Glenwood Springs: A Hidden Gem
1. Location and Access
Certain towns seem to have it all — good restaurants, walkability, stunning landscapes, and easy access to major cities. Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is one such place. The city, with a population of slightly more than 10,000, is an hour from Aspen and Vail, and less than three hours from Denver. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and a national forest, with the iconic blue waters of Hanging Lake and a series of underground caverns all within reach. However, the city’s biggest draw is its three hot springs.
2. Iron Mountain Hot Springs Overview
The newest of the three, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, features 16 riverside pools connected by heated walkways, a large family pool, and an “experience pool,” where the mineral makeups of hot springs around the world — from Iceland to Japan — are replicated.
3. Upcoming Expansion at Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is in the midst of expanding, with 10 new adults-only hot spring pools, a cold plunge, and a large freshwater pool with a waterfall set to open this spring. The expansion, named Upriver, will nearly double the size of the hot springs, opening in phases throughout early 2023.
- 10 new soaking pools with pebble bottoms for a natural foot massage.
- Eight of the new pools will be positioned along the river.
- A new café will be included in the expansion.
The hot spring water at Iron Mountain is geothermally heated and contains over 14 different minerals, including iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium, and calcium. In order to maintain freshness, the water is completely replenished every two hours, with temperatures ranging between 98 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Amenities and Services
The new Upriver expansion will be reserved for individuals over the age of 21, while the existing 16 hot spring pools and the experience pool will accommodate visitors aged 5 and older. Children under the age of 5 can enjoy the freshwater pool. Furthermore, two of the current soaking pools at Iron Mountain are ADA-compliant, offering magnificent views of the Glenwood Springs landscape, including Iron Mountain, Red Mountain, and the twin peaks of Mt. Sopris to the south.
In addition to the new Upriver café, Iron Mountain operates the poolside Sopris Café, featuring everything from pizza and charcuterie to grab-and-go snacks. The café also serves beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Within Iron Mountain’s existing bathhouse, visitors will find a water refill station, a gift shop, and locker rooms.
5. Visiting Information
Iron Mountain is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can reserve a three-hour soaking period, with rates ranging from $36 to $48 depending on the time of day and day of the week. The last three-hour soaking period begins at 7 p.m.
Moreover, those looking for extended relaxation can purchase an all-day pass, which includes a locker, unlimited towels, and stunning sunset views. An all-day pass is priced at $100 during the week and $125 on weekends. For more details, visit ironmountainhotsprings.com.