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Recover Like an Olympian at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Feb 10, 2026 | 3 minutes
From cold plunge to heat therapy, Iron Mountain Hot Springs will have you channeling your inner Olympian and primed for your next adventure in no time! All eyes are on Italy and the Olympics, the globe’s biggest sports stage, this February. The world’s top athletes have trained for the events they’ll compete in for most of their young lives. Used to pushing their bodies to the limit, elite athletes also understand the importance of scheduling an intentional break to recover physically. Fortunately, at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, you don’t have to be a world-champion sports star to enjoy an Olympic-worthy approach to caring for both body and mind after a day of adventure in Glenwood Springs. Whether you’re flying through the air and down the mountain like reigning Olympic freestyle skiing gold medalist Alex Hall, or carefully snowplowing down beginner runs, either way, your legs will be screaming and your muscles begging for a break. Olympic Level Recovery Training hard takes a toll. Top athletes, from figure skaters to hockey players, know that after a grueling workout, recovery isn’t optional; it’s necessary. Contrast therapy is a go-to remedy for a physical reset. Alternating heat and cold helps the body to heal faster, enabling athletes to level up for their next competition. The same tactics apply to amateur athletes. Sore muscles deserve time and attention so you can get back out there tomorrow, even if it’s just on the bunny slopes. Bring on the Heat You don’t have to be a top-tier athlete to know warmth feels good after a day of adventuring. Heat has a way of relaxing muscles, increasing circulation, easing joint stiffness, and calming the nervous system. It’s just what an Olympic coach would order after a rigorous workout. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, there are 30+ pools to choose from. Each one is a different temperature, so you can easily find the heat level that suits you best. What elite athletes might not have, but visitors to Iron Mountain Hot Springs do, is water that is teeming with minerals, which adds to the therapeutic experience. The pools on the Select Access side feature geothermal water from deep underground springs, while those on the 21+ Premier Access side are inspired by world-famous mineral pools from around the globe, including the Chiancianco Therme in Italy. In addition to heat therapy, the Italian pool mineral profile is touted to detoxify the body and reduce gastrointestinal disorders. Talk about setting a new record for rejuvenation! Iron Mountain’s new saunas will be opening soon as well, adding even more options for therapeutic heat recovery. Cold to the Rescue Cold, on the other hand, may make your teeth chatter, but frigid water has its benefits, as any athlete knows. Cold water immersion reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, speeds recovery, and even offers a mental reset after high-impact or endurance training days. So don’t be shy about taking the plunge! While the focus at Iron Mountain is on warm-water soaking, both Premier and Select Access offer refreshing dips in cooler temperatures. Premier’s Cold Plunge is a chilly 55˚F, and bathers are encouraged to stay in just a minute or so. Remarkably, that’s all it takes for the body to benefit from the icy water. Another option is to alternate soaking in the hotter pools with quick dips in the cold plunge. Select Access features its own cooling options for post-workout recovery. After immersion in the geothermal soaking pools, which range in temperature from 98–108˚F, guests can now incorporate a refreshing cold plunge into their contrast therapy routine. The brisk temperature may feel invigorating at first, but as your body acclimates, you’ll experience the revitalizing benefits of hot-to-cold immersion: boosting circulation, easing muscle soreness, and leaving you feeling both relaxed and re-energized. In addition to the cold plunge, the freshwater family pool offers another way to cool down at a more gradual pace, allowing guests to tailor their recovery experience to their comfort level. A Gold Medal Finish Just as Olympic athletes need intentional rest for high performance, Iron Mountain Hot Springs delivers the perfect gold-medal finish to any day of outdoor recreation in Glenwood Springs. Learn more and make your reservations to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs today!
