Quick Facts
Distance from Denver: 157 miles (2.5 hrs). Pool Size: Two city blocks. Day Pass: $32-36. Temperature: 90-104°F.
Glenwood Hot Springs is the most iconic hot springs destination in Colorado. Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest natural hot springs pool, this facility spans over two city blocks and has been drawing visitors since 1888.
Located in downtown Glenwood Springs along the Colorado River, this is the hot springs experience most visitors picture when they think of Colorado - a massive pool, historic lodge, and the spectacular Glenwood Canyon just minutes away.
The Pools
Main Pool (The Big Pool)
Temperature: 90-93°F. 405 ft long. Over 1 million gallons of mineral water. This is the famous one - large enough for actual swimming. Diving board, lap lanes, and plenty of space to spread out. Cooler temperature makes it comfortable for extended stays.
Therapy Pool
Temperature: 104°F. 100 ft long. The hot one. Smaller but significantly warmer than the main pool. Jets, deeper water, and the traditional "hot spring soak" experience. This is where you go to really relax those muscles.
Best Strategy: Start in the therapy pool to warm up, then move to the main pool for swimming and lounging. The temperature contrast feels incredible, and you can go back and forth as many times as you want.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs actually has two hot springs facilities. Iron Mountain Hot Springs opened in 2015 and offers a completely different experience:
- 16 smaller pools at varying temperatures (99-108°F)
- More intimate - quiet, adults-focused atmosphere
- Colorado River views - pools overlooking the river
- Higher price point ($32-38) but more peaceful
- Freshwater pool for cooling off
Which to Choose? Glenwood Hot Springs Pool for families, swimming, and the iconic experience. Iron Mountain for couples, relaxation, and a more upscale vibe. If you have time, do both.
Getting to Glenwood Springs
Address: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
From Denver, take I-70 West through the Eisenhower Tunnel and Glenwood Canyon. It's one of the most scenic drives in Colorado - sheer canyon walls rising 1,000+ feet on both sides. The hot springs are right in downtown Glenwood Springs, impossible to miss.
I-70 Traffic: This is the main ski route from Denver. Avoid Sunday afternoons in winter (ski traffic returning to Denver). Weekday visits are significantly less crowded both on the road and at the pools.
Prices & Hours (2026)
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
- Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM daily (extended summer hours)
- Adults: $32 weekday, $36 weekend
- Children (3-12): $22 weekday, $24 weekend
- Seniors (65+): $29 weekday, $33 weekend
- Towel Rental: $5
- Locker Rental: $7
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
- Hours: 9 AM - 10 PM daily
- Adults: $32-38 (varies by time)
- Children (6-15): $22-28
- Under 6: Not permitted
Glenwood Hot Springs Phone: (970) 945-6571
Website: hotspringspool.com
Where to Stay
The Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is connected directly to the pool - you can walk from your room to the pool in your robe. Premium rooms have pool views. Rates include unlimited pool access during your stay.
Downtown Glenwood Springs has plenty of other options from budget motels to boutique hotels. The town is very walkable - anything downtown puts you within a 10-minute walk of the hot springs.
What Else to Do in Glenwood Springs
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Thrill rides on top of a mountain, caves tours, incredible views
- Hanging Lake: One of Colorado's most famous hikes (permit required)
- Glenwood Canyon: Bike the paved trail, raft the Colorado River
- Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves: Natural underground steam caves
- Downtown: Restaurants, breweries, shops in a historic mountain town
Insider Tips
- Visit at night. The pool is open until 9-10 PM. Evening soaking under the stars, with the canyon walls lit up, is magical.
- Bring your own towel. Rental towels are small. A full-size beach towel from home is worth the space.
- Winter is best. Steam rising off the massive pool, snow on the mountains, fewer crowds. Peak experience.
- Book the lodge. Unlimited pool access and the ability to go back to your room and rest makes the experience much better.
- Do the drive through Glenwood Canyon. Don't just go straight to the pool. The canyon is spectacular - stop at rest areas and take it in.
- Combine with skiing. Glenwood is between Vail and Aspen. Ski all day, soak all night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glenwood Hot Springs worth it?
Yes, if you want the full Colorado hot springs experience. The scale is impressive - it really is unlike any other hot springs you've visited. Just don't expect a quiet, intimate soak. This is a major tourist attraction.
How crowded does Glenwood Hot Springs get?
Very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in summer. The pool is huge, so it absorbs crowds better than smaller hot springs, but expect to share space. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Glenwood Hot Springs vs Iron Mountain - which is better?
Different experiences. Glenwood is iconic, family-friendly, and you can actually swim. Iron Mountain is intimate, quiet, and better for couples seeking relaxation. If you only have time for one, families choose Glenwood, couples choose Iron Mountain.
Can you bring food to Glenwood Hot Springs?
Outside food is not allowed in the pool area, but they have a cafe on-site with typical pool snacks, burgers, and sandwiches.
Is the water really hot?
The main pool is warm but not hot (90-93°F) - comfortable for swimming. The therapy pool is genuinely hot at 104°F. If you want HOT, go to the therapy pool.