26 Sep Fall Flavors and Golden Views at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs invites you to savor it all this fall, soaking in the mineral-rich pools, indulging in new fall menu items, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty during peak leaf-peeping season.
Fall is the ultimate season for relaxation, offering guests a tranquil but still exciting experience, making it one of the best times of year to visit.
Soak Up the Season at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Few things pair better with fall than a long, languid, restorative soak. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, terraced mineral pools overlook the Colorado River, inviting you to step in and unwind. Blue skies and brisk mountain breezes add to the autumn allure. Across the river, Red Mountain is alight in fiery shades of red and gold, while in the distance, Mount Sopris already has a halo of snow on its nearly 13,000-foot peaks. Choose Select Access to enjoy 18 Legacy pools—16 geothermal, a jetted spa, and a family pool. Or, for those 21 and over, opt for Premier Access and a more adult-focused experience with access to all 31 pools including 12 inspired pools and a cold plunge! Either way, the water is wonderfully relaxing, and the views will knock your flip flops off!
Fall Menu Additions to Warm You Up
But, it’s not just the scenery that makes the season extra special. A bounty of fall flavors adds flourish to the menus at the Sopris Café and Sandbar Café, with offerings designed to warm and nourish both body and soul. On the food side, highlights include the Harvest Vegetable Pizza, a flavorful medley of caramelized onion jam, roasted butternut squash, kale, and Brussels sprouts slaw, topped with mozzarella and feta, then finished with a sweet balsamic drizzle. Another standout is the Curry Chicken & Grape Salad Bowl, served with soft, warm Naan bread.
To sip alongside, seasonal drinks embrace autumn’s best flavors. The Heart Warmer, a mulled cranberry and lemon wine, lives up to its name, while the Spiked Apple Cider, enhanced with Stoneyard Cinnamon Vodka, delivers just the right amount of spice. For guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option, the Mixed Berry Mocktail with ginger beer brings bright, fizzy refreshment to the table.
A Golden Leaf-Peeping Drive
Autumn in Glenwood Springs wouldn’t be complete without a leaf-peeping adventure. One of the most stunning nearby fall drives is up the Frying Pan River, home to golden-hued scenery, red rock cliffs, and gold medal fishing waters. Just a few miles south of Glenwood Springs, the drive is as accessible as it is stunning. For added charm, every October, an unknown pumpkin fairy descends on this stretch of roadway, leaving behind miniature pumpkins all along the route from Basalt to Ruedi Reservoir. It’s a fun game to spot the pumpkins—on a fence post, a rock ledge, or a rural mailbox. Make it a truly memorable outing by packing a thermos of apple cider, some crackers and cheese, and then return to Glenwood Springs for a sunset soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
Octoberfest Fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Fall in Glenwood Springs isn’t just about quiet moments though; it’s also about over-the-top cheerful celebration. One of the season’s most anticipated events is Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. On Saturdays through October 11, the mountaintop park transforms into a mini-Munich. Guests can enjoy Bavarian music by the Alpine Echo band, festival games for kids and adults, a u-pick-it pumpkin patch, and, of course, German-themed food and drink. Think bratwursts, oversized pretzels, and steins of craft beer, with face painting, stein-holding contests, and plenty of oompah accordion thrown in. If that’s not enough to get your blood pumping and your feet moving, hop on the park’s adrenaline-inducing thrill rides or get your steps in by exploring the underground landscape on guided cave tours of King’s Row or the Fairy Caves.
Fall and Filled to the Brim
Fall in Glenwood Springs is a deeply satisfying experience, from a steamy soak in the mineral-rich waters and a leisurely riverside drive to savory autumn bites and raising a toast at Octoberfest. The only downside is the season, while beautiful, is short. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the bounty of fall in Glenwood Springs. Learn more and make plans to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs today!
Karin Gamba has been writing professionally for the travel and tourism markets for nearly two decades. She has promoted a wide array of travel products that include destination towns, vacation resorts, golf courses, ski areas, spas, hotels, restaurants and countless visitor attractions. Karin especially loves writing about her hometown of Glenwood Springs.