One of Colorado’s best-known historic attractions keeps getting better with time. Located on the site of the prolific Yampah Spring that produces 3.5 million gallons of pure mineral springs water a day, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is moving toward completion of five spacious new pools and other sweet amenities on the east end of the world’s largest hot springs pool.
Due to open in early summer 2024, East End Expansion Project is the third phase of a multiyear plan that introduces new features, implements improvements, and continues good stewardship of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort that originally opened in Glenwood Springs on July 4, 1888.
East End Expansion
The east end is an entirely new swimming area designed for adults with five additional pools featuring varying water temperatures, a shade pergola, and an outdoor lounging area with a hearth. Pools of varying temperatures are part of the innovative design as well as two pools with waterfalls, including one that provides a natural stone grotto experience. As with the historic Grand Pool and Therapy Pool, the geothermal heated water for the new pools comes directly from Yampah Spring and features 15 naturally occurring minerals that soothe mind, body and spirit. There is no extra cost for guests to access this new area.
As part of the project, the area around the source spring is being landscaped, the historic drinking spring reopened, and signage installed to tell the story of this Glenwood Springs heritage property. The Ute people were some of the earliest discoverers of the therapeutic hot springs that flowed along the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon and named them Yampah, which means “big medicine.”
“We’re bringing some of the best thinking in pool design to construct this completely new area at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort that expands and enhances what we offer our guests. Sopris Splash Zone on the west end is ideal for families, the historic Grand Pool and Therapy Pool in the center appeal to all ages, and the east end was created with adults in mind,” says Kevin Flohr, president, CEO and COO. “There will be even more room to spread out and find a peaceful space, enjoy the health benefits of our geothermal waters, and savor the surrounding mountain scenery of the world’s largest hot springs pool.”
The existing pools remain unaffected by the east end construction and are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round. As always, no reservations are needed, and guests can come and go as they please, all day during business hours.
Resort Upgrades & Features
The first phase of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s multiyear improvement plan, Sopris Splash Zone, opened in 2019. Phase two wrapped up in 2022 and included major upgrades to the Therapy Pool and all changing rooms. The fourth phase will be announced later this year.