Iron Mountain Hot Springs is scenically located along the banks of the Colorado River. Opened in July 2015, it’s one of the newer Colorado hot springs resorts and offers a variety of soaking pools in beautiful Glenwood Springs.
Lockers are included in the entry fee, as well as a complimentary towel. The on-site Sopris Cafe is a great place to grab some food during your soak, and there is also a gift shop to pick out a souvenir or a new swimsuit. They offer 3-hour or full-day admission tickets we well as annual pass options for the whole family.
Natural Hot Springs Pools
The 70’x35’ family pool is filled with 100,000 gallons of fresh water and features a gently sloped ramp, making it accessible by wheelchair. The pool is geothermally heated to 90º Fahrenheit. An 18’x8’ whirlpool spa sits just above the pool and is a little warmer at just over 100°F.
There are sixteen small hot spring tubs at temperatures between 99 and 108°F. Each pool is connected via a heated walkway, perfect for keeping your feet toasty in the winter. This geothermal water has a complete changeover every two hours. A creek returns the cleaned water to the Colorado River.
All offer outstanding views of the surrounding formations including Iron Mountain, Red Mountain, the Flat Tops, and Mount Sopris. There’s a quiet zone that surrounds the soaking pools, ensuring everyone gets the relaxation they deserve. Each guest can soak in any of the pools for up to 3 hours per reservation during their allotted time, or freely come and go if they’ve purchased an all-day pass.
3 main natural hot springs emerge on the property and fill each of the smaller pools, nicknamed Gamba, Hobo, and CDOT. Each is geothermally heated and contributes up to 400 gallons of mineral water into the pools per minute.
There are 14 minerals in the waters at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, one of the most abundant being iron (shocking, right?). Others include sulfate, chloride, sodium, and calcium. The resort warns that iron tends to stain swimsuits, so bring an old suit that you don’t mind potentially discoloring.
Dining
Outside food and beverages are not allowed into Iron Mountain, except for reusable water bottles. There is a great cafe on the property that serves a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages to hold you over while you spend the day soaking.
There are several simple sandwiches, veggie and fruit trays, a charcuterie board, flatbreads, and a few salads on the menu. If you have a sweet tooth, Sunshine & Moons is a local bakery that delivers goodies daily. Treats include two types of brownies or cookies, soft serve ice cream, or a root beer float.
Sopris shines when it comes to its beverage collection, featuring smoothies, fountain drinks, and some hot options as well if it’s a little chilly outside. They serve wine and beer either on tap or canned. Cocktails are either housemade or canned for your convenience, ranging from Jack and Coke to a fruity Miami Vice or a frozen Horchata Colada.
Shopping
Browse Iron Mountain’s selection of specialty products, many of which are locally crafted. It’s a great place to pick up a present for a loved one or simply a souvenir for yourself. If you’re visiting spontaneously and don’t have any swim gear, the shop has you covered with swimsuits, towels, robes, and sandals.
Pick up a wool poncho, fleece sweatshirt, or super soft cotton t-shirt with the hot springs logo on it to remember your soothing soak. Or opt for a handcrafted soap made with healing mineral water, a shower steamer, or a bath bomb to continue the relaxation at home.
Nearby Activities
If you want to check out other hot springs in the area, consider the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Yampah Vapor Caves. Two primitive options are undeveloped and require a short hike: Penny Hot Springs and South Canyon Hot Springs.
Speaking of hikes, Hanging Lake is a short 10-minute drive east and is one of the most popular treks in Colorado. If you’re into adrenaline chasing, Glenwood Springs is home to both paragliding and skydiving companies to get some aerial views of the beautiful mountain town.
Across the way is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a unique attraction featuring both natural and manmade wonders. Take a walking tour deep into the Glenwood Caverns and explore the vast cave rooms that sit underneath the town. Once you’re back above ground, hop on a thrilling ride on one of the park’s rollercoasters or high-flying zipline.
Details
Address: 281 Centennial Dr, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 970-945-4766
Season: Year-round, closed Christmas and Thanksgiving
Hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Clothing: Required
Website: ironmountainhotsprings.com