The world’s largest hot springs pool is celebrating its 137th anniversary with red-white-and-blue fun.
Independence Day is always a favorite holiday at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as it’s our birthday! This year, we’re celebrating 137 years of delivering the amazing benefits of hot springs soaking and creating family traditions. As part of the Fourth of July happenings in Glenwood Springs, the resort is giving away red, white and blue beads while supplies last and launching beach ball drops at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The resort opened to great fanfare on July 4, 1888, making it a special day in our history. Just in time for Independence Day, the new Hotel 1888 opened on June 12 within the historic poolside Stone Bath House. The Silver Kings Suite has a balcony that directly overlooks the Grand Pool, making it the perfect place to watch all the Fourth of July fun.
When guests stay in any of Hotel 1888’s 16 luxury guest rooms and suites, they immediately have a glimpse of the rich history of this iconic Colorado attraction. Architectural details are a focal point and artwork throughout the hotel features collected artifacts, postcards and photos. Hotel 1888 guests are invited to relax in European-style elegance with complimentary breakfast in the 1888 Bistro, unlimited soaking in the seven mineral hot springs pools during business hours, and a guest membership to the full-service Athletic Club, also located in the Stone Bath House.
Hotel 1888 is one of two options for staying overnight at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to take part Glenwood Springs’ Fourth of July happenings. The family-friendly Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, located across the street from the pool on Sixth Street, wrapped up a total refresh of all 107 Lodge guest rooms and suites in March. Made-to-order hot breakfast at the poolside Grill and unlimited soaking in the seven mineral hot springs pools during business hours are included in Lodge stays.
For the ultimate day or evening at the hot springs over the holiday weekend, consider renting a cabana for your group of family or friends. The cabanas are spread throughout the pool area, seat five comfortably inside the cabana and include four bottles of water, four club towels and two deck lounge chairs. Another option for guests ages 18 and older is The Overlook, an upper story lounging experience on a private deck above the Therapy Pool. A total of six large umbrellas with two reclining lounge chairs each are available for full-day rentals. Two club-size towels and two water bottles are included with each umbrella rental.
Rich History
Upon opening to the public on July 4, 1888, Glenwood Hot Springs soon became a world-renowned place to visit. The Stone Bath House originally featured a billiard parlor, casino, reading room, physician’s office, smoking room, coffee kitchen, and 42 interior Roman Baths and dressing rooms. Today, the resort continues to attract locals and visitors from around the globe to enjoy the world’s largest natural hot springs pool (Grand Pool), Therapy Pool, Yampah Mineral Baths (five pools of varying temperatures) and Sopris Splash Zone aquatic park.
Treat Yourself
Instead of cooking or leaving for a meal, indulge in delicious Americana fare at the Grill. Mouthwatering hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings, nachos and healthier fare such as grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are on the menu. Beer, wine, smoothies and coffee drinks are among the wide variety of beverages available.
The walk-up Snack Bar window offers a slightly smaller lineup of meals, snacks, beverages and sweet treats such as sundaes, root beer floats, and soft-serve ice cream cones. Demonstrate and taste your Independence Day spirit with red and blue Flavor Burst colors edging the twist on your cone!
While relaxing on the west end of the pool near Sopris Splash Zone, Red Brick Eats food truck is the place to find pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries, soft pretzels, salad, smoothies and ice cream throughout the summer.
Local Festivities
If you want to come and go to the pool throughout the day to enjoy other Fourth of July happenings in Glenwood Springs, it’s no problem. Day pass and season pass holders can come and go as they please during the pool’s summer hours from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. No reservations are needed and there is no time limit.
Don’t miss the Glenwood Springs Fourth of July Celebration in Two Rivers Park that kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with bounce houses, axe throwing, lawn games, mechanical bull riding, food and beverage vendors, and more. Live music begins with the first band going on stage at 5 p.m. followed by a second band at 6:30 p.m. The evening is capped off by a laser light show choreographed to music at 9 p.m. Carpooling, biking or walking to Two Rivers Park is highly recommended due to limited parking.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has live music on holidays this summer, including Fourth of July from 2 – 6 p.m. Cody Jeffreys, a singer and songwriter born and raised in the local Roaring Fork Valley, has spent the last 15 years performing at festivals, music showcases, breweries, and dive bars throughout Colorado. His psychedelic funk, soul and rock style will have you tapping your feet to the rhythm.
Celebrate the Fourth of July happenings in Glenwood Springs and savor a day of hot springs soaking and play for all ages at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. It’s an American tradition in the mountains!
