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Soak Up Some Family Fun in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Hot Springs & Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Sponsored Content

By Nicole Hoeper, Publisher of Macaroni Kid Colorado Springs April 12, 2018


When our family decided that a vacation right here in Colorado would be the best fit for us over Spring Break, we decided to knock off an item from our bucket list. We wanted to find a location that had some fun for kids, relaxation for adults & beautiful surroundings. Swimming in 35-45 degree temperatures was just the icing on the cake! Just kidding! Actually, the thought of swimming in the hot springs was the part that my husband & I thought would help create lasting memories of our trip both for us & our kids. And it was! The pool lifeguards were dressed in "ski patrol" gear & we got a laugh every time an adult was asked to not run on the pool deck, perky nips. I mean, we really wanted to hustle once we got out of the water.

Our trip included a stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge with access to the pool. We purchased the Winter Caverns Adventure Package, so we got a little bit of a room discount & we could then plan a day to go to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. We were awe-struck by the size of the hot springs pools at Glenwood Hot Springs & found ourselves searching for all of the little holes where the nice, hot water entered in at. Our kids were happy to be able to bring pool floats into the water for some added fun. 

We soaked in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs for a day. #BestSoakEver! Seriously! This was our favorite part of the trip. They have 16 soaking pools, all temped differently. Our kids enjoyed testing each one out that was bearable enough to be in & liked checking out the rocks from a couple of the pools that were rock-bottomed. There were a few pools that were rather hot! Hot to us was 102 degrees & up. The "spa" feel to Iron Mountain Hot Springs was relaxing &we felt like we had been treated to a spa day after being there.

We wrapped up our stay in Glenwood by heading up in the bright red gondolas to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Some of our favorite attractions there were the Haunted Mine Drop, the Alpine Coaster & the Fairy Caves which are absolutely stunning! We got quite the thrill riding the gondolas to & from the park as well. 

Thinking about a Colorado stay-cation? Glenwood Springs is the perfect fit!




~Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located on top of Iron Mountain overlooking Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s home to the Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves, a dozen attractions, mountain-top dining and concerts, and lots of family-friendly activities. After a scenic ride in an enclosed gondola, you’ll arrive at the only mountain-top theme park in America. The Adventure Park boasts many one-of-a-kind attractions and accolades, including:

The Haunted Mine Drop - It’s the only drop ride in the world to go underground, plunging you 110 feet down inside Iron Mountain in total darkness. It was named one of the 12 Most Anticipated Theme Park Rides of 2017 by USA TODAY.

The Alpine Coaster - Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was the first to bring an alpine coaster to the United States. It was named one of the 10 Best Roller-Coaster Rides of Your Life by USA TODAY and Park World magazine. 

The Giant Canyon Swing - It launches you out into Glenwood Canyon, 1300 feet above the Colorado River, at speeds up to 48 mph as you pull 3.5 Gs. USA TODAY named it one of the 10 Most Extreme Theme Park Rides in the USA.

Glenwood Caverns and the Historic Fairy Caves - Take mild or wild tours of the largest show cave in Colorado, with the most highly decorated cave room in the state. It’s been recognized twice by USA TODAY as a top cave tour in the USA and remains the park’s top attraction.

The Cliffhanger Roller Coaster - At 7,160 feet above sea level, it’s the highest-elevation, full-sized roller coaster in America. It takes your breath away as it curves on the edge of Glenwood Canyon, 1,300 feet above the Colorado River.  

You can also enjoy the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, Glenwood Canyon Flyer, Mine Wheel, Wild West Express family coaster, a 4D Motion Theater, a Western-themed laser tag arena, the General Store gift shop and the Lookout Grille

During the winter months, the park shines with more than a half million lights during Winter on the Mountain. A giant, musical Christmas tree, fire pits for roasting s’mores, lighted nighttime rides on the Alpine Coaster, live music and visit from Santa and carolers make your holidays even brighter. 

