Our family of four has always loved visiting Glenwood Springs. This historic town is located conveniently (for us in Eagle, Colorado) on the Western Slope of Colorado. And, it is a spectacular drive through Glenwood Canyon to get there. The town offers lots of family fun from the Glenwood Caverns & Adventure Park to natural hot springs.
I had the opportunity this week to visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to experience their new Sopris Splash Zone. I was hosted for the day by the Resort, meaning that they provided my entry to the pool, as well as food. As always, my opinions are my own. Rest assured that I will definitely be bringing my entire family back over for the water fun.
History of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
The Ute Indians were the first known people to use the hot springs. The Utes named the spring Yampah, which translates to “Big Medicine.” They used the hot springs to fortify themselves before battle, for healing and spiritual enlightenment. The Yampah water has been touted to cure a multitude of ailments. In fact, at one point in history it was bottled for sale. The pool first opened to the public on July 4, 1888.
What is the Sopris Splash Zone?
There are many people who still visit for the health benefits. But, the new Sopris Splash Zone gives families a splish slpashin’ rip rapidin’ reason to visit. Plus, there’s something for every age. Here’s what you need to know!
The Sopris Splash Zone is included in regular pool entry. There is no additional fee to use the new water features. It consists of three basic areas: Shoshone Chutes, Hanging Lake and Grand Fountain.
Shoshone Chutes at Glenwood Hot Springs
Kiddos must be 36″ tall to ride with an adult. Then kiddos over 42″ can ride on their own in a single tube, if they wish. But two adults can ride together in a double tube too. All kinds of options create slightly different experiences.
I am going to give this experience the ultimate shout out. It reminded me very much of the Aqua Duck aboard the Disney Fantasy. This is one of Disney Cruise Line’s premiere experiences. And, it was one of our kids’ favorite parts of our Disney Cruise. But I think that the Shoshone Chutes are even better because it is a seemingly natural Colorado environment and experience. It mimics the Colorado whitewater rafting experience, but in a safe and warm environment.
The last day of July 2019 when I was visiting, Shoshone Chutes at Glenwood Hot Springs had a line, but it wasn’t too long. My Instagram post of it has been extremely popular, with many more shares and saves than usual. I suspect that Glenwood Hot Springs may have underestimated the popularity that Shoshone Chutes will have. So, I do have concerns about what lines will be like and how they will be managed. I’ll update this as I hear. And, if you have an experience to share, please do so in the comments below.
But don’t let that concern stop you! I am confidant that when I get my kiddos, ages 6 and 10, over to experience the Chutes that they’ll loop it until their little fingers are raisins.
The Shoshone Chutes at Glenwood Hot Springs takes about three minutes for the entire experience. There are definitely whitewater like moments. And, you may spin about a bit. Or, you may even flip your tube and have a hard time uprighting yourself. But it is all in a safe environment. I was not scared at all. And, the little guy looping the ride behind me who barely made the height cut off, wasn’t either. But, there is an option to exit at the halfway point. I didn’t see a single person do this.
Hanging Lake
Named after the famous hike in Glenwood Canyon, this area has cascading waterfalls and three fun slides for the kids. A special pool decking is soft and springy. So much so that may eliminate my shouting to my six-year-old, “Walking feet, please!” A pergola provides shade and will be a popular area for families with young children.
Grand Fountain
Glenwood Hot Springs were just getting the Grand Fountain up and running while I was there. It should be open for play any day now. It is a fun splash pad during the day shooting water seven feet high. But in the evening it becomes an illuminated show fountain, with colorful changing lights and water moving in unison. It can be viewed both from the pool, and from the pedestrian bridge above.
What to Know About Glenwood Hot Springs Pool Before You Go!
- Bring your sunscreen, floaties, swimsuits and towels. They rent towels if you forget yours. And, they sell cute swimsuits and lots of other fun swim related accessories at the store located in the pool lobby.
- The Grill at the Hot Springs sells flavored ice cream. Take a break with a vanilla cone flavored with root beer or cotton candy. It is the perfect break on a hot day of water fun.
- Be sure to bring change, quarters specifically, so that you can rent lockers.
- Pool hours change seasonally. And, the pool is closed five days per year for maintenance so be sure to check the website before you go.
- Sopris Splash Zone is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and mostly weekends after Labor Day until it gets too cold. Note: While it is fun to soak in hot mineral waters on a snowy day, it probably isn’t as much fun to ride a raft to go down a water slide in the cold.
- The Rocky Mountain Spa at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a kids menu of spa options.
What Are Other Things to Do in Glenwood Springs?
Glenwood Springs has a fantastic history filled with stories of the wild west and gangsters who made it their second home. But, many of these things are fun for families too. Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park offers history of the massive caverns deep within the mountain. But it also has lots of fun rides including one of Colorado’s many alpine coasters.
There are beautiful canyons and bike paths that run through the canyon alongside the river.
The newly restored Redstone Castle is now offering tours.
The new pedestrian bridge has opened up space on Restaurant Row that will likely soon offer additional entertainment. And, the restaurants are pretty good too. Our favorites are Smoke Modern BBQ and Glenwood Canyon Brewpub.
Update as of August 6, 2019: We took our kids back over, and they loved it as much as I did. It was the highlight of their week with cousins.
