Founded in 1888, the city of Glenwood Springs was first named Defiance, Colorado and renamed Glenwood after the city of Glenwood, Iowa. It was renamed in an effort to help relieve the homesickness of the explorer-founder’s wife.
History
American Indians, fascinated by the area’s 50 hot mineral springs and its natural vapor caves, first discovered the area and settled in the region. Water from Mount Clemens feeds the springs, which contain as many as 34 different minerals, which are used for drinking and bathing. Water from the springs is rich is sulfate, nitrate, zinc, potassium and other elements.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is more than 100 years old and is the world's largest natural spring pool. Other interesting natural features in the area include the breathtaking Glenwood Canyon, Spouting Rock Creek, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glenwood Caverns and Fairy Caves.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Visitors from all over the world come to Glenwood Hot Springs to soak in the warm outdoor pool, the therapy pool, and the kiddie pool. Guests can also enjoy hydrotherapy sessions and other treatments at the Rocky Mountain Spa. Year-round, the pool is maintained at 90-93 degrees Fahrenheit and the therapy pool is kept at around 104 degrees. Guests with arthritis report experiencing relief within minutes of stepping into the pool. The natural mineral elements of the springs are especially beneficial for joint and muscle disorders.
Lodging
Guests staying at the Glenwood Springs Lodge receive complimentary pool access as well as access to the Athletic Club, which offers wellness classes. From September 10-30, 2009, guests receive 15 percent off on room rates from Sunday through Thursday. Guests who schedule a two-day Body & Soul Package spa escape receive 20 percent off on their rooms. For details, contact the Hot Springs.
Spa of the Rockies
Spa of the Rockies, located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, offers numerous massage procedures, hydrotherapy therapies and wellness center offerings. The spa focuses on healing the body as well as the spirit and is committed to natural, mineral-based treatments, aromatherapy, and the use of indigenous plants and herbs that promote wellbeing and vitality.
Signature treatments include a High Altitude Adjustment Massage, Kneipp Leg Release Massage Treatments, Signature Mineral Baths and Father Kneipp’s Herbal Relaxation Soaks.
The vapor caves in the region are the perfect setting for the Yampah Hot Springs and Spa. Situated along the Colorado River, this natural hot springs has attracted visitors for more than a century. Before the area was discovered by white men in the mid-1800s, the Ute Indians dwelled in the region and took advantage of the natural hot springs.
The original Ute cave was located on the south side of the river and used until 1887 when it was sealed off by the railroad. Vapor Cave #3 and the Hot Springs Complex were developed in the 1880s when the cave received an enclosed entrance and electricity was installed.
Today, the high content of sulfur and other therapeutic minerals attracts guests to the Yampah Spa, Vapor Caves and Mineral Baths. Guests can receive a wealth of treatments at the modern day spa, which was extensively renovated in 1990, or they can relax on a marble slap in the sauna-like Vapor Caves.
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