Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
The Best Place to Stay and Play in Colorado
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with two rivers running through it lies the quintessential Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs. This town boasts a climate that’s enjoyable year round with an endless array of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, rafting, and fishing as well as the only mountaintop amusement park in the U.S. It is also home to the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the best place in town to stay and play.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has deep roots in the history of Glenwood Springs. It’s located at the site of the Yampah Spring, known for producing an astonishing 3.5 million gallons of pure mineral springs water every day. On July 4, 1888, it opened its doors boasting the world’s largest hot springs pool, a natural healing wonder that drew crowds to the newly established town.
Today, the Grand Pool still proudly bears that title and the resort features a 16-room boutique hotel, a 107-room lodge, seven expansive pools including cold plunges, a full service state-of-the-art athletic club, gift shop and grill. It is also located right in the heart of town just steps from the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Colorado River into downtown making it the ideal place to rest your head while visiting Glenwood Springs.
HISTORY OF GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT
When you hear the phrase “hot springs,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s thoughts of rejuvenating water, a fountain of youth, or maybe even a cure all for whatever ails you. I can’t speak to what was on the minds of Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux when they decided to develop the hot springs of Glenwood Springs, but they certainly did advertise these claims to potential visitors. Apparently, that marketing campaign worked so well that after the official opening of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort on July 4, 1888, high society from the East Coast and Europe descended upon Glenwood Springs.
However, before that grand opening took place, the groundwork had to be laid for this commercial venture. So, let’s take a step back in time.
James Landis, the first white man to settle the area, homesteaded 160 acres of land including the hot springs. Prior to this, the area was home to the Ute Indians, a hunter-gatherer tribe who called the hot springs “Yampah” meaning “Big Medicine.” The Utes believed Yampah Spring was a sacred place for healing and ritual.
In 1882, Isaac Cooper, two other town founders, and the Defiance Town Land Company purchased the property from Landis with a vision of developing it into a health spa. Soon after, that’s when Devereux came into the picture.
Devereux was a wealthy mining engineer who made his initial fortune through silver mining in Aspen. Given Glenwood Springs’ proximity to Aspen, Devereux and his brothers paid a visit to the area and saw the potential for a successful business. They purchased the hot springs from Cooper for $125,000. Cooper, having only paid $1,500 for the land and hot springs, made a hefty profit on the deal.
Now, the main development began. Devereux and his brothers undertook the enormous task of diverting the Colorado River by constructing a massive rock wall. This redirection of the flow of the water was crucial for the construction of the Grand Pool and resort.
Once the Grand Pool was completed and the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened its doors on July 4, 1888, Devereux quickly got to work on further development.
He hired Theodore Von Rosenberg, an Austrian architect, to design and build a bathhouse and it was no ordinary bathhouse. It featured 42 Roman style baths, parlors for men and women (separate of course), a physician’s office, and a gambling casino for men only. This was all contained within a three-story building that is now home to the brand new boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 that opened its doors this month. It cost an astronomical $100,000 to build, making it the most expensive building in all of Western Colorado at the time.
With the railroad now making travel easier and the allure of the healing hot springs, the city of Glenwood Springs doubled in size from 1,200 to 2,500 people between 1887 and 1888. In fact, this bustling town boasted 30 saloons at one point in time.
On three separate occasions, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt visited the area to hunt and enjoy the therapeutic waters. On Roosevelt’s first trip, he killed a mountain lion that measured over eight feet long and weighed over 220 pounds. This trophy lion held the record for the largest mountain lion ever killed in Colorado at the time. Roosevelt would make two more visits to what would affectionately become known as “The Little White House of the West” due to his love for the area.
WHAT'S IN THE WATER
Mineral hot springs are not only beneficial for relaxation, they are known for their natural healing properties and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s pools are no different. Years before the town of Glenwood Springs was established, the Ute Indians called the hot springs “Yampah” meaning “Big Medicine”. The pools contain 15 naturally-occurring dissolved minerals each believed to have its own unique ability to heal certain ailments in addition to generally relieving aches and pains, eliminating toxins, and reducing blood pressure.
