Everyone can benefit from slowing down and connecting with nature and those they love. While many who live in Colorado are fairly hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, even those who fall into that zone need some time for Zen. There’s no better place to keep it real than Glenwood Springs, where natural mineral hot springs soothe mind, body and spirit and there are multiple ways to embrace the mountain lifestyle in an ultra-relaxed fashion. This version of having One Mother Nature of a Good Time is equally sublime so treat yourself to well-deserved Rocky Mountain therapy.
Hot Springs Soaking
First, let’s talk about the water. The Ute Native Americans were the first to discover the health benefits of soaking in the area’s natural hot springs. Later, Walter Devereux had a vision for tapping the Yampah spring to make a grand vision for Glenwood Hot Springs Pool as a health and wellness destination become reality upon opening on July 4, 1888. When train access arrived only a few years later, more and more tourists began traveling to the growing mountain community and visiting the pool with its European-style bathhouse, sunken Roman baths, men’s casino and physician’s office.
Today, the Yampah spring still delivers 3.5 million gallons of mineral-rich water per day into the two pools. The spacious therapy pool is a blissful 104 degrees (don’t miss the bubble chairs for the ultimate in pampering), and the large pool is 90 to 93 degrees and perfect for hanging out, swimming laps, and feeling like a kid on the diving board.
Guests staying at the Hot Springs Lodge hotel have unlimited access to the pool from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and breakfast at the poolside Grill is included. Soaks on the earlier and later sides of the day are quieter in nature and provide amazing light to view the surrounding mountains. Plus, there is nothing quite like seeing the sun set and stars and moon make gentle appearances while you’re surrounded by warm water! It’s the ultimate way to treat yourself to well-deserved mountain therapy.
All in One Place
Today, a modern Athletic Club occupies the sandstone bathhouse, and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is located across the street just steps away. There is a coffee and tea bar for lodge guests to start the day off right, and The Shop at the pool for one of Colorado’s best selections of swim apparel.
Lodge guests also can purchase half-price day passes to the Athletic Club and access a wet lounge with steam room, sauna and whirlpool; private sundeck right off the pool; cardiovascular exercise equipment and weights; racquetball/handball courts; and group exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, barre, spinning and more.
Pedestrian Bridge Links to Downtown
Sometimes pure relaxation means taking a break from driving a car. Glenwood Springs is on Amtrak’s daily California Zephyr railroad route that connects Chicago to San Francisco, with stops in several other Colorado communities including Denver, Granby, Fraser and Grand Junction. Or park your car while staying at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, bring or rent bikes, and use your own two feet to get around in a leisurely fashion.
It’s an easy-going walk from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to downtown on the beautiful pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River, providing access to all sorts of great one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, coffee houses, two breweries and attractions like the Glenwood Vaudeville Review.
Low-Key Fun
Only .2 miles east of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, just past the entrance to Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, is a trailhead for the 16-mile Glenwood Springs Recreation Path. The paved path traverses through Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River and is perfect for an easygoing walk or bike ride. The resort’s Canyon Biking Package includes a one-day electric bike rental for each person on the package reservation, so there is no need to stress out about making it back to home base or pushing it hard on the hills.
Another option is the Whitewater Adventure Package featuring a half-day scenic outing with Blue Sky Adventures that is perfect for all levels and a wide variety of ages. If exploring area waterways with a fishing rod in hand (and maybe beer chilling in the cooler as well) is your idea of mountain bliss, there’s a six-hour guided excursion with Hookers Fly Shop as part of the Fly-Fishing Package.
Or get out on your own to cast a line and lace up a pair of hiking boots for strolls on miles of beautiful trails. Also make sure to check out the local events calendar to time a stay with Summer of Music and Music on the Mountains concert series, Oktoberfest, or Glenwood Springs Car Show.
In Glenwood Springs, there is no need to worry about how much vertical or distance you’ve covered scrambling up a cliff wall or managing the twists and turns of a trail. This friendly Colorado mountain town excels at delivering these types of adventures but also specializes in slowing it way, way down for slow-paced walks in the woods and simple connections with Mother Nature. Treat yourself to well-deserved Rocky Mountain therapy with your favorite people.