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While Iceland is famous for its beautiful Blue Lagoon and its stunning turquoise waters, you don’t need to travel that far to experience wonderful hot springs.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, has been providing relaxation to travelers for many years.

Located by the Colorado River, this Rocky Mountain town offers three unique hot springs experiences, providing a taste of the Blue Lagoon without the threat of volcanic activity.

“We’ve designed our hot spring waters to reflect the characteristics of other famous springs worldwide,” stated Steve Beckley, owner of Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs.

Here’s what visitors should keep in mind:

Historic hot springs

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort boasts the oldest and biggest hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

“Our structured, filtered, and well-circulated pool is the largest hot springs pool globally, holding 1,078,000 gallons,” explained Taylor Mays, the resort’s pool manager.

The main pool has been around since 1888 and continues to attract many visitors over the years.

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“Families enjoy bringing their children, who in turn bring their own kids, making it a tradition to organize large summer reunions,” Mays shared.

Recently, the resort has introduced exciting water slides, a splash area, and, new this year, pools designated for adults only.

“It’s designed to be family-friendly, but we still wanted to ensure there’s a tranquil atmosphere for adults yearning for a romantic getaway or relaxation often associated with hot springs,” Mays noted.

A world of options

Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides visitors a glimpse of both local and exotic springs featuring 11 WorldSprings pools designed to replicate famous waters globally.

“Some pools emphasize magnesium, others lithium, and some have different bicarbonate compositions, so each pool offers a unique experience,” Beckley explained. “The Dead Sea, for instance, is rich in minerals that give a highly buoyant experience, far more than regular seawater.”

There are 30 different formulas utilized in their pools, but the Dead Sea and Blue Lagoon-inspired options are available due to their popularity.

“All our pools are situated along the Colorado River, providing breathtaking views of the mountains and the river, with bald eagles frequently soaring overhead, making it a spectacular location,” Beckley said. The WorldSprings have become so sought after that plans for expansion to additional cities, including Dallas, are underway.

A Unique Adventure

Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves provide a distinctive hot springs experience, featuring naturally spring-fed steam baths and the only private mineral baths in Glenwood Springs.

The caves themselves hold a rich history. Delmonico shared that Ute Indians utilized the caves for ceremonial purposes long before any settlers came. She noted, “During World War II, the government took control of the pools and Yampah to assist soldiers, thanks to the healing properties of the minerals found here.”

Today, visitors can enjoy the caves for soothing relaxation and more.

“You are immersed in the womb of Mother Earth. It’s truly a remarkable setting, imbued with the sacredness of the ancient ceremonies performed by the original inhabitants of the land,” Delmonico stated. She also mentioned that Indigenous rituals continue to be conducted in the caves, and registered members of Native American tribes can access them at no cost.

Getting There

Glenwood Springs is less than an hour’s drive from both Vail and Aspen. The nearest commercial airports include Eagle County Regional Airport, about 30 miles away, and Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, roughly 40 miles from Glenwood Springs. Denver International Airport is located approximately 180 miles from the city.

Travelers also have the option of taking Amtrak’s California Zephyr train, which stops in Glenwood Springs while traveling from Chicago to San Francisco.

“Train passengers can conveniently walk right over to the resort and enjoy a dip in the pool after a day of travel,” Mays mentioned.

Accommodation Options

There is a wide variety of accommodations in Glenwood Springs, including campgrounds, vacation rentals, chain hotels, and bed and breakfasts.

The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Lodge and the upcoming Hotel 1888 are the only locations that offer hot springs on-site. Other nearby hotels are within walking distance to the hot springs facilities.

Activities and Attractions

“Overall, Glenwood is a stunning region,” Delmonico remarked.

Josh Ryks, a content creator focused on outdoor adventures in Colorado, known as Ryks Video on social media, suggests that Glenwood Springs serves as a fantastic hub for outdoor activities.

“Just driving through the I-70 corridor across Glenwood Canyon is breathtaking by itself,” he stated.

For adrenaline enthusiasts, options include rafting or zip-lining over the Colorado River or experiencing roller coasters at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which also showcases striking caves.

While several local trails, such as Grizzly Creek and Hanging Lake, are temporarily closed for repairs, adventurous visitors can explore the more remote Flat Tops Wilderness Scenic Byway.

“It’s highly popular among hikers and offers numerous alpine lakes, if you venture far enough. There are also some hidden caves,” Ryks noted, cautioning that Flat Tops has rugged terrain with high-clearance areas and gravel roads, describing it as a “hidden gem of Colorado.”

Other recommended side trips include Rifle Falls State Park, the scenic Maroon Bells area near Aspen, and the quaint town of Marble.

“Marble is home to many 4×4 trails, a charming lake, and the iconic Crystal Mill,” he shared. “During the drive, you can also stop by Hayes Creek Falls right next to the road.”

After enjoying various adventures, visitors can return to Glenwood Springs to relax in its inviting, albeit sometimes cloudy, waters.