Resolve to Relax at Iron Mountain Hot Springs - Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Jan 17, 2026 | 3 minutes
Rethink resolutions in 2026. Resolve to relax and reset at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, no willpower required! In our culture, heralding a new year is synonymous with making resolutions. Top resolutions for Americans are to eat better, move more, and save money. But even the most resolute goal-maker tends to succumb to defeat just days later. In fact, January 17 is officially National Break Your New Year’s Resolution Day, a tongue-in-cheek reminder that most resolutions get dropped faster than a deadlift barbell at Gold’s Gym, never to be picked up again… at least until next January. But not all cultures thought of “resolution” as a white-knuckle test of willpower. Doing a little digging into the origin of the word resolution leads us to the ancient Romans, and an etymology lesson that feels especially relevant this time of year. The word resolution comes from the Latin resolutio, rooted in resolvere. The prefix “re” means “back” or “again,” while “solvere” means “to loosen, untie, dissolve, or release.” In other words, originally, a resolution wasn’t about tightening your grip, gritting your teeth, or powering through; it was about loosening what’s bound up and releasing what no longer serves you. Which brings us to Iron Mountain Hot Springs. What if, this year, you reclaimed the original meaning of resolution? Not as something you muscle through on sheer determination, but as something you return to, joyfully. A resolution that unties knots instead of creating new ones. A resolution that doesn’t require a tracking app or a guilt spiral. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, your resolution can be as simple as easing into the resort’s therapeutic warm waters and letting the minerals and heat go to work, teasing out the tension ever so gently from mind and body. Between Select Access and Premier Access, Iron Mountain offers 30+ soaking pools for variations on relaxation. No reps and no willpower required. From a wellness standpoint, it’s the minerals that do the heavy lifting, not you. Rich in 14 minerals including iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium, calcium, and more, the infused and inspired waters help soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation. Going back to the earlier definition of resolution, think of it as dissolving stress at a cellular level. Add in Iron Mountain’s riverside atmosphere with steam rising from the pools on cold winter days, along with the sight and sound of water moving past in the Colorado River, and suddenly “doing nothing” feels passively productive and objectively restorative. To loosen things up even further, you don’t have to leave the pool to rehydrate. Guests soaking with Premier Access (21+) can enjoy poolside delivery straight from the Sandbar Café, with refreshing beverages delivered directly to them for the ultimate soaking experience. There’s a full menu of seasonal and house specialties as well, perfect for enjoying between soaks. Those soaking with Select Access can still keep relaxation front and center by ordering from the pools and “skipping the line” at the Sopris Café. Simply pick up your order when it’s ready and get right back to unwinding. Soaking at Iron Mountain Hot Springs this year, is a resolution you won’t break. It’s one you can revisit, “return” to, again and again. One that loosens, unties, dissolves, and releases, just as the ancient Romans intended when they invented the word “resolution.” So, this year, instead of resolving to do more, resolve to relax. Learn more and make your reservations to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs today! Happy New You!
Après-Activity Relaxation Begins at Iron Mountain Hot Springs - Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Dec 11, 2025 | 4 minutes
Winter may be late, but it has arrived in full force. The flakes are falling, and Glenwood Springs is covered in a glorious blanket of winter white. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, that translates to steamy soaks, the perfect setting for any après activity relaxation. Snowfall transforms Glenwood Springs from a charming mountain town to a spectacular Colorado winter playground for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and ice-skating! Sunlight Mountain Resort is Glenwood’s go-to choice for classic Colorado skiing with a vintage vibe—plenty of discoverable powder stashes all day long, always free parking, and affordable food and drinks at the lodge for between-run refueling. The resort is also home to Babbish Gulch, a network of groomed backcountry trails perfect for snowshoeing, skinning, cross-country skiing, and even fat biking. The winter escapades continue with ice skating at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. Drop in for a game of pick-up hockey or hit the oval for an afternoon of romantic pairs couple’s skating or a slippery, giggle-filled free-for-all with the kids. Picture it: After a day on the slopes, the trail, or the ice, you sink into the warm waters at Iron Mountain Hot Springs and feel your sore muscles untangle from head to toe. The water’s temperature and minerals work in tandem to usher in deep relaxation that teases away tension, leaving you feeling deeply restored and rejuvenated. Between the two sides of the property—Select Access featuring 16 geothermal pools, a large family mineral pool, and a jetted spa at one end and the globally-inspired pools of Premier Access for those 21 and over at the other—you can choose from pools that range in temperature from a pleasant 98˚F to a toasty 108˚F. One of the most enticing aspects of après at Iron Mountain Hot Springs in winter is when the hot water meets the cold air, steam forms, enveloping you in a