All About the Quiet Zone

The 16 soaking pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs are located in an area designated as “The Quiet Zone,” a special place at the heart of our hot springs experience.

Like Mother Nature’s geothermal springs that percolate to the surface in various places throughout the United States, every hot springs attraction is unique, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience to enjoy a thermal soak. Some hot springs facilities are large with diving boards and water slides, others are intimate with private soaking pools, a few are clothing optional, most welcome kids, others have a no-children policy. The sheer range of options is one of the reasons people like to “collect” hot springs experiences and it accounts for the popularity of hot springs travel itineraries such as the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. One feature, among many, that sets Iron Mountain Hot Springs apart from the others is its Quiet Zone, a special area designed to facilitate guest relaxation through soaking, music and scenery.

Soaking in the Quiet Zone

Photo by Jack Affleck

The zone features 16 soaking pools terraced along a riverbank of the Colorado. The pools are named for precious or semi-precious stones, and fluctuate in temperature from 99° to 108°F. Each is organically shaped, with submerged benches as well as seating around the perimeter. Among the most popular spots to soak are the pebbled-bottomed Lapis pool, the infinity pool called Garnet that appears to spill over into the river, Moonstone with its cascading waterfall, and Ruby—our romantic, heart-shaped pool. Soaking in the mineral-rich water is believed to have many health benefits from aiding arthritis to remediating acne. What we know for sure is that bathing in the geothermal water feels wonderful!

Music in the Quiet Zone

You’ll know when you’re in the zone if you can hear the spa music wafting on the air currents. Speakers placed throughout the landscaping ensure you will be able to hear the soothing sounds whether you’re soaking in the Jasper or Jade pool. We’ve chosen a playlist of music to heighten relaxation. It’s rife with Native American flutes, didgeridoos, singing bowls, and Celtic harps. Speaking of sounds, while soaking, we encourage guests to keep their voices down, hence the name The Quiet Zone. If the volume rises, as it does at times when we are busiest—usually evenings and weekends—our staff may come around and ask you to kindly lower your voice.

A Few Quiet Zone Rules

Along with the request for minimal chatter, you’ll notice that the Quiet Zone also comes with age restrictions. Children 4 and younger are not permitted, mainly because the higher temperatures are potentially unsuitable for tots and the use of swim diapers in the soaking pools is against regulations. Older children, ages 5 to 13 are welcome to soak in the Quiet Zone with adult supervision.

Quiet Zone Views

The Quiet Zone, in fact, all of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, overlooks the Colorado River. In the summertime, you’ll see rafters, kayakers and fishing dories float by, as well as an abundance of birds including eagles, egrets, ducks and Canadian geese. Across the river is Red Mountain and upstream to the south, majestic Mt. Sopris. Watching the sunset from a soaking pool is a highlight moment for many visitors to Glenwood Springs.

Above all, The Quiet Zone is an area set apart. It is the essence of the Iron Mountain Hot Springs experience—designed as a place to be still in a busy world, a soothing destination for mental and physical renewal and a geothermal wellness retreat in the mountains.

Join us in the Quiet Zone for a soothingly hushed and rejuvenating soak. Learn more and make plans to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs today.