The remedial qualities of the warm waters rich in iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium and calcium high in the Rockies were discovered and enjoyed by members of the Ute Tribe a thousand or more years ago. They also were a major draw more than 100 years ago to those visiting Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, established in 1888 and then home to the world’s largest hot springs pool.
Glenwood Springs is doubling down on its name this winter. The mountain town frequented for its geothermal hot springs long before it even had a name now has even more to offer those who love a great soak.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs recently added 10 pools modeled after famous hot springs around the world. The mineral pools in this adults-only expansion called WorldSprings overlook the Colorado River. The expansion brings Iron Mountain’s footprint to a whopping 32 pools (mostly mineral, but also freshwater and cold plunge).
Paired with its proximity to ski slopes, food and drink options and historic charm – not to mention its relative affordability compared to nearby Vail and Aspen – Glenwood Springs deserves a spot on every traveler’s getaway list.
To help you plan your trip, here’s a look at the area with four groups of visitors in mind: couples, families, groups of friends, and dog owners.
Hot springs trips for couples
For starters, book a room at Hotel Colorado. Built in 1893 by silver baron Walter Devereux, who also developed the hot springs pool and bathhouse, Hotel Colorado capitalized on the spa craze that was popular across North America in the late 1800s.
The original hotel was one of the most upscale lodging options in the American West, its expansive property home to a Victorian garden, bird sanctuary, tennis courts, indoor waterfall and courtyard featuring a 185-foot-high fountain. While the hotel has undergone several renovations, including converting a handful of rooms back to their Victorian-era aesthetic (sitting areas, fireplaces, vintage decor), the property doesn’t measure up to what most people think of as five-star standard. Still, the hotel holds an unquestionable charm that is both regal and romantic.
Enjoy a leisurely and decadent Benedict breakfast at the hotel restaurant or wander down the road to Rosi’s Little Bavarian Restaurant for espressos and scrumptious European-style baked goods. Take the short drive to Sunlight Mountain, an independently owned ski area, for late morning turns on the delightfully uncrowded slopes. You’ll have plenty of time to cuddle on the resort’s chair lifts. (Primo is the oldest operating chair lift in Colorado, dating back to 1966.) Or, take your skinny skis (rentable at Sunlight Ski and Bike) for a glide on the groomed, snow-covered greens of Ironbridge Golf Club.
For aprés fun, head to Iron Mountain’s adults-only WorldSprings for a cocktail at the new bar and a soak in one — or all — of the 10 new Experience Pools. Enjoy the menu of mineral formulas from around the the globe (think Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, but in Colorado). For dinner, go for a seasonally fresh feast and bottle of wine at The Pullman or elevated comfort fare at Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen.
Hot springs trips for families
Book your stay at Hotel Glenwood Springs, which offers a variety of spacious rooms and sits steps away from the gondola that delivers you to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Take the troops to Sunlight Mountain for an uncharacteristically affordable day on the slopes. There are lessons for first-timers and the area’s 730 acres includes terrain for all levels of skiers and riders, from gentle beginner slopes and cruise-y blues to The Heathen, a wooded expert trail that boasts (in a small section) one of the steepest slopes in Colorado (about 52 degrees).
Hit the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s massive pool for a soak. Younger children can splash in the fountain while older kids swim laps or find a piece of pool wall to call their own. Then ride up the mountain to the Adventure Park. While the caverns and many of the thrill rides are open only in warmer months, the alpine coaster is open year-round offering high-speed, adrenaline-inducing views of town far below. Make memories that will be shared for years with a family game of laser tag.
For kid-friendly eats, try a pie at Rocky Mountain Pizza Co. or a taco (options include the usual plus falafel and curried lamb) or hot dog at Slope & Hatch.
Hot springs trips for friend groups
Whether it’s a birthday party, bachelor or bachelorette gathering, or simply a weekend away with your crew, the modern-historic Hotel Denver sits in the center of the action and offers double rooms and suites. For a day on the slopes, head to Sunlight Mountain, where you can divide and conquer the terrain (stick to those silky groomers or challenge each other on The Heathen), or hop on the free RFTA bus to the four mountains of Aspen/Snowmass. (Your choice of resort likely will depend on what ski pass, if any, you’ve purchased.)
If you are coming from Denver, you can leave your cars behind and ride to Glenwood on the Bustang.
For aprés, grab a pint at one of Colorado’s best-kept craft beer secrets: Casey Brewing. Or stop by for a tasting at Stoneyard Distillery, which ferments truly unusual spirits out of beet sugar. Grab a burger and more locally made, small batch libations at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. The best way to spend the late evening is a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs (last reservation at 7 p.m.), which stays open until 10 p.m.
Hot springs trips for dog owners
Sadly, there are no hot springs options for the four-legged traveler, but your pooch will revel in a shower of warm welcomes at the Hotel Colorado. The historic hotel rolls out the red carpet for its furry guests, providing dog beds, food and water bowls, a souvenir toy, poop bags and a bundle of treats. Reserve a daycare stay at High Tails Dog & Cat Outfitters, so your pup can romp with a pack of new playmates while you go for a soak.
Bethel Plaza — the downtown area along 7th Street under the bridge — became the heartbeat of Glenwood Springs during the pandemic. The free-for-all tables and heat lamps loved during that time remain. Here, you can bring takeout and drinks from any nearby shop or pub and find a corner to dine with your doggo as you watch the world go by. Casey Brewing is also incredibly dog-friendly and allows you to bring your own grub from surrounding establishments.
There are several dog-friendly trails within easy walking distance of downtown, including the short, steep path to the gravesite of Doc Holliday. The famed dentist/outlaw spent his final days in Glenwood Springs and is buried in this desolate cemetery, part of which is a potter’s field.
The best hike for pups will take you to No Name, a couple miles shy of Glenwood, where the Jess Weaver trail follows No Name Creek in all of its icy, tumbling and serene winter glory. Bring snowshoes, Yaktrax or micro spikes to maintain traction up the intermittently steep trail that tops out, for those who want to trek the length of it, at the junction with neighboring Grizzly Creek. You also have the option of walking to your heart’s desire along the Rio Grande Trail, a pathway that runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen and stays mostly snow-free in winter.
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