was created for pure relaxation. Ben and I enjoy moving through the pools, each with verifying temperatures.
Best of all, you can come and go all day with your pass. We soak in the morning and then return in the evening, too.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs: Modern Luxury Meets Natural Wonder
Glenwood Springs has several other hot springs. One afternoon, we head to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which offers a more intimate soaking experience. Opened in 2015, this newer facility features natural mineral pools terraced along the banks of the Colorado River. Each pool varies in temperature from 98 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing visitors to find their perfect soaking temperature.
The pools are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, using natural stone and creating the feeling of soaking in mountain pools.
Incredible Views While You Soak
The views here are spectacular – you can watch the sunset behind Iron Mountain while listening to the gentle rush of the Colorado River below. The facility’s thoughtful design includes quiet zones around the soaking pools, encouraging a more meditative experience.
You can purchase different types of entry passes. The Iron Mountain Hot Springs pass includes 16 natural geothermal springs filled with pure, hot mineral water and a freshwater family pool with a jetted spa.
Inspired by Mineral Springs Around the World
Our pass also includes entry to the WorldSprings pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which are reserved for those over 21. The WorldSprings includes 11 different pools inspired by famous hot springs around the world.
Each pool uses a unique mineral formula that is designed to replicate hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or mineral springs in Hokkaido, Japan. It’s fun going from pool to pool, learning about the pool that inspired it, and soaking in its unique mineral waters.
Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood has many different types of accommodation. We stayed at Glenwood Springs Lodge, which has the perfect location near the hot springs. You can walk across the pedestrian bridge to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and the downtown area with restaurants and shops.
Glenwood Springs Lodge was recently renovated. The hotel is a nice blend of modern meets mountain town charm, featuring rooms with comfortable beds, local artwork, and some with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Best of all, every overnight stay at Glenwood Springs Lodge includes pool access to Glenwood Hot Springs. The lodge has other adventure packages, including the popular Ski Swim Stay, which includes skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort and pool access at Glenwood Hot Springs.
The Historic Hotel Colorado
No discussion of lodging in Glenwood Springs would be complete without mentioning the Hotel Colorado. Opened in 1893, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel has hosted presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, who earned it the nickname “The White House of the West.”
Legend has it that the teddy bear was invented here when hotel maids presented Roosevelt with a stuffed bear after an unsuccessful hunting trip. Today, the hotel maintains its historic charm while offering modern comforts, and its grand lobby and gardens are worth visiting even if you’re not staying there.
Downtown Delights: A Walkable Wonder
One of Glenwood Springs’ most appealing features is its incredibly accessible downtown area. The pedestrian bridge spanning the Colorado River is more than just a crossing – it has spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains. From Glenwood Springs Lodge, it’s an easy walk to the hot springs facilities, downtown shopping, and restaurants.
The downtown area features well-preserved historic buildings housing an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. The streets are lined with flowers in summer and festive lights in winter, creating a welcoming atmosphere year-round. Local shops sell everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted jewelry, and the numerous benches and pocket parks make it easy to take a break and people-watch.
Dining Destinations: From Donuts to Fine Dining
The downtown dining scene has something for every palate. The Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company, housed in a historic building, serves craft beers and hearty pub fare. For upscale dining, The Pullman offers sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine that would be at home in any major city. One of our favorites is the family-run Riviera Supper Club, which serves eclectic, locally sourced seasonal cuisine.
For a casual lunch, local favorite Slope & Hatch serves creative tacos and hot dogs that pair perfectly with their craft beer selection. During summer, their outdoor seating offers prime people-watching opportunities along the main street.
Sweet Coloradough
I always leave time to stop at Sweet Coloradough, a no-frills donut shop. Ask any Colorado native (including me) where to get the best donuts in the state, and they’ll likely point you here.
This beloved local bakery has earned a cult following for its creative donuts, which often sell out before noon. My favorites are their croughnuts (croissant-donut hybrids) or savory breakfast sandwiches. Arrive early – the lines can be long, but the wait is worth it. I always get an additional box of them to take home.
So now you know. Colorado’s hot springs are a treasure. Next time you head our way, make sure you save a little time to visit Glenwood Springs.
What to Know About Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is in the Rocky Mountains between Vail and Aspen, right along I-70. The nearest international airport is Denver International Airport. If you’re making the 2.5-hour drive from Denver to Glenwood Springs, you’ll pass through scenic Glenwood Canyon.
Other nearby airports include Vail/Eagle County, Aspen/Pitkin, or Grand Junction. For more information, see VisitGlenwood.com
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
Janna Graber is an award-winning American travel journalist who has written for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Since studying abroad in Austria, she’s been in love with world travel, and has covered travel in more than 60 countries. She’s the author of three travel anthology books, including “A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Women’s Travel” and “Adventures of a Lifetime”.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,’script’,
‘
fbq(‘init’, ‘508388611737401’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
