It’s hot springs season, baby! Actually, hot springs are a year-round activity in Colorado. Winter soakers can enjoy that extreme temperature juxtaposition and summer swimmers can squeeze in a refreshing splash. And while the Sopris Splash Zone is for the former, it gives cold-weather visitors something to look forward to.
I like both experiences, though warmer months tend to offer more activities at the facilities. At Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, for example, summer means riding the new adventure river ride, called the Shoshone Chutes.
Adventure river ride???
Far from a lazy river, the Shoshone Chutes is a recent addition to the world’s largest hot springs pool. Soakers can head to Glenwood Hot Springs and enjoy the fast-paced tube ride without any extra cost. As an extra bonus, they coming out dripping wet at the end.
The name of the Chutes references the nearby Shoshone rapids on the Colorado River. Similarly, the ride replicates the whitewater rafting experience in a 3-minute span. There’s either single or double tubes, and riders twist and turn and splash their way through the sandstone curves.
It’s meant for kids of all ages, though there’s a height requirement to ride. Honestly, it’s a blast as much for adults as for the shrieking kiddos. Maybe even more fun, since heavier riders go much faster. Thanks for that, gravity.
Sopris Splash Zone
The Shoshone Chutes are part of the newer west end resort development, known as the Sopris Splash Zone. Other Sopris Splash Zone features include a zero-depth-entry pool, two small water slides named after the famed local Hanging Lake, and a splash-pad by day turned show-stopping Grand Fountain by night.
All of these new features are fun and exciting, and just happen to draw families and young children toward the west end. This migration leaves the eastern side of the pool a little more peaceful and relaxed—still an ideal retreat for therapeutic hot springs lovers.
My experience at the Sopris Splash Zone
At the time the Sopris Splash Zone was unveiled, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort was one of my clients at my full-time job; my firm did PR for them. My hot springs passion was a neat side project as I wrote about them on my blog, but Glenwood Hot Springs was a professional connection.
Still, I love this pool. I loved telling the world about them. Most of all, I really just enjoyed going there on my own.
Because of my old job, I got to ride the Shoshone Chutes for a photo shoot, and we used those pictures for the grand opening press release. It was wild and fun, and not at all scary. I rode the Chutes four times that afternoon, even though we got all the photos we needed almost immediately.
For mine and Chad’s Date Day, I took us to the pool purely for Chad to experience the Shoshone Chutes as well. Since it’s a summer-time ride, we had limited time with the Chutes. I wanted to make sure that he enjoyed it before the season end.
One-of-a-Kind
If you have the chance, check out the new additions to Glenwood Hot Springs. There’s nothing quite like the Shoshone Chutes in this state, and even with my clear bias, it’s a ton of fun.
And don’t forget to protect your skin; sunshine is everywhere here.
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
Bill Fonda says
As fun for the adults as the kiddos? More like more fun!
Sunshine with Savannah says
At least twice as much fun! Chad and I went down together on a two-person tube, and it was the best. Thanks for reading!
What is a zero-depth-entry-pool?!
So it’s basically a kids pool that starts out at 0 feet deep and gradually gets a little deeper. But at first it’s just wet ground. Very easy for those cute kiddos.
Oh my goodness, this looks likes SO much fun! I definitely want to visit here now! And what a fun date day for you and your man! Plus, your photos look so so so amazing.
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
Definitely a super fun ride! I highly recommend if you’re in the area. Thank you for reading! 🙂
Oooh! I didn’t know there are hot springs in Colorado!! I need to really make an adventure out of my next trip there. Glad you enjoyed your time out in the Glenwood Hot Springs! I love how everything looks natural with the rocks and such :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
There are SO many! All of them that I’ve been to have been wonderful. Thank you so much for reading, Nancy. 🙂