Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hot-spring capital of the Colorado Rockies

Glenwood Springs is a small mountain town in western Colorado, built around powerful geothermal springs at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. For more than a century, travelers have come here to soak in mineral-rich pools, breathe natural steam in underground caves, and recover after days of hiking, skiing, and rafting.

Today the town is home to several major hot-spring attractions, including the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs on the banks of the Colorado River, and the Yampah Vapor Caves. Together they make Glenwood Springs one of the most famous hot-spring destinations in North America.

More than just soaking

Beyond the hot springs, Glenwood Springs offers easy access to Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and nearby ski areas, making it a great base for year-round adventures. Visitors can pair a soak with rafting, biking, hiking, or a scenic train ride on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which stops right in town.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend in the pools or a longer stay exploring the Rockies, Glenwood Springs combines classic Colorado scenery with unique geothermal experiences in one compact, walkable town.

Glenwood Springs sits in western Colorado, about halfway between Denver and Grand Junction, at the point where the Colorado River meets the Roaring Fork River. Steep canyon walls and forested hillsides surround the town, giving many of the hot-spring pools dramatic mountain views.

By car
Glenwood Springs is directly on Interstate 70, making it one of the easiest hot-spring towns in Colorado to reach by road. It’s roughly 2.5–3 hours west of Denver and about an hour from the resort areas of Aspen and Vail, depending on traffic and weather. In winter, road conditions through the high passes and Glenwood Canyon can be snowy or icy, so always check forecasts and chain requirements before driving.

By train
The town is a stop on Amtrak’s California Zephyr route between Denver and the West Coast, and it’s one of the busiest train stations in Colorado. Arriving by train is a popular way to experience Glenwood Canyon and step off within walking distance of downtown and the main hot-spring facilities.

By air
Many visitors fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car or take the train west. Regional airports in Eagle (near Vail) and Aspen are also options for those combining Glenwood Springs with a ski or mountain trip.

Once in town, Glenwood Springs is compact and walkable, with sidewalks, bike paths, and local buses connecting downtown, the riverfront, and major hot-spring attractions.

Glenwood Springs is a good fit for a wide range of travelers, from families and first-time hot-spring visitors to couples, wellness seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With several different hot-spring facilities in town, you can choose between large family-friendly pools, quieter riverfront soaking areas, and unique steam caves.

Families & groups
The big hot-spring pools and shallow areas make Glenwood Springs especially popular with families. Many facilities offer family changing areas, food options, and easy access from parking, so you don’t need to tackle long hikes or rough terrain to enjoy a soak.

Couples & wellness travelers
Couples and wellness-focused visitors often gravitate toward more intimate soaking pools and quieter times of day. Scenic river views, evening soaks under the stars, and nearby spas and lodging make it easy to build a relaxing getaway focused on rest and recovery.

Accessibility
Because the main hot-spring attractions are developed facilities in town rather than remote backcountry springs, Glenwood Springs can be more accessible than many rugged Colorado soaking spots. Some pools feature ramp or lift access and smooth paths from parking to the water; however, accessibility details vary by facility, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific hot-spring operator if you have mobility needs.

Glenwood Springs’ hot-spring facilities are professionally operated and generally considered safe for most healthy visitors, but there are still important guidelines to follow. The mineral pools can be quite warm, so limit your soaking time, take breaks to cool down, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated—especially if you’ve been active at high altitude. If you have heart, blood pressure, or other medical issues, check with a healthcare professional before extended soaking.

Around the pools, be aware that surfaces can be wet and slippery. Walk carefully, supervise children at all times, and follow all posted depth markers and facility rules. During winter, watch for icy patches in parking areas and on outdoor walkways.

Etiquette
At most Glenwood Springs hot-spring resorts, swimwear is required, and clothing-optional soaking is not the norm. Keep noise to a reasonable level, avoid running, and follow staff instructions and signage. Many facilities discourage or restrict glass containers, outside alcohol, and large inflatables to keep the pools clean and safe for everyone.

Finally, be respectful of the area’s cultural history. The hot springs were long used by Indigenous peoples, including Ute groups who considered the waters sacred. Treat the springs and surrounding environment with care so future visitors can enjoy them as well.

Is Glenwood Springs really known for hot springs?

Yes. Glenwood Springs has been a hot-spring destination for well over a century and is home to multiple geothermal attractions, including Glenwood Hot Springs Resort (often described as the world’s largest hot-spring pool), Iron Mountain Hot Springs along the Colorado River, and the historic Yampah Vapor Caves.

Where is Glenwood Springs located?

Glenwood Springs is in western Colorado, at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. It sits along Interstate 70 between Vail and Grand Junction and is roughly 2.5–3 hours’ drive west of Denver, depending on conditions.

How do I get to Glenwood Springs without a car?

You can reach Glenwood Springs by train on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which runs between Denver and the West Coast and stops in town. Once there, you can walk, use local buses, or take short rideshares or taxis to reach most hot-spring facilities and attractions.

Is Glenwood Springs good for families?

Yes. The large hot-spring pools, shallow areas, and developed facilities in town make Glenwood Springs very popular with families. Many visitors combine time in the water with family-friendly attractions like Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and easy river paths. Always check each facility’s rules on children, floaties, and supervision.

Are there clothing-optional hot springs in Glenwood Springs?

The main hot-spring resorts and pools in Glenwood Springs are not clothing-optional - standard swimwear is required. If you are specifically looking for clothing-optional hot springs, you’ll generally need to look at other destinations in Colorado and carefully review their individual policies and local regulations.

Is Glenwood Springs open year-round?

Glenwood Springs is a year-round destination. The hot-spring pools operate in all seasons, and many visitors especially enjoy soaking in winter with snow on the surrounding mountains. Seasonal weather can affect driving conditions and some outdoor activities, so always verify current hours and conditions with individual facilities and attractions.