Glenwood Springs Iron Mountain Hot Springs

One of my favorite mountain getaways in Colorado is easily accessible, right along I-70. Glenwood Springs is a fun town tucked away in a beautiful Rocky Mountain canyon. And they’ve got a terrific, natural resource trick up their sleeve… some of the best hot springs pools in the nation! This includes my family’s favorite place to relax and soak in those healthy minerals, Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

I recommend Glenwood Springs as a Colorado destination every chance I get, as there is plenty to do on an overnight stay here.  You can even learn a bit about the fascinating Wild West history of the area, or weave that learning in with some nature time by hiking to Doc Holliday’s grave. But no matter what you do, the hot springs pools are a must-do.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs pools are all outdoors. You’ll find nice landscaping surrounding your choice of 16 unique geothermal mineral soaking pools. Each pool at Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a varying temperature, and nice mountain views along the Colorado River.

We love that each pool has a different temperature. This works really well if you want to soak and enjoy yourself for literally hours. You can switch to a lower temp pool when you feel overheated, say a 99 degree one.  Or when you’re feeling all kinds of risk-taker crazy, you can pop over to the 108 degree, and see how long you last.

Mineral Content

Signs throughout the facility highlight the benefits of the 14 naturally occurring minerals in the water, which can be absorbed through the skin during your soak.

Mileage may vary on this, but we swear the minerals aid in soothing any aches and pains. True story. My 14 year old daughter strained a tendon in her leg. She had been taking Tylenol for the pain for 3 days prior to our Iron Mountain visit.  One afternoon spent soaking in the pools made her pain go away.

But whether the minerals heal you all up and make you feel happy (some like “zinc” and “lithium” are said to elevate mood) or not, you WILL end up much more relaxed!

Facilities

Iron Mountain Hot Springs has spared no expense with the aesthetics of this amazing new place. It’s really beautiful. Locker rooms are very nicely done, and lockers with customizable locks are free to use.

There are several showers available for use, and each provides shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.  On busy days, we have occasionally had to wait for a use of a shower stall. But no more 5 minutes or so.

Hair driers and a swimsuit wringer are also available.  Grab a plastic bag for your wet suit from the dispenser roll in the hallway, outside of the locker room.  For some reason, they don’t have these next to the wringer machine.

No Outside Food or Drink Allowed

This one’s kindof a bummer.  Iron Mountain Hot Springs does not allow any outside food or drink to be brought in, other than a water bottle (which I highly recommend).  They even search your bags upon entry, and have you surrender any rouge drink containers or bags of chips.  It’s too bad they are so strict about this, as my family often spends many hours at a time here… and we get hangry!

There is a snack concession stand that serves decent food, including warm items like a flatbread pizza. Our favorite affordable choice is the $1.50 giant cookie.

There are two water fountain stations, with a easy water bottle dispenser for refills.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs Directions and Cost

This is not a cheap adventure. But that’s why we always plan at least a half day here. My entire family enjoys it enough that it is worth the admission to us.

Rates vary with the season, and even the day of week. During the non-peak (colder months) season, adults are anywhere from $20-25.  We love going in winter even more than summer!

It’s a little confusing to navigate to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, although you can see it easily from the interstate. It’s right in the heart of town though, so you can’t miss it.  Their website include a Google map of the location.

Be aware you can hear some sounds from being close to the interstate and train tracks. I think the speakers scattered throughout the facility playing spa music alleviates this nicely, but some people find the traffic sounds annoying.

Webcam

If you want to check out the current action or crowds, you can view the Iron Mountain webcam!

Tips for Families

• Bring along:  robe, sandals, water bottle, towel, and maybe a stocking hat (in winter) or sunglasses. Towels are also available to rent for $2. Each pool has a tree towel rack to hang your towel on. It it’s chilly, you’ll want to wrap up when switching between pools.
• There is a larger swimming pool for kids to play, that is still heated enough to use in winter. We’ve seen a lifeguard on duty during peak times, but often there is no lifeguard.
• If you want to watch over your children from a warmer spot, there is a large more traditional hot tub with jets along one end of the family pool. Shown in photo below, it’s the raised wall area.
• You can spend several hours at Iron Mountain Hot Springs! If you do need to leave, your wristband will allow you to re-enter on the same day.  Go early, as I don’t believe there are any discounts for late arrivals.
• Snacks, drinks, and alcohol are available for purchase. No outside food or (non-water) drinks allowed.
• Kids must be age 5 to be in the quiet pools area, otherwise they’ll need to stay in the family pool.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs vs Glenwood Hot Springs

The relaxing Iron Mountain Hot Springs has something for everyone, with a larger swimming pool for kids to play as well as quiet pools for grown ups to relax.  There is another large hot springs pool in town, the Glenwood Hot Springs.  That one has been there for years, and is also nice.  However, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is much newer and has a different, preferable (in my opinion) layout.

The spa like environment is lovely, with soothing music piped in around the hot springs pools area.  Again because they are new, the bathroom and showering facilities are nicer.  We also love the location along the Colorado River, and you can often watch geese come and go – especially in winter.

If your kids are over the age of 5, which is the requirement to be in the quiet pools area, Iron Mountain is the hot springs I’d recommend.

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