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Have you ever been in a natural hot spring where you just soak in the warm water all day while allowing the minerals to penetrate your skin and relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul? Well, if you haven’t, you need to put that on your bucket list, ASAP!
I know you’re probably thinking that you have to go to The Blue Lagoon in Iceland or Saturnia Hot Springs in Italy and that may not be in your budget right. Well, I’m here to tell you, YOU DON’T. That’s right, you can visit the world’s largest hot spring pool right here in the good ‘ol USA, just a short day trip from Denver.
There is no shortage of Colorado hot springs to choose from, but if you want to visit the best, and largest, look no further than Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
How Big is the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool?
The Glenwood Hot Springs pool is 405 feet long and 100 feet wide. It contains over a million gallons of water and the pool is kept at a relaxing 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year long.
How Deep is the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool?
Just like any other swimming pool, there are varying depths. There is a shallow end and a deep end with a diving board and 4 lap lanes. A majority of the pool is around 4-5 feet deep.
How Do I Get To Glenwood Springs?
Glenwood Hot Springs is the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, with gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It will take you around 2 and a half hours (157 miles) from Denver and around 1 and a half hours (86 miles) from Grand Junction.
To get to Glenwood Springs, you will most likely drive down I-70 through the gorgeous Glenwood Canyon. The kids will enjoy being on the lookout for mountain goats! Raelyn and I had a competition on who could spot one first … she won!
Keep in mind, the weather constantly changes and road closures are very common, especially through the canyon. You need to continuously check the CoTrip website for road closures and detours.
When is the Best Time to Visit the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool?
Glenwood Hot Springs is open all year round to the public. What time of year to visit is going to all depend on your preference and what else you would like to do while you are in town.
If you choose to visit in the winter months, you will get a more sauna-like experience as the air temperatures will be much cooler. But if you are in town to visit some of the world renowned Colorado ski resorts nearby, then a nice warm soak in the hot springs may be just what you need after a long day on the slopes! How fun would it be to swim in the hot springs while it’s snowing outside?!
The summer months are going to provide much nicer outdoor temperatures, perfect for laying in the sun next to the pool. But with the warmer temperatures brings much heavier crowds. In the summer, they also have a small kiddie pool, water slides and a diving board open for your enjoyment as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool?
The cost at Glenwood Hot Springs pool will vary depending on the time of year you choose to visit. Expect to pay between $26-37 per adult, $18-23 for kids ages 3-12, and kids under 3 are free. The off season runs from mid-September to May, with the exception of spring break in March. Whereas, the peak season is from the end of May to the beginning of September.
We visited at the beginning of September. It was crowded, but we were still able to find room and pool chairs to hold our things and the weather was still pretty warm.
Don’t worry, if you need/want to leave the pool during the day you can return at any time with your handstamp.
If you choose to stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, however, your day passes to the pool are included with your stay.
What Should I Bring to the Pool?
My number one recommendation, especially if you are traveling with small children or babies, is to bring a float! Check out this one from Amazon. This allowed Jake some freedom to play in the water without one of us having to hold him the whole time. I really liked how this had the part where you could put it around your waist as well as the shade over his head.
You should also bring some pool toys, such as balls or noodles, that the kids can play with. Jake loved playing with the beach balls!
The sulfate in the water can irritate your eyes, so goggles are another thing you must bring for your kids. I personally didn’t need them, but I don’t go under water. Raelyn on the other hand was under water more than she was above so the goggles really helped keep her eyes free from irritation.
A waterproof phone case or underwater camera are great things to have too. You are definitely going to want to get photos of your family in the pool so having the convenience of a phone case that is waterproof helps keep the worry away from accidentally dropping your phone to the bottom of the hot spring pool.
Last, but not least, sunscreen!! There are over 300 sunny days in Colorado per year, so make sure you lather yourself, and the kids, up to stay protected!
Towels are provided to guests for your convenience and they also provide locker rooms with showers and changing areas.
If you forget, the gift shop at the resort has some things available for purchase.
Where Should I Stay in Glenwood Springs?
As I mentioned before, if you stay with Glenwood Hot Springs Resort you will receive free admission to the hot springs pool.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT
However, we chose to stay right across the road at the Hotel Colorado. Since we did not stay on property our admission to the pool was NOT included, so it cost us about $100 for Kory, myself, and Raelyn – Jacob was free. The Hotel Colorado website does say that they do have packages available that include pool admission, so check before you book! I’m not sure why we were told there were no packages available.
The Hotel Colorado is the most iconic hotel in Glenwood Springs and is filled with rich history. It’s been a long time favorite of Presidents and other famous people. Theodore Roosevelt used to frequent the hotel and so did Al Capone.
Speaking of Theodore Roosevelt, the ‘Teddy Bear’ was actually created right here at Hotel Colorado. The story goes that President Roosevelt was staying at the hotel during one of his hunting trips. He kept coming back every day so discouraged that he didn’t get a bear, so some of the staff sewed him up a stuffed bear and just like that, the teddy bear was born!
Guests can even stay in the Roosevelt Suite!
Click here to read more about the iconic Hotel Colorado!
Interested in staying at Hotel Colorado? CLICK HERE TO BOOK!
Where Do I Eat in Glenwood Springs?
Just a short walk across the bridge from Hotel Colorado you will find a street full of restaurants, such as, Juicy Lucy’s, CO Ranch House, and KC Wing House and Sports Bar.
I loved the hanging lights that illuminated the street.
A great place for breakfast is the restaurant inside Hotel Colorado. They have a small menu but their Denver omelet was the best I have ever had.
Conclusion: The World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool
Hopefully this has convinced you that you NEED to put a trip to Glenwood Hot Springs on your bucket list. Have you ever visited a Colorado hot spring?