So, what’s in the water? Here’s a general breakdown:
Boron - plays a role in promoting healthy bone development, building muscle mass, balancing hormones, aiding cognitive health, providing metabolic support, and reducing inflammation. Soaking helps arthritis and osteoporosis.
Calcium - enhances absorption, promotes bone density, reduces osteoporosis risk and calms nerves. Soaking helps sleep quality and anxiety, and alleviates muscle cramps while aiding in healing.
Chloride - enhances skin health by promoting the absorption of beneficial minerals and alleviating dryness.
Sodium - boosts skin hydration and serves as an exfoliant. It can also dry out bacteria reducing acne and inflammation.
Sulfate - soothes skin, reduces inflammation and pain in muscles and joints, and promotes relaxation. Soaking acts as a detoxification.
Lithium - relieves arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, and depression. Soaking has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Potassium - helps regulate blood pressure, support kidney function, prevent arthritis and reduce the risk of stroke. Soaking helps fatigue, low blood sugar, cramps and nerve pain.
Magnesium - aids with muscle relaxation and pain relief, improving sleep and quality of life. Soaking helps with inflammation, muscle recovery and calming nerves.
Manganese - manages symptoms of arthritis and osteoporosis as well as promoting bone health, healing of wounds, and nerve function.
Iron - soaking is believed to boost iron absorption helping with mild anemia and lack of energy. It also aids in stress reduction and relaxation.
Silica - softens skin, promotes collagen production and hydrates skin. It can also help with inflammation and removal of toxins in the body.
Zinc - helps with skin conditions and healing wounds as well as boosting immunity.
Fluoride - absorbed in small quantities through skin while soaking strengthening bones and teeth.
Phosphate - helps with pain relief, combating fatigue, and relaxation.
Nitrogen - indirect benefits like relaxation and stress reduction.
STAY AT GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT
The Lodge
The Lodge at Glenwood Springs Resorts is just steps away from its world-renowned hot springs pools. It features 107 rooms that were recently renovated including deluxe rooms and suites. All guests of the lodge will enjoy full access to the hot springs pools during normal business hours and complimentary pool-side breakfast at the Grill. They also offer free parking and EV charging up to 4 hours.
Below are some of the amenities offered at the lodge:
Bath Robes
Coffee Makers and Mini-Fridges
55-Inch Flat Screen TVs
Premium Linens, Extra Towels, Extra Pillows
Ample Storage Space
Irons and Ironing Boards
Room Safes
Hair Dryers
High Speed Internet
Free Parking
Unlimited Access to All Pools
Hotel 1888
Hotel 1888 is a brand new boutique hotel located at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, and the premier place to stay in town since its recent introduction. It’s located in the historic Stone Bath House that was built in 1890, just two years after the resort opened on July 4, 1888, the date from which the hotel derives its name.
Part of the Stone Bath House was renovated to offer 16 tastefully decorated, spacious rooms, each one unique. This includes two signature suites, one with a large balcony overlooking the Grand Pool and the other with an original fireplace and views of the Colorado River and downtown.
Hotel 1888 is rich in history and designed with luxury in mind. It also provides guests special access to the 1888 Bistro for complimentary breakfast as well as the world class Athletic Club located right next door and full access to all of the hot springs pools including the new Yampah Mineral Baths.
PLAY AT GLENWOOD HOT SPRRINGS RESORT
The Grand Pool
The historic Grand Pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world, and has been since its opening in 1888. It’s located in the center of the property spanning 405 feet long and 100 feet wide. It holds a massive 1 million gallons of water fed directly from the Yampah Spring which flows at a rate of 3.5 million gallons of mineral water daily.
The pool is kept at a comfortable temperature of 90° F and has life guards on duty year round. There are lap lanes for exercising, a dive area with a diving board, and float toys and games are allowed here for fun. Given its size, it also has plenty of room for you to just relax and soak in the therapeutic benefits of its natural healing waters.
