Glenwood Hot Springs Pool: The Complete Visitor Guide
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. The main pool stretches 405 feet long, holds more than a million gallons of geothermal water, and has been open to the public since 1888. A smaller therapy pool sits next to it at a hotter 100 to 104°F, and both are fed by the Yampah Spring, which pushes out about 3.5 million gallons of mineral water a day at 122°F before it's cooled for swimmers.
The pool sits in downtown Glenwood Springs, right off I-70 at exit 116, about 2.5 hours west of Denver and 40 minutes from Aspen. It's open 365 days a year, including Christmas. Winter visits when steam rises off the water against snow on the Flat Tops is the experience most regulars rate highest. This guide covers tickets, hours, what's actually on-site, when to go, and how it compares to the other big hot springs in Colorado.
What You'll Learn
- Quick stats at a glance
- Where it is and how to get there
- Pool prices and tickets
- The two pools and what they feel like
- What's on-site
- Best time to visit
- What to bring
- Glenwood vs other Colorado hot springs
- Common visitor mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
Quick stats at a glance
- Location: 401 N. River Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM, 365 days a year (extended to 10 PM in peak summer)
- Main pool size: 405 feet long, 100 feet wide, holds 1,071,000 gallons
- Main pool temperature: 90 to 93°F year-round
- Therapy pool temperature: 100 to 104°F
- Source spring: Yampah Spring, 3.5 million gallons a day at 122°F
- Adult day pass (as of 2026): Expect roughly $32 in winter, $36 in summer
- Child day pass (ages 3-12): Expect roughly $22 winter, $26 summer
- Children under 3: Free
- Parking: Free for pool guests in the on-site lot
- Max capacity: About 2,500 swimmers (rarely reached except summer Saturdays)
- Open: 365 days a year, including Christmas Day
Where it is and how to get there
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is in downtown Glenwood Springs on the north side of the Colorado River. The main entrance is at 401 N. River Street, directly across the pedestrian bridge from the historic Hotel Colorado.
From Denver (2.5 hours, 160 miles):
- I-70 west all the way to Glenwood Springs
- Take Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs)
- Follow signs north over the Colorado River
- Pool is on the right, you'll see it from the highway
From Aspen (40 minutes):
- Highway 82 north to Glenwood Springs
- Merge onto I-70 west briefly
- Exit 116, same as above
From Grand Junction (90 minutes):
- I-70 east to Exit 116
From Vail (45 minutes):
- I-70 west to Exit 116
Parking is in the main lot directly adjacent to the bathhouse. It's free with pool admission but fills by mid-morning on summer Saturdays. Overflow parking is available across the river in downtown Glenwood Springs, about a 10-minute walk over the pedestrian bridge.
For visitors making a longer trip to the area, see our hikes near Glenwood Springs page for trails in the immediate area. Hanging Lake is about 15 minutes east on I-70, and the Hanging Lake trail guide covers permits and logistics for that hike.
Pool prices and tickets
Ticket prices change seasonally and Glenwood Hot Springs adjusts rates roughly once a year. As of 2026, expect the following ballpark figures. Always confirm at hotsprings.com before you drive over.
Summer rates (Memorial Day to Labor Day):
- Adult day pass: roughly $36
- Child (ages 3-12): roughly $26
- Senior (65+): roughly $32
- Under 3: free
Winter rates (Labor Day to Memorial Day):
- Adult day pass: roughly $32
- Child (ages 3-12): roughly $22
- Senior (65+): roughly $28
- Under 3: free
After 4 PM (twilight rate): Roughly $5 to $7 off the standard adult rate, available year-round. This is the best deal at the pool if you don't need a full day.
Season passes:
- Individual annual pass: roughly $375
- Family annual pass (4 people): roughly $1,100
- Passes pay for themselves in about 12 to 14 visits
Hotel guest rates: Guests at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge (the on-site hotel) get unlimited pool access included in the room rate. Guests at Hotel Colorado, the Hampton Inn, and a few other downtown hotels get discounted entry through partnership rates.
Tickets are available online (recommended on summer weekends) or at the front desk. The pool sells day passes that include re-entry, so you can leave for lunch and come back the same day on one ticket.
The two pools and what they feel like
The Glenwood Hot Springs facility has two pools, and they serve different purposes.
The main pool (405 feet, 90 to 93°F)
This is the famous one. Two football fields long, 100 feet wide, big enough that you can swim laps in one section while kids play in another and a third group floats on the far end. The temperature sits in the warm-bath range (90 to 93°F), which means you can stay in it for hours without overheating.
The shallow end is 3 to 4 feet deep and good for families with younger kids. The deep end runs about 5.5 feet. Two waterslides drop into a designated splash area on the east end. Lap lanes are roped off on the south side most mornings.