magical cloud of vapor that comes and goes with every breeze. Trust us when we say, experiencing this natural phenomenon never gets old. Both sides feature unique extras, too. Families with children will appreciate Select Access with its freshwater family pool that offers a cooler temperature and a spacious place to play in the water. For families with older, more independent children, parents can easily keep an eye on youngsters from the vantage point of an attached and elevated jetted spa that overlooks the family pool. Along with mirroring the mineral content of famous geothermal locations around the globe, the Premier Access side also features a cold plunge pool as well as a high-saline pool, dubbed the Dead Sea Pool, where you can effortlessly experience the effects of zero gravity. Like the Dead Sea, the high salt content makes your body naturally buoyant, allowing you to float without a worry in the world. You haven’t experienced relaxation Iron Mountain style until you’ve soaked in this pool. Throughout the resort, you’ll find classic après fare as well, from appetizers and mains to cocktails and snacks at either the Sopris Café or Sandbar Café. A nice feature, especially in winter, is cashless ordering. Just scan the QR code near the pools to peruse the menu and place your food or beverage order. We’ll text you when your order is ready for pick up or deliver it right to you if you prefer. While eating in the pools is prohibited, enjoying a beer, a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic beverage is perfectly suited to the Colorado apres-ski lifestyle. Soak in Après-style at Iron Mountain Hot Springs Whether you spent your day skiing Sunlight, skating with the kids, or exploring snowy trails, cap it off with a soul-soothing soak. Come experience après-activity the Glenwood Springs way—at Iron Mountain Hot Springs! Make your reservations to soak today.
Soak in the Night Sky at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Nov 25, 2025 | 3 minutes
Come for a soak and stay for the stargazing. Iron Mountain Hot Springs is one of the most relaxing places to ponder the beauty of the night sky. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, settling into the mineral pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs becomes a front-row seat to th e awe-inspiring cosmos. Even if you’re not an amateur astronomer, the beauty of the firmament is a landscape worth admiring, especially while soaking! How to Enjoy the Heavenly Sights With the shift back to standard time and that familiar “fall back” one-hour clock change, we’re entering the darkest stretch of the year. For stargazers, that means prime viewing time arrives early. In Glenwood Springs from late November through January, last light happens between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. By 6 p.m., depending on the moon’s phase, the sky can turn pitch black—perfect conditions for spotting stars, constellations, and planets. The stars are so bright this time of year, that even the ambient lighting emitted at the resort and in the surrounding area doesn’t hold a candle to the light show overhead. For a seat at the evening’s best show in the galaxy, make your soaking reservations a little later in the evening. It’s the easiest way to double-dip in both the hot mineral waters and the winter starlight. What to Look for in the Night Sky Now Through January Most of us can pick out the Big and Little Dippers, those dual cosmic ladles that act as celestial landmarks. But winter skies offer so much more. Look for Cassiopeia, a formation of five bright stars near the dippers. Crisp cold nights also bring into focus winter constellations like Orion, with his unmistakable belt; Taurus, marked by the fiery glow of Aldebaran; and Gemini, the twin stars Castor and Pollux. Don’t forget to look for Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, a shimmering cluster of distant stars. Planets put on a dazzling show too this time of year; most notably the largest two in our galaxy—Jupiter and Saturn. And of course, the sheer size of the moon makes it a showstopper for months to come. The next full moon on Dec. 4, the Cold Moon, and the Wolf Moon on Jan. 3 will both be supermoons—full moons that occur near the moon’s closest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. Supermoons appear noticeably larger and brighter, sometimes up to 30 percent bigger than a typical full moon. Imagine soaking in the warm mineral waters as moonbeams dance across the pools. Pure magic—Iron Mountain Hot Springs style! Download A Stargazing App If you’re interested in knowing more about the night sky, consider downloading a stargazing app. Many popular ones, like Sky Tonight, Night Sky, and Stellarium Mobile, are free and perfect for budding astronomers. These handy tools help you identify stars, constellations, and planets in real time—just point your phone at the sky! More Night Moves Nighttime at Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a special time to soak, and there are two ways to enjoy the waters. Premier Access offers those 21+, an adults-only soaking experience in globally-inspired soaking pools, while visitors with Select Access can enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of the Legacy Pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Either way, both offer the perfect setting for stargazing. Wherever you soak, the Sopris Café and Sandbar Café are open in the evenings, serving snacks, cocktails, mocktails, and drinks, ideal for sipping while admiring the artistry of the night sky. Star Light, Star Bright! Winter nights are calling. For an out-of-this-world experience, let the cosmos become part of your soaking experience at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Make your evening reservations now and discover just how heavenly a hot springs night can be.
