19 Aug Wild Encounters at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Take a walk on the wild side with us as we meet some of the critters who visit or call Iron Mountain Springs home.
It’s not just humans who find themselves drawn to the warm, relaxing vibe of Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Sure, guests come to soak in soothing mineral pools, but they’re not the only ones enjoying the riverside setting. From curious marmots to soaring eagles, the property is also a favorite gathering spot for Colorado’s feathered and furry locals.
A Marmot Welcome Committee
Perhaps the most endearing guests at the springs are the resident marmots. Plump and brown, they’re as cute as they come. These groundhog cousins have made themselves right at home at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Also known as “whistle pigs,” these social critters greet guests with a repertoire of cheerful chirps, often popping up just long enough to pose for a photo before scurrying back to their burrows.
“We have several marmots that frequent the property”, Marketing Manager Rachael Palaima said. “They’ve become part of the soaking experience.”
Riverbank Royalty
The Colorado River runs right past the resort, and its waters are a magnet for wildlife. Bald and Golden eagles can often be seen soaring overhead, trolling the riverway for their next meal. These raptors aren’t the only regal residents; Red-tailed hawks also patrol the skies, riding the summer thermals like Sunday drivers out for a joyride.
From time to time, long-legged herons wade in the shallows to scan the depths for fish. Families of ducks and geese also paddle by, their fuzzy ducklings and goslings trailing mom to learn how to thrive independently. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot a flash of bright yellow and orange during migration season in the spring, when flocks of Western Tanagers pass through Colorado on their way north.
Even vultures, with their featherless red heads and ominous hunched silhouettes, are part of the riverside story. Despite their fearsome looks, these massive birds are surprisingly tender—they mate for life, are extremely social, and work together to raise their young. A group of vultures is called a venue, a committee, or a volt. When they are in flight, they’re referred to as a kettle. And, when they’re eating carrion, the group is known as a wake!!
Bearly There
The river tempts larger visitors, too—black bears are longtime Glenwood Springs residents. Naturally shy, these animals tend to avoid people and save their wanderings for quieter hours. Maintenance crews sometimes catch sight of them in the early morning or late evening, ambling along the banks in search of a meal. While their appearances are rare and fleeting, they’re a reminder that the hot springs share their home with creatures who have been roaming this valley long before there were soaking pools on the river’s shores.
A Wonder-filled Space
One of the charms of Iron Mountain Hot Springs is how effortlessly the natural world weaves itself into the guest experience. These encounters are not just a novelty, but a part of the resort’s identity. The riverside location isn’t just a pretty view; it’s a living, thriving habitat where humans and wildlife coexist in ways that feel both natural and memorable.
At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, it’s not just the water that’s warm and inviting—the winged and four-legged inhabitants are just as welcoming—at least from the perspective of a riverside soaking pool.
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.