Yampah Mineral Baths
The Yampah Mineral Baths are a collection of five geothermal pools designed with relaxation in mind. They provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere. They also transition into an adult only area after 5 pm each day. Pools include:
Cascade Waters - Cascade Waters has a gently flowing, cascading waterfall that produces negative ions, often called “air vitamins” for their beneficial effect on overall health and mood. This pool is designed to lower stress, decrease blood pressure and help you relax. It is maintained at a temperature between 100-104° F.
Sacred Waters - Sacred Waters is an infinity-edge pool that will leave you with a sense of clam and tranquility. Water temperatures range from 97-102° F.
Falling Waters - Falling Waters is a large rectangular shaped pool that has rugged, cascading waterfalls which also produce stress relieving negative ions. Stand beneath the falls and let the water gently massage your back and shoulders and sooth you. Water temperatures are maintained between 95-100° F.
Inhale - Inhale is a cold plunge pool maintained at 52-60° F. Cold plunges are known for reducing inflammation, expediting the healing process, muscle recovery, and regulating the circulatory and nervous systems.
Exhale - Exhale is a less-extreme cold plunge pool maintained at a cool 75-80° F. It provides a nice transition pool when heading from the hot springs to Inhale.
Therapy Pool
Immediately adjacent to the Grand Pool is a large therapy pool that is kept at 104° F year round. Underwater therapy jet chairs line the pool and are the perfect spot to sit and relax as the jacuzzi jets massage and ease muscle tension.
Sopris Splash Zone & Shoshone Chutes
The Sopris Splash Zone at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the perfect spot to bring the family for a day of fun. Here you will find the Shoshone Chutes, Splash Zone, and Grand Fountain.
Shoshone Chutes - A whitewater river that twists and turns downhill that you can ride inner tubes down.
Splash Zone - A play area with mini-water slides and waterfalls designed to look like the iconic nearby Hanging Lake. Here you can also find a play area and shade structures.
Grand Fountain - A giant kid-friendly splash pad during the day turns into a lighted Grand Fountain at night.
[Photo courtesy Glenwood Hot Springs Resort]
Cabanas and The Overlook
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has private pool-side cabanas that you can rent for the day. Rentals include seating for five, two deck lounge chairs, four towels, and four complimentary bottles of water.
There is also a semi-private adult-only area known as The Overlook that can be reserved for the day. Rental includes two adjustable lounge chairs, a large umbrella, two towels, and complimentary bottled water.
THE GRILL AND GIFT SHOP
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort features a Grill and Gift Shop.
The Grill serves complimentary poolside breakfast for all overnight guests at the lodge, and opens for lunch to anyone visiting the pools. There is also a walk-up Snack Bar window. They serve classic favorites like burgers and fries as well as soft-serve ice cream treats.
The Shop not only sells fun souvenirs and gifts, but has almost any necessity you might need like sunscreen, snacks, and over-the-counter medication. They also sell swim goggles, hats, flip flops, and bathing suits.
ATHLETIC CLUB
The Athletic Club at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is something to be marveled at and a local favorite as you do not need to be a guest of the hotel or hot springs pools to enjoy it.
The Athletic Club not only has a full range of state-of-the-art cardio equipment and expansive weight room, it boasts racquetball/handball courts, a Pilates studio, cycle studio, yoga studio, premium locker rooms, and Wet Lounge. They also offer numerous classes.
The Wet Lounge is an adult only area with a steam room, sauna and whirlpool. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of quiet relaxation after a hard workout.
The Athletic Club even has a sun deck and total access to the hot springs pools including the cold plunges and Yampah Mineral Baths.
PACKAGES
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a number of packages including ones that include access to the Glenwood Springs Caverns Adventure Park, e-bikes, and white water river rafting. Some packages are focused on wellness and others are stay and save deals. For a complete list of current packages, visit their website.
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