Glenwood Hot Springs - The World’s Largest Mineral Pool!

​Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is situated alongside the Colorado River, tucked into the red rock mountainside of the Western Slope of The Rocky Mountains. The town itself is a beautiful, quaint place full of great hiking spots, world class fishing, and the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool!

​It took me over a dozen trips to Glenwood Springs to learn about this amazing fact. I had visited another nearby hot spring resort Iron Mountain before even learning about Glenwood Hot Springs.

Glenwood Hot Springs opened its doors back in the 1880’s, but its healing mineral waters were used by the Ute Indians for decades (if not longer) before then. The waters are filled with 15 minerals coming from The Yampa Spring, and The Ute called it “Big Medicine” for its healing qualities.
 
There are two pools at Glenwood Hot Springs. The larger pool is a 405 by 100-foot pool full with over 4 million gallons of “healing” waters. This pool is a constant 92 degrees, and the smaller "Therapy Pool" is a toasty 104 degrees.

The larger exercise pool.

The smaller, and hotter, "Therapy Pool".

Location: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
 
Glenwood Springs is located about 3.5 hours from Denver, Colorado, just off of I-70. Glenwood Hot Springs is located at the edge of town alongside the Colorado River near The Hotel Colorado. It is an easy walk or drive from downtown. ​

Looking down from the walking bridge to town.

Price: $29 for the day
 
Passes can be purchased at the counter or online before arrival. The passes are good for the entire day, and you can come and go as you please during their hours of operation (9am-9pm). There are also gazebos and towels available for rent. Each day pass also comes with its own locker to store your clothing and other items.
 
There are also packages available from Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort, and with Glenwood Adventure Park. Check those out here:
 https://www.hotspringspool.com/specials-packages#packages-pool

Outside The Spa and Athletic Club areas.

Amenities: 
 
Glenwood Hot Springs is also known as “The Athletic Club of The Rockies”, and there is a gym with workout classes available. The gym access is an additional charge but includes access to the pools as well.
 
Glenwood Hot Springs is also family friendly and has slides and a splash pool available during the summer season. (When I went in November, these were closed). 
 
There is also a lodge on site with a variety of rooms. When you book a night’s stay you gain access to the pools free of charge! Although I have not stayed here yet, if you plan a vacation to Glenwood Springs, I suggest considering the lodge as a place to stay, so you can have free and unlimited access during your trip! ​

A view of the entire facilities from my drone.

Glenwood Hot Spring vs. Iron Mountain Hot Spring vs. Yampah Spa Vapor Caves
 
There are actually three different hot spring locations in Glenwood Springs, and each is distinctly unique:

• Glenwood Hot Springs boasts the largest pool in the world and is used more for its “healing” properties in conjunction with its athletic club. 
• Iron Mountain has 16 different pools ranging in size and temperature. It is also right along the river, so you can take a cold plunge if you dare! 
• Yampah Spa’s caves are located inside the mountain and can only be used for 10-12 minutes at a time. The caves have 125 degree water pumped through three rooms and provide a sauna-like experience.

Iron Mountain Hot Spring.

More from Iron Mountain.

Plan a trip to Glenwood Springs and visit each of these different spas and hot springs to experience their different qualities and minerals and leave town the most relaxed you have ever been in your life. 
 
There is something in the water in Glenwood Springs, and it is magical!

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