Glenwood Hot Springs

## Overview Glenwood Hot Springs, located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is one of the most famous natural hot springs destinations in the world. Situated along the banks of the Colorado River at the confluence with the Roaring Fork River, the springs have been a gathering place for centuries. The Ute people, who called the area "Yampah" (meaning "big medicine"), considered the hot springs sacred and used them for their healing properties long before European settlers arrived. The springs are fed by the Yampah Spring, which surfaces at approximately 122°F (50°C) and produces roughly 3.5 million gallons of naturally heated mineral water per day — making it one of the largest natural hot springs in the world. The mineral-rich water contains sulfate, chloride, sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate, among other dissolved minerals, giving it the slightly sulfurous smell characteristic of many geothermal springs. The modern Glenwood Hot Springs Pool facility, first opened in 1888, features the world's largest hot springs pool, stretching over two blocks long (more than 405 feet). The main pool is kept at around 90°F (32°C), while a smaller therapy pool is maintained at approximately 104°F (40°C). The site has attracted visitors for well over a century, including notable historical figures such as President Theodore Roosevelt and gunslinger Doc Holliday, who came to Glenwood Springs in 1887 seeking relief from tuberculosis and is buried in the town's Linwood Cemetery. ## Directions 1. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is located at **401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601**, right off Interstate 70. 2. From **Denver**, take I-70 West for approximately 157 miles. Take exit 116 for Glenwood Springs. 3. From **Grand Junction**, take I-70 East for about 90 miles. Take exit 116. 4. After exiting, follow signs toward downtown Glenwood Springs. The facility is prominently visible along the north side of the Colorado River, adjacent to the Hotel Denver and the Glenwood Springs Amtrak station. 5. Parking is available on-site, though it can fill up during peak summer weekends and holidays. Street parking and nearby public lots offer additional options. The springs are also accessible via **Amtrak's California Zephyr** route, with the Glenwood Springs station located just steps from the pool entrance. ## What to Expect Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is a developed, commercially operated facility — this is not a remote backcountry soak. Visitors will find a full-service resort experience including locker rooms, towel rentals, a gift shop, and on-site dining. The massive main pool is ideal for swimming and lounging, while the smaller therapy pool offers a hotter, more concentrated mineral soak. The facility is open year-round, and many visitors consider winter one of the best times to go — soaking in steaming mineral water while snow falls around you is a quintessential Colorado experience. Summer months tend to be the busiest, especially on weekends. The surrounding area offers plenty to explore. The historic Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park sits atop Iron Mountain above town, the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail provides miles of paved biking and walking paths, and Hanging Lake — one of Colorado's most iconic hikes — is located just east of town in Glenwood Canyon (advance permits required). Admission fees apply and vary by age and season. It's worth checking the facility's current hours and pricing before visiting, as they can change seasonally. The springs sit at an elevation of approximately 5,760 feet, so visitors coming from lower elevations should stay hydrated and be mindful of altitude effects. The GPS coordinates for the springs are approximately **39.5498° N, 107.3227° W**.