Everyday Romance at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Oct 20, 2025 | 4 minutes
Romance doesn’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, romance is in the air every day of the year! Some of the best love stories unfold not in candlelit restaurants on February 14, but on quiet afternoons spent relaxing side by side and rediscovering what it feels like to just be together. Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides couples with the ideal setting for a day dedicated to conversation and connection. Begin Your Day Together Grab a coffee or pastry at a local café and ease into your Glenwood Springs getaway with a leisurely walk along the Rio Grande Trail. Follow the meandering paved path that borders the Roaring Fork River to the confluence, the spot where the Fork joins the Colorado River. The intersection is a natural symbol of togetherness, and the bridge near Two Rivers Park is the perfect spot for a couple’s selfie shot. The Ultimate Couples Experience Take romance to the next level. For a truly elevated soak, opt for Premier Access at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The adults-only experience invites guests into an oasis of globally inspired soaking pools, perfect for couples. Each pool is designed to reflect the mineral content of famous hot springs destinations around the world, from Iceland to Japan to Italy. Explore the world together, one pool at a time—relax into the inspired waters of exotic Bali, then slip into the Dead Sea pool and feel every ounce of stress magically dissipate. Every pool offers a new sensation, a different view, and a shared moment you can make completely your own. To add a little scintillation to your visit, encourage your special someone to join you for a playful dip in the resort’s cold plunge pool. Details That Deepen the Experience With Premier Access (21+), couples enjoy thoughtful touches that make relaxation effortless. Towel service is included with admission. Each guest receives a complimentary locker and two thick pool towels. Cashless, remote ordering for food and drinks from either the Sopris Café or the Sandbar Café is another bonus that adds to the smooth flow of a romantic day. Order a poolside lunch for two without leaving your lounge chair. Consider starting with the smoked trout spread appetizer, followed by a crisp salad, a savory flatbread pizza, with wine, beer, or a cocktail alongside. For an extra touch of luxury, upgrade your experience with a plush robe to wear throughout your visit. Robe rentals are just $15 each. As the mercury drops in the fall and winter months, there’s something delightful about feeling the chill mountain air on your skin and then slipping into a soft, cozy robe between soaks. Relax & Slow Down The best part of soaking at Iron Mountain Springs is that you have a full three hours to explore every pool. As you dip a toe into each one, don’t lose sight of the views all around that help settle you into a state of stress-free bliss. The property offers stunning views that include the Colorado River in the foreground, the snow-capped dual peaks of Mt. Sopris in the distance, the rugged slopes of Red Mountain across the river, and, of course, the endless blue skies overhead that Colorado is famous for. Between soaks, stretch out on chaise lounges scattered around the pool deck, raise a toast to love with a special drink, or just let the world fall away as you enjoy each other’s company. End the Day in Glenwood Springs Style After your rejuvenating soak, stroll hand-in-hand through downtown Glenwood Springs. Pop into local stores to shop for souvenirs, split a ginormous gourmet ice cream served in a waffle cone, or pull up a chair for a delicious and romantic meal at one of the town’s many restaurants. Romance, Reimagined Romance isn’t just reserved for special occasions; it’s more often found in the intentional moments. At the heart of any great couple’s getaway is shared experiences and deep connections. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, you’ll find everything you need to fan the flames of love—warm waters, breathtaking scenery, and time to focus on each other. Learn more and start planning your romantic getaway to Iron Mountain Hot Springs today!
Fall Flavors and Golden Views at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
on Sep 26, 2025 | 4 minutes
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!