Hot Springs Series: Glenwood Hot Springs

If there’s ever a good introduction to hot springs, it’s at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

The resort is equipped with a hotel lodge, athletic club, and the gigantic pool for which it’s named. Glenwood Hot Springs is a community staple—offering its healing waters to the public since 1888. And, of course, Native Americans utilizing the healing properties long before that.

Visitors come from all over to soak in the pool and enjoy the mineral-rich geothermal waters. Glenwood Hot Springs is considered the largest hot springs in the world.

Layout

Glenwood Hot Springs has two main pools: a large, football field-sized pool set at a comfortable 93 degrees, and a smaller 104-degree therapy pool. There are lap lanes, diving boards, a cafe, a shop, bubbly chairs, summer-staple treats, and a historic red-sandstone-vibe. There’s something for every visitor.

Glenwood Hot Springs has undergone several renovations over the years, including a recently redone west-end and parking lot. The Sopris Splash Zone is a fun, kid-oriented addition, and now there’s ample space on the property for seating and lounging. They’ve also updated the locker rooms. Now, quarters are no longer necessary to store your things—it’s complimentary with a digital code.

The latest development is on the eastern end, where the therapy pool is getting a face lift.

What to expect

When most people think of hot springs, the first thing that comes to mind is usually either a rugged wilderness experience or a luxury spa treatment. And while Glenwood Springs has dipped into the luxury spa business (the former Spa of the Rockies closed in 2020), overall the vibe of the resort is family-friendly. It’s down-to-earth and casual.

Upon entry to the historic bathhouse, you sign in to pay for a ticket (you can also rent a towel or a suit while you’re there), then head to the designated locker-room. You can leave and come back, so remember to stamp your hand if you plan to return. There are lockers to store your things, but it’s always a good idea to bring a water bottle, towel, flip-flops, and sunscreen with you, to stash somewhere near the pool. From there, the only thing standing between you and the hot springs pool is a quick shower.

Pro tip: bring a pair of flip flops. In the summer, the pavement gets HOT, and the winter can make for icy stepping.

It’s also worth noting that hotel guests that stay on-site at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge get complimentary soaking access. Additionally, other local lodging properties also have soak and stay packages (like the Hotel Denver, which also throws in a few brews).

As an extra bonus, the pedestrian bridge makes for an easy gateway to and from downtown. It’s a short, scenic walk across the bridge to and from the healing waters.

What makes Glenwood Hot Springs special

The history of Glenwood Springs as a whole is completely intertwined with Glenwood Hot Springs. In addition to a historic aspect, the hot springs offers a communal space of gathering between literal generations of soakers.

Locals have made Glenwood Hot Springs a part of their go-to daily routine, grabbing an early-morning soak or late-lunch lap, while out-of-towners can be seen cannonballing their way through entire days.

Beyond the local level, there are special connections throughout the state, country, and even globally—the memories of visiting the largest hot springs pool in the world run deep and travel far.

Above all else, these hot springs are made special from the shared experiences of laughter, joy, history, and community.

These hot springs are nostalgic. Easy. Low-key. Fun. Iconic.

Glenwood Hot Springs is incredible all year round—making for a refreshing summertime indulgence or a crisp winter retreat. It’s kid-friendly, so prepare for masses of families (especially in the peak season), splashing and giggling and having a great time. Prepare for a visit to a place that feels both familiar and brand new.

Remember simpler times at the family pool, mixed with the excitement of a scenic soak. All in a gorgeous, undisturbed mountain town.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is also part of the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, a 720-mile trek to some of Colorado’s best hot springs.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort info

Website: hotspringspool.com
Price: Peak season weekday ($23.75), peak season weekend ($25.75); value season ($17.50)
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. 
Bring: Sunscreen, water, a towel (though you can rent them and a suit at the front desk), and slip-on shoes
Remember: You can’t bring in umbrellas or shade devices, toys must be soft (no plastic or water guns of any kind), and floaties have to be less than 48-inches in diameter (so big-time unicorns will have to stay in the car)

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