Skip the Transatlantic Flight This Summer: These Hot Springs in Colorado are Just as Relaxing as the Geothermal Waters of Europe

Instead of having to embark on a transatlantic flight to soak in some rejuvenating hot spring water, head to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This quaint town is less than a three-hour drive from Denver, and can be a wonderful place to relax without needing a passport. The geothermal waters of Glenwood Springs have been renowned for centuries for their healing properties. Hundreds of years ago, they were used for healing purposes by the Nomadic Ute Indian tribes who originally inhabited the region. 

One destination to visit while in Glenwood Springs to get a particularly “international feeling” is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. This spot features nearly three dozen hot spring pools and a special Premier Access (21+) area that’s an excellent destination dupe for European travel. 

The WorldSprings Premier Access (21+) area is an adults-only section of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, featuring 12 pebble-bottom pools. The pools are situated along the Colorado River, with temperatures ranging from 98°F to 108°F (37 °C to 42 °C). Guests can soak, relax, and feel as if they’re exploring the mineral pools of the world, in Colorado. The Premier Access area also features a cold plunge pool, a waterfall freshwater pool and a new Sandbar Café to purchase food and drink to refuel during a day of soaking.

Sink into these springs to explore a range of revitalizing health benefits. These include regenerating the skin, detoxifying the body, and refreshing your oxygen levels. The healing geothermal mineral waters are also used to holistically treat physical health issues such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, and circulatory diseases, among other ailments. 

Each internationally inspired pool is filled with a renowned hot spring mineral formula from locations around the world. This allows visitors to experience the healing properties of those well-known pools in other countries, without having to trek there. Mineral formulas from Iceland, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Romania, Australia, Bali, Italy, New Zealand and South Korea are featured on rotation (each with their unique mineral makeup and healing properties).

The Blue Lagoon Iceland mineral pool is rich in silica, potassium, and boron minerals and is inspired by the geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Research has shown that these minerals promote anti-aging when combined with geothermal waters. The Vichy, France mineral pool area is inspired by the Vichy Waters in France. These waters feature minerals, including bicarbonate, silica, sodium, and more, which are said to regenerate the skin. The Dead Sea, Israel mineral pool area is inspired by the waters of the Dead Sea. It’s rich in sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are known to assist with the rejuvenation of skin cells and offer relief from joint pain.

Those who are interested in exploring more hot springs across Colorado can check out the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. This 800-mile driving route is located in the western part of the state. It showcases eight Colorado geothermal destinations, adding up to a total of two dozen unique hot springs soaking opportunities.

If you're interested in more Colorado state road trips, don't miss this ultimate Colorado waterfalls road trip. And for another healing, peaceful destination just outside of Denver, visit Red Rocks Amphitheater for a concert or summer Saturday morning "yoga on the rocks" session.