Iron Mountain Hot Springs located in the scenic town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado offers a rejuvenating escape amid the stunning Rocky Mountains. With 16 naturally heated mineral pools overlooking the Colorado River, this relaxing destination is a perfect spot to wind down and reset after a long day of hiking. Whether you’re soaking in the therapeutic waters, enjoying the picturesque views, or exploring the charming town of Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides a serene retreat for visitors of all ages.
Neither of us had ever been to Glenwood Springs before, though we have spent a lot of time in the Denver area and along the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. For this trip, we decided to venture to Glenwood Springs, which is about 160 miles west of downtown Denver on I-70. It looked like a perfect spot to spend the weekend and visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
To ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, reservations are required for Iron Mountain Hot Springs. It’s advisable to book your time slot as early as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly. General Access tickets provide visitors with three-hour access to the grounds, with the latest available time slot starting at 7pm.
Each of their 16 natural geothermal mineral pools has a sign displaying its temperature. Choose the pool with the perfect temperature for you and enjoy a relaxing soak. Unlike conventional hot tubs that use recirculated water treated with chlorine, the heated spring water here flows continuously through the pools and into the Colorado River.
Outside food and drinks are prohibited, but an on-site cafe offers a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. There is also a water bottle refilling station available, so bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated while you soak and enjoy the views.
Male and female locker rooms are available for guests, who are asked to rinse off before entering the pools. Complimentary lockers are provided to securely store your personal items.
As we explored the pools, Tracy found one with the perfect temperature, so we stepped in and got settled. Ironically, we struck up a conversation with a couple who were traveling the country in a van. Mid-conversation, I asked about their van, and they told us it was a 1986 VW Westfalia and that they had recently attended a VW show near Houston, TX. I mentioned that I live in Houston and own a 1987 VW Westfalia and had entered it into that same show. We both remembered seeing each other’s vans being there — what a coincidence!
We spent the next hour or so sharing stories, experiences and best camping spots for them to check out on their travels. I can’t believe, out of the 16 random pools and however many overlapped time slots that we end up in the same pool with this couple. Very cool!
WorldSprings, the newest large family pool at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, was under construction during our visit and officially opened in June 2023. This expansive pool measures approximately 35′ x 70′ and holds 86,000 gallons of chlorinated fresh water, heated to a comfortable 95 degrees through geothermal exchange. I can’t wait to return and experience this impressive new addition.
Initially, we thought the three-hour time slots might be too short. However, after trying out several pools, we quickly realized the time limit was quite reasonable. While I would have enjoyed staying longer, it’s best to get out after three hours to let your body recover from the heated pools.
If you’re planning a trip to Glenwood Springs, CO, or simply passing through, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs. With its unique geothermal pools, stunning views, and relaxing atmosphere, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Make time to unwind and enjoy all that this remarkable destination has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!