Hot Springs in Glenwood: A Guide to Colorado’s Geothermal Wonders

Glenwood Springs is a city in Colorado that is famous for its hot springs attractions. Hot springs are natural pools of water that are heated by geothermal energy from the earth’s crust. They are rich in minerals and have various health benefits, such as relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation, and soothing skin conditions. Glenwood Springs has three hot springs attractions that offer different experiences for visitors: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Here is a guide to each of them and what they have to offer.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the oldest and most famous hot spring in Glenwood Springs. It was established in 1888 and is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, which measures 405 feet long and 100 feet wide. The pool has a temperature of 90°F (32°C) and can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The resort also has a smaller therapy pool with a temperature of 104°F (40°C) that is ideal for soaking and healing. The resort offers various amenities, such as a luxury spa, a full-service athletic club, a restaurant, a shop, and a lodge. The resort is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm and the admission fee ranges from $21 to $33 for adults and $15 to $21 for children, depending on the season1.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the newest hot spring in Glenwood Springs. It opened in 2015 and features 17 soaking pools and a family pool, alongside the Colorado River. The soaking pools have different temperatures, ranging from 99°F (37°C) to 108°F (42°C), and different shapes and sizes, offering a variety of views and atmospheres. The family pool has a temperature of 94°F (34°C) and includes a jetted spa and a waterfall. The hot spring also has a new section called UPRIVER, which is an adult-only area that offers 10 world experience pools that use unique mineral formulas to replicate hot springs from around the world, such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or Hokkaido in Japan2. The hot spring also has two cafés, a bathhouse, and a gift shop. The hot spring is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm and the admission fee ranges from $36 to $58 for adults and $27 to $39 for children, depending on the season2.

Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves

Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is a unique hot spring in Glenwood Springs that is one of the few places in the world where guests can experience a natural geothermal steam bath. The vapor caves are underground chambers that are filled with mineral-rich steam that rises from the hot springs below. The steam has a temperature of about 110°F (43°C) and contains beneficial minerals such as sulphur, nitrate, zinc, and potassium. The vapor caves are dimly lit and have benches where guests can sit and relax. The hot spring also has a spa that offers massages, facials, body treatments, and mineral baths3The hot spring is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and the admission fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children3.

FAQs

  • Is Glenwood Springs hot springs free?

No, Glenwood Springs hot springs are not free. You need to purchase a ticket to access the hot springs pools and facilities. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of access, the day of the week, and the season. You can check the current rates and hours on the official websites of Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

  • Does Glenwood Springs have hot springs?

Yes, Glenwood Springs has three hot springs attractions: Iron Mountain Hot SpringsGlenwood Hot Springs Resort, and [Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves]. Each one offers a unique geothermal experience for visitors, with different mineral compositions, temperatures, and amenities.

  • How hot is Glenwood Springs hot springs?

The temperature of Glenwood Springs hot springs varies depending on the source and the pool. According to the official websites, Iron Mountain Hot Springs has 16 mineral pools ranging from 99°F to 108°F (37°C to 42°C), one world experience pool at 104°F (40°C), one freshwater family pool at 94°F (34°C), and one jetted spa at 102°F (39°C). Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has one large mineral pool at 104°F (40°C) and one smaller therapy pool at 104°F (40°C). Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves has three underground steam chambers with an average temperature of 110°F to 112°F (43°C to 44°C).

  • Why is Glenwood Springs famous?

Glenwood Springs is famous for its natural hot springs, which have been attracting visitors for over a century. The town is also known for its outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural events. Some of the popular attractions in Glenwood Springs include Hanging Lake, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Canyon, Doc Holliday’s Grave, and the Hotel Colorado.

Conclusion

Glenwood Springs is a destination that offers something for everyone who loves hot springs. Whether you are looking for history, variety, or novelty, you can find it in one of the three hot springs attractions in Glenwood Springs. Each of them has its own charm and features that make it worth visiting. So, if you are planning a trip to Colorado, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the geothermal wonders of Glenwood Springs.

About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.

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