Two Colorado Hot Springs To Keep You Cool This Summer

What’s new at old favorites

When I moved to Colorado in 1999, I had no idea that the state had hot springs, let alone 31 developed destinations.

I’ve spent the last two decades exploring Colorado’s hot springs and each one has its own special allure. However, two that I’ve been visiting for many years have new additions that make them even more appealing.

Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schalefer

I have been visiting Glenwood Hot Springs Resort for more than twenty years. Ryan, my husband, grew up in Colorado and has been going to the hot springs for his entire life. In 2013, we attended the pool’s 125th Anniversary Party. However, despite its age, this hot springs pool has entered the modern world with its state-of-the-art Sopris Splash Zone.

Shoshone Chutes at Sopris Splash Zone, Glenwood Hot Springs. Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer.

Longtime pool-goers will remember the miniature golf course above the northwest corner of the pool. The course is now gone and in its place is part of the Sopris Splash Zone. The resort extension features the Shoshone Chutes, a river adventure ride that coils down the mountainside. Riders can choose tubes that hold one or two people, making the ride accessible to most children (there is a height requirement).

Hanging Lake at the Sopris Splash Zone, Glenwood Hot Springs. Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer.

The Splash Zone is also home to Hanging Lake, a wade-in waterfall-fed pool for children, and a splash pad. A feature called the Grand Fountain is under construction and will be completed any day. Once complete, the fountain acts as a light show at night, spraying 17 feet of illuminated fountain water into the air. 

There are more changes coming to the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort so keep your eye on their Facebook page for announcements.

Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schalefer

Earlier this summer, we made our way back to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool after a hiatus. We hadn’t been back since a major renovation had taken place at the 92-year-old hot springs pool. If you’re the same, and it’s been a few years since your last visit, it’s time to go to Ouray because the transformation is wonderful. 

The best part of this remodel is that the renovations did nothing to change the ambiance at this iconic hot springs destination. It is still a place where a soak comes with a view of soaring peaks and climbers on the rock wall across Hwy 550 from the pool. The organic curves of the new pools work well with the laid back atmosphere of Ouray. 

Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schalefer

The nicest part of the remodel, in my opinion, is that there are two 18-and-older only pools slightly above the rest on the south side of the property. This area is called The Overlook. Children adore the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, as they should, and it’s quite luxurious to have a place to relax, away from the boisterous behavior that’s often on display in the other areas.

Also, the adults-only area is on the other side of the property from the activity pool and water slides, which had a never-ending line when we visited. Obviously, they are a popular attraction here.

Whether you plan to spend the afternoon having a relaxing soak with your honey or are in for a day of fun with the kiddos, the newly renovated Ouray Hot Springs Pool is outstanding. We liked the pool before and what has been created here is even better.