The pool drains and refills completely every six hours through continuous geothermal flow, which is why the water stays clean without the heavy chlorine smell of an indoor public pool.
The therapy pool (100 to 104°F)
The smaller pool sits at the west end of the bathhouse and holds about 100,000 gallons. Temperature runs 100 to 104°F, which is hot tub territory. Most people last 15 to 30 minutes before they need to cool off in the main pool.
The therapy pool is technically not restricted by age, but it's where adults go when they want to soak rather than swim. Kids tend to bounce between the slides and the main pool. The therapy pool is also where most of the sulfur smell is most noticeable, because the mineral water is closer to source temperature here.
What's on-site
The Glenwood Hot Springs complex is more than the pools. The 2026 facility includes:
Bathhouse: Locker rooms with day-use lockers (free with admission, you provide the lock or rent one for a few dollars), showers, hair dryers, and changing rooms.
Towel rental: About $5 per towel. If you can, bring your own and save the cash.
Swim shop: Sells swimsuits, goggles, sandals, sunscreen, and souvenirs. Pricing is what you'd expect at a tourist destination, so come prepared if you can.
The Grill and Poolside Cafe: Casual food right at the pool deck. Burgers, salads, soft drinks, and a limited beer and wine list. Sandwiches run around $14 to $18.
Sopris Restaurant: Sit-down dining inside the lodge, slightly more upscale, dinner only.
Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge: The on-site hotel with 107 rooms. Pool access is included for guests. Rooms book up months in advance for summer weekends.
Mini-golf and athletic club: A small mini-golf course and a fitness center round out the property.
Spa of the Rockies: Full-service spa on the property offering massages, facials, and body treatments. Booking ahead is required.
Best time to visit
The pool is open year-round and the water temperature stays the same in January and July. What changes is the crowd and the experience.
Early morning (9 to 11 AM): Best for swimming laps and getting parking. Light crowds, fresh air, and on cold mornings the steam off the water is photogenic. Most regulars consider this the best window in any season.
Mid-day (11 AM to 4 PM): Peak crowds, especially on summer weekends. The slides have lines, lap lanes get repurposed, and the deck gets loud. Skip this window if you want a relaxed soak.
Twilight (4 PM to close): The twilight rate cuts the price by $5 to $7, the crowds thin after dinner, and on summer nights the temperature is perfect. After 7 PM in winter, you'll often have whole sections of the pool to yourself.
Weekdays vs weekends: Tuesday through Thursday are dramatically quieter than Saturday and Sunday. If you have flexibility, weekdays are the move.
Winter is the best season. Soaking in 92°F water while snow falls and steam rises around you is the iconic Glenwood Hot Springs experience. December through February has the best contrast between hot water and cold air. The pool is open Christmas Day and stays open during all but the heaviest blizzards. Pair it with a winter hike using our winter hiking guide for beginners and you have a strong winter weekend.
Summer peak (July weekends): The pool is busy but never feels overcrowded thanks to its sheer size. The biggest issue in summer is parking, not pool space.
What to bring
This isn't a backcountry trip, so the list is short.
Swimsuit: Required. The swim shop sells suits at tourist prices if you forget.
Towel: Bring your own to save the $5 rental.
Flip-flops or sandals: The pool deck gets hot in summer and cold in winter. Slip-on shoes are useful when you walk to the cafe or the lodge.
Water bottle: Refill stations are available throughout the property. Soaking in 92°F water is more dehydrating than people realize.
Sunscreen: Even in winter, the high-altitude sun (5,761 feet at Glenwood Springs) burns. SPF 30 minimum.
Lock: Day lockers are free but you need a lock. A combination lock from any drugstore works fine.
Goggles (optional): If you plan to swim laps in the main pool, bring them. The water is very lightly chlorinated and gentle on the eyes, but goggles make laps more comfortable.
Cash for tips: Towel attendants, locker-room staff, and the cafe servers all work for tips.
What to leave behind: No coolers, no outside food or drink, no glass containers, no inflatables larger than swim noodles, and no street clothes in the pool (you must wear a real swimsuit).
Glenwood vs other Colorado hot springs
Colorado has dozens of hot springs and Glenwood is the biggest and most accessible. Here's how it stacks up against the other heavyweights.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Largest, most developed, family-focused, year-round access, easy to reach off I-70. Best for families and first-time hot springs visitors.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs. A 10-minute walk from Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, on the south bank of the Colorado River. 16 small soaking pools at varying temperatures plus a freshwater family pool. Adults-only feel in most pools, more spa-like, no slides. Best for couples and travelers who want a quieter soak.