During the summer and fall, Music on the Mountain concerts offer a chance to enjoy music under the stars free with the donation of a canned food item. Since its inception in 2009, the park has collected more than 62,000 cans of food for our local food pantries and in support of disaster relief. 

The park is located just off I-70, midway between Aspen and Vail. Visit Glenwood Caverns online for hours of operation and pricing. Some rides and attractions are seasonal; you can find out what’s open on our website as well.



Follow Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenwoodCaverns/

Instagram: @glenwoodcaverns

Twitter: @glenwoodcaverns

#mountaintopthemepark

#glenwoodcaverns


~Glenwood Hot Springs

The world-famous Glenwood Hot Springs, located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies at Glenwood Springs, has been helping people feel wonderful for over a century. While much at the landmark resort has changed since 1888, much has stayed the same. Visitors still come to Glenwood Hot Springs primarily to relax and enjoy themselves. The two enormous pools, open daily until 10 p.m. all year, are perennially popular. At bathwater-warm temperature, the large pool is ideal for splashing, playing, lap swimming and diving; the smaller therapy pool, hovering at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, is perfect for soaking and socializing.

For additional relaxation, head to the Spa of the Rockies, located inside the historic bathhouse building. The focus at the award-winning spa is on health and wellness. Botanicals, minerals and other nourishing organic ingredients are used in virtually every treatment including massage, body treatments, facials, and even nail services. The Spa of the Rockies has won SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice awards for “Best Mineral Springs Spa,” for three consecutive years.

When visiting Glenwood Hot Springs, many guests choose to stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, the property’s 107-room hotel. Each room welcomes guests with spa-like ambiance reflected in the fine linens, serene colors and beautifully appointed bathrooms. New technological upgrades include large flat screen televisions, state-of-the-art in-room safes, wireless connectivity, and connections for smartphones and gaming. Every stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge includes unlimited pool admission and a complimentary full breakfast at the poolside restaurant. Other Glenwood Hot Springs amenities include the Athletic Club, a premier fitness center; and The Shop, a retail boutique featuring swimwear and sportswear. A miniature golf course, two water slides, and a kiddie pool operate seasonally.


Follow Glenwood Hot Springs on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenwoodHotSprings/

Instagram: @glenwoodhotsprings

Twitter: @HotSpringsPool


~Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Nestled alongside the Colorado River in scenic Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the all-natural hot springs experience you’ve been searching for. You’ll find 16 soaking pools nestled on the bank, each a little different, but all filled with pure, hot, mineral water. 

Temperatures in the soaking pools range from 98 to 108° Fahrenheit, and views vary from pool to pool, which allows you to tailor your visit to fit your mood. Two even have pebbles on the bottom so that you can massage your feet while you soak. All are surrounded by a quiet zone to help you relax, recharge and rejuvenate. 

In the mountain region for a ski trip? Head here for an après-ski soak after a long day on the slopes. We’re less than an hour from Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Buttermilk and our hometown Sunlight Mountain Resort. 

In addition to our soaking pools, we have a freshwater family pool that’s kept around 93° with an elevated, jetted whirlpool that’s a little warmer at about 103°. Visit our poolside Sopris Café for warm and cold beverages, snacks, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and more. Over 21? You can choose from a wide variety of craft beers, canned cocktails and wine. 

Our lodge-style bathhouse features free lockers, bottle-filling stations and beautifully appointed locker rooms with our private-label body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The retail shop in our lobby is filled with souvenirs, casual and swimwear, lotions, soaps and necessities in case you’ve forgotten something. 

Come for a soak soon, and find out why Iron Mountain Hot Springs was named the Best Wellness Centre in Colorado by the Luxury Travel Guide and Locals’ Choice for Best Date Spot and Best Place to View the Sunset. 


Follow Iron Mountain Hot Springs on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IronMountainHotSprings

Instagram: @ironmountainhotsprings

Twitter: @IronMtnHotSprgs

#bestsoakever

#ironmountainhotsprings


*Disclaimer: I was provided activities for me and my family for the purpose of this article. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.