When pulling a crew together—whether it’s family, friends or business colleagues—the place selected makes a big difference. In fact, locations have been known to make or break attendance for reunions, celebrations and corporate gatherings. That’s why booking hot springs destinations is so attractive.
The iconic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, are bucket-list places for travelers and appealing to various ages, interests and budgets. In fact, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been soothing locals, visitors and groups with mineral hot springs soaking since 1888.
To assist planners, we’ve put together a list of four reasons to meet at hot springs.
A Place to Relax
Mineral hot springs are a natural place to kick back, relax and connect with each other. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the world’s largest hot springs pool, has something for everyone. The Therapy Pool is a cozy 104°F (40°C) while the Grand Pool is 90° to 93°F (32° to 34°C), perfect for swimming laps, lounging and playing.
Sopris Splash Zone on the west end is a big draw for families with Shoshone Chutes river tube ride; a children’s play area with three small slides, waterfalls, interactive water features and shallow play areas; and a splash pad that turns into the colorfully lighted Grand Fountain at night. Sopris Splash Zone is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day as well as fall weekends and during spring break in March as weather and staffing allows.
By late spring or early summer this year, there will be a new area on the east end that is focused on adults with five smaller natural hot springs pools and many other great features.
For people who like to keep their gym routine intact while traveling, the resort also has a full-service athletic club. Guests of Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge have the option to add discounted athletic club day passes that include the use of equipment, access to classes and the handball/racquetball courts, and use of the wet room featuring a sauna, steam room and whirlpool.
Nearby Activities
It’s helpful to have fun activity options near the hot springs, which is often the case when the attraction is in the heart of town. For example, Yampah Caves & Spa, Glenwood Springs Community Art Center, and a trailhead for Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path are all within a block of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. In addition, downtown Glenwood Springs is an easy walk over the pedestrian bridge and is filled with unique shops, restaurants, breweries, a distillery and nightlife.
Make sure to check a community’s schedule for events like Glenwood Springs’ Strawberry Festival, outdoor concerts and Market on 7th in the summer. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Sunlight Mountain Resort, and a museum devoted to Doc Holliday on the lower level of Bullock's western store also are great places to check out. Don’t miss playing a round of golf, fishing on local rivers and lakes, traversing the Colorado River on a whitewater rafting excursion, and hitting the trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing.
Lodging, Spaces & Services for Groups
In the early stages of planning, make sure your chosen hot springs resort is set up to seamlessly host groups. For example, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has a sales team available to assist planners with all the details, including catering, room blocks, and meeting space reservations.
“We spent four days here with 46 of us, and they did such a great job accommodating our large group,” notes Lisa E. in a recent Google review. “They were fabulous to work with, and the staff was great. I would definitely recommend!”
Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, located across from the pool, features 107 guest rooms and two conference rooms with a pre-function area, making the property an ideal location for groups of up to 50 guests. The Iron Mountain Room can be organized in a variety of seating configurations, holding a maximum of 50 theatre-style. The Ute Mountain Room is set up as a board room and holds up to 16. Both conference rooms are available for full- or half-day rentals and have high-speed wireless and hard-wired internet access, LCD projectors and smart boards.
The poolside Grill (after hours of operation) and the movement studio at the athletic club are also available for private events.
All overnight lodge guests receive complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast at the poolside Grill and unlimited access to the hot springs during business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the rest of the year. If someone forgets a swimsuit or other essentials, the shop located in the pool lobby has a selection of clothing, souvenirs and other items.
Easy Access & Parking
A key item on any planner’s checklist is making sure people can get to the destination. While some hot springs are off the beaten path, others are simple to access like Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, located just off Interstate 70.
The closest airports to Glenwood Springs are Eagle County Regional Airport in Gypsum and Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Another option is taking the train. Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay area, making a variety of stops in Colorado, including Glenwood Springs. If you fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), take the A Line RTD train from DEN to Denver Union Station downtown and catch Amtrak there. It’s a perfect way to experience both a dynamic city and a beautiful mountain town like Glenwood Springs.
Parking costs can quickly add to a group’s budget and many hot springs don’t charge for parking. Once in Glenwood Springs, it is easy to not do any driving and parking at most places is free. Parking for guests of Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge and Pool is complimentary, and there are electric vehicle charging stations.
Hot springs are sure to inspire some big ideas, and out-of-the-box thinking and provide pure fun for your group. Tap these four reasons to meet at hot springs and get planning today!