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Colorado hot springs resort getting its biggest expansion in 135 years

The project is the largest in the resort's 135-year history. The water for the new pools will come from the resort's Source Spring and will vary in temperature.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado hot springs pool that has been delighting visitors since 1888 is nearing the end of a new expansion project.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is putting the finishing touches on its east end expansion project and expects to open the new area in late May.

The resort's new Yampah Mineral Baths area includes five new swimming pools, a new shade pergola, and outdoor lounging area with a hearth. The expansion project also will see the return of the resort's drinking spring.

The new swimming area will add a hot plunge and a cold plunge pool, an infinity edge pool, a grotto-like pool with a waterfall, and another pool with a waterfall.

"We have a waterfall pool, an infinity edge pool. We'll have a water wall on this pool while creating sound to make it a relaxation, rejuvenation, adult-oriented area," said Scott Gagnepain. "We'll have a cold plunge and a medium plunge pool, and about 100,000 gallons of water roughly will be in this area." 

Like the resort's existing pools, the new swimming areas will vary in temperature and be sourced from its Yampa Source Spring, which provides the resort with a continuous flow of 122°F mineral-laden water.

No reservations will be needed to access the new Yampah Mineral Baths as guests can come and go as they please throughout the day. The pools will be available to all ages until late in the day when it transitions to adults only.

Credit: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Rendering of new pool area.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort began the expansion project in March 2023.

"Yampah Mineral Baths is geared toward adults seeking a peaceful and meditative experience in hot springs pools that are carefully placed and thoughtfully designed to be large enough for spreading out and relaxing. As you dip in and out of the warm and cold-plunge pools, the lounging area provides a place for respite surrounded by mountain beauty," said Glenwood Hot Springs Resort President and CEO Kevin Flohr. "It’s also fun to see the actual Yampah Source Spring that supplies our pools with geothermal waters and fill a water bottle at the drinking spring."

Construction of the new pools has not affected existing pools. The other pools remain open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily including the 1.2-million gallon main pool and 91,000-gallon therapy pool.

The expansion is taking place on the east side of the resort which previously was home to a kids' pool, but has been closed for several years.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort pools

  • Existing Grand Pool - 90° to 93°F for playing, swimming laps, diving, floating and communing with friends.
  • Existing Therapy Pool - 104°F for soaking.
  • New Yampah Mineral Baths pools:
    • Cascade Waters – Soothes the senses and mind with the sounds of a waterfall. 100° to 104°F.
    • Sacred Waters – Iinfinity-edge pool with an expansive view to encourage feelings of harmony and well-being. 97° to 102°F.
    • Falling Waters – Stand beneath the waterfalls in the grotto for a natural massage on shoulders, neck and back. 95° to 100°F.
    • Inhale – Cold-water therapy to help with inflammation, stress, mind clarity, muscle recovery, circulation and nervous system regulation. 52° to °60F.
    • Exhale – Less extreme cold-contrast bath to help speed recovery after an injury, ease joint and muscle pain, and increase focus and energy levels. 75° to °80F.

Yampah Mineral Baths is the third phase of a multiyear plan at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. A fourth phase will be announced later this year.

Sopris Splash Zone opened on the west end in 2019 with the Shoshone Chutes whitewater river tube ride and a splash pad.

In June 2022, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort reopened its hot Therapy Pool following a four-month closure for renovations and repairs. The pool had not had any significant work since the 1960s, the resort said.

Visitors to the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort know the Therapy Pool for its scalding 104-degree goodness, in which soaking is recommended for only 10-minute intervals. The main hot springs pool is kept at a relatively cool 90 degrees.

The resort said the renovation work allowed the Therapy Pool to get a new ADA ramp along with more features that are on the way, including therapy jet chairs and power shower clusters.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort also reopened its renovated its bathhouse featuring new flooring, wall treatments, fixtures, sound system, LED lighting and complimentary lockers.

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