Glenwood Hot Springs: Swimming and Soaking Year-Round

Summer Fun Year-Round at Glenwood Hot Springs

It’s been a great summer for hydrotherapy. With record-breaking temperatures hitting much of the country, people have been discovering more than ever the healing benefits of getting in the water. Out in the West, we’re spoiled since we have access to swimming and soaking all year long at many exciting destinations in our Rocky Mountain state. Colorado has some of the best hot springs in the country and certainly the granddaddy of them all is Glenwood Hot Springs, a natural geothermal spring with a flow rate of 143 liters per second. That’s a lot of fresh, hot mineral water for easing the stress out of your tired bones and muscles.

Best of all the Glenwood Hot Springs outdoor pool, which measures over two city blocks long, is always kept at a comfortable 90 to 93 degrees. Kids and adults love this temperature, ideal for playing on the water slide or swimming laps in the pool. For more therapeutic dunks, head to the other end of the pool where this mineral-rich water hovers around 104 degrees. Here in Colorado we’re blessed with a dry climate that renders even the hottest days perfectly pleasant. But oh, those Colorado nights. As soon as the sun slips down in the sky, there’s a chill in the air that makes soaking all the more enjoyable. And, of course, when fall and winter hit, you can really strike the right formula between hot and cold, especially if you’re lucky enough to find yourself at Glenwood Hot Springs with the snow falling down gently around you.

No wonder people have been flocking to these hot springs along the Colorado River for centuries. Originally referred to as “Yampah,” or “big medicine,” by the Ute Indians, the first known visitors to these springs, the site has always been revered for its great healing power. In 1888, the world’s largest hot springs pool was created in the newly established town of Glenwood Springs and since then, people have been traveling from all over the world to this healing wonder of the Rockies. I love how the original sandstone bathhouse and lodge, built in 1890, have been beautifully preserved and that the pool is kept nice and clean with a state-of-the-art ozone purification system.

The Beautiful Old Bathhouse

Checking into the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is the best. Situated across the street from the pool, it’s spotless, attractive and very much oriented toward providing the visitor with the easiest and most frequent access to soaking possible. This is when living in modern times feels especially appealing since today people freely bop across the street whether in their robe or swimsuit for an early morning soak or an evening dip. You can bet there was more decorum a century ago!

Even if you’re not staying the night, a stop at Glenwood Hot Springs provides a great opportunity for relaxation and a break from driving to other popular Colorado destinations such as Aspen or Vail to or from Denver, for example. I’ve done this several times during ski season and it has always furnished a fun, convivial and relaxing way to break up a trip. With a pool this size, you rarely have to worry about crowds.

Yes, swimming and soaking year-round represents a good prescription for all no matter what age.

Glenwood Hot Springs, 800-537 SWIM (7946) or 970-945-6571, www.hotspringspool.com

The town of Glenwood Springs is cute, filled with nice shops and great dining. You might just have to plan on spending the night!

Read Travel Lightly:  Something to Remember During the Busy Holiday Season and Always for another mention of Glenwood Springs and tips on how to be more relaxed during your travels.