Yampah Spa Vapor Caves. Also in Glenwood Springs. Natural steam caves heated by the same Yampah Spring. Not a pool, you sit in 110 to 112°F mineral steam. Best for an unusual experience that goes well as a side trip on the same day.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs). Rustic outdoor pools at the end of a dirt road. Unimproved feel, clothing-optional after dark, no kids after sunset. Best for a backcountry hot springs experience, very different vibe from Glenwood.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool. A smaller, more affordable family pool in the San Juan Mountains. Five sections at different temperatures. Best for visitors to the southwest Colorado mountains.
Indian Hot Springs (Idaho Springs). 35 minutes west of Denver. Smaller, older, more eclectic. Includes the Geo-Thermal Cave Baths, basically warm-water private grottos. Best for a quick Denver day trip.
For a broader rundown including dispersed soaking spots, see our best hot springs in Colorado guide.
If you only have one hot springs stop on a Colorado trip and you have kids or family along, Glenwood is the right pick. If you're traveling as a couple and you want a quieter, more spa-like experience, walk 10 minutes south to Iron Mountain instead, or hit both on the same day with a twilight ticket at Glenwood.
Common visitor mistakes
Showing up at 10 AM on a summer Saturday without a ticket. The parking lot fills, the locker rooms are packed, and the cafe has a 20-minute wait. Book tickets online ahead of time and arrive at 9 AM or after 4 PM.
Not bringing flip-flops. The deck is hot in summer, cold in winter, and the walk from the locker room to the pool is long. Cheap flip-flops solve it.
Renting a towel every time. $5 a towel adds up fast for a family of four. Bring your own.
Staying in the therapy pool too long. At 104°F, 15 to 20 minutes is plenty for most people. Rotate to the main pool to cool off, then come back.
Forgetting to hydrate. The combination of hot water, dry Colorado air, and altitude pulls fluid faster than people expect. Drink water before, during, and after.
Skipping the twilight ticket. If you arrive after 4 PM, ask for the twilight rate. It saves $5 to $7 per adult and gets you the best part of the day for soaking.
Bringing a cooler. Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the facility. The cafe is fine but not cheap.
Visiting only in summer. Winter at Glenwood is the better experience. The pool's signature visual (steam rising off blue water against snow) only happens from November to March.
Underestimating sun exposure. The pool sits at 5,761 feet. Bald heads, shoulders, and noses burn faster than people expect, even on cool days.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hours at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool?
The pool is open 9 AM to 9 PM, 365 days a year, with extended hours to 10 PM in peak summer. The facility is open Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving.
How much does it cost to get in?
As of 2026, expect adult day passes around $32 in winter and $36 in summer. Children (3-12) are roughly $22 to $26. Children under 3 are free. A twilight rate (after 4 PM) saves $5 to $7 per adult.
Are kids allowed?
Yes. Kids are welcome in both pools, though most families spend their time in the main pool where the slides are. Children under 3 enter free. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Do you have to wear a swimsuit?
Yes. The pool is family-friendly and requires real swimwear. No cutoff shorts, no street clothes, no thongs. Swim shirts and rash guards are allowed and encouraged for sun protection.
Is alcohol allowed?
Beer and wine are served at the on-site Grill and Sopris Restaurant. Outside alcohol is not allowed, and you can't take alcoholic drinks into the pool area. The pool deck has designated areas where you can finish a drink before swimming.
Are there lockers?
Yes. Day-use lockers are free with admission. You need to bring your own combination lock or pick one up in the swim shop. Larger storage is available for bags and coats.
Is Glenwood Hot Springs Pool family-friendly?
Yes, it's the most family-friendly hot springs in Colorado. The main pool's warm temperature, two waterslides, shallow end, and continuous lifeguard staffing make it the right choice for families with younger kids. Iron Mountain Hot Springs (10 minutes away) is more spa-like and quieter, but Glenwood is the better choice for a family day.
Can you visit Glenwood Hot Springs in winter?
Yes, and winter is arguably the best time. The pool stays at 90 to 93°F regardless of the outside air temperature. Watching snow fall while soaking in warm mineral water is the classic Glenwood experience. The facility is open every day in winter except in rare cases of severe weather.
Final thoughts
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool earns its reputation. The combination of size (405 feet, more than a million gallons), age (operating continuously since 1888), and accessibility (right off I-70, open every day of the year) makes it the easiest and most reliable hot springs experience in Colorado.
The best strategy: come on a winter weekday at twilight, get the discounted rate, soak in the therapy pool until you're warm through, swim the length of the main pool a few times, and watch the steam rise as the sun drops behind the canyon walls. That's the Glenwood experience most regulars hold up as the gold standard, and at $25 to $30 with a twilight ticket, it's one of the better outdoor-recreation deals in Colorado.
For a full local picture, see our hikes near Glenwood Springs page, the Hanging Lake trail guide for the most popular hike in the area, and our best hot springs in Colorado guide if you're piecing together a hot springs road trip across the state.
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