Coordinates: 39.54603° N, -107.3237° E
Baton Rouge to Glenwood Springs: 1,377 miles
Driving Time: 21 hours, 26 minutes
Flying Time: 2 hours, 26 minutes
Why Iron Mountain Hot Springs? If the grind of a daily routine has you pining for a slower lifestyle, and the thought of soaking your cares away sounds delightful, then Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the ideal place to turn that desire into a reality. This wellness destination is situated on the banks of the lovely Colorado River, allowing you to take in stunning views of majestic Mt. Sopris, Red Mountain, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Head out west to the Centennial State to see what kind of fun you and your family can discover!

WHERE TO STAY
The Hotel Colorado is a historic destination in Glenwood Springs, the ideal family lodging option while you explore Iron Mountain and other local amenities. Several U.S. presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt, found respite here on many occasions. Once you arrive, you’ll say “bully!” and know that Teddy was right when it came to making the hotel his home away from home. You’ll discover well-appointed accommodations that offer signature suites and family options. The Hotel Colorado is also very dog friendly.

WHERE TO EAT
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
Try the always tasty Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and their Trio Sliders–featuring pork, crispy chicken, or angus beef to start, or their flight of soups that include beef chili and potato bacon leek. For your main course, the Brewpub offers bourbon mango mustard glazed salmon and chicken cordon bleu. Your kids will love their flatbread pizza, crispy chicken tenders or their house-made veggie burger.

Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse
Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse is a casual fine dining establishment that offers the highest-quality entrees, side dishes and desserts. Chef David Zumwinkle and his staff are masters at creating specials that utilize the finest in fresh seafood, Colorado beef, elk, lamb and pork. Refreshing salads such as the Seventh Street includes strawberries and mountain greens. Let’s not forget dessert–their chocolate mousse pie, New York Cheesecake, brownie sundaes, and other sweet treats.

Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant
A stop at Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant is a must. You’ll discover the real flavor of Mexico when you dig into their grilled steak, grilled chicken and prawns meal, or the ‘mile high” taco salad, served in a fried flour tortilla bowl filled with crisp lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and your choice of meat. Adult beverages are aplenty with choices, including the tequila sunrise, a jalapeno margarita, or a margarita diablo.

WHAT TO DO
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is really a vacation oasis. Their 16 pools are filled with pure thermal mineral water that ranges in temperature from 98 degrees to 108 degrees, and each varies in size, shape, and height. Two pools have smooth stones on the bottom where you can massage your aching feet. The smaller pools are adults only, but there’s a family pool that’s filled with fresh water and heated to approximately 93 degrees by geothermal exchange. An elevated spa rests on the edge of the family pool where parents can enjoy the hot water while supervising their children as they play below.

An exhilarating day at nearby Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will get your motor running. The Adventure Park offers thrilling rides like the Alpine Coaster, Giant Canyon Swing, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and the Cliffhanger Roller Coasters, plus cave tours and a 4D motion theater, plus seasonal events.

If hiking and biking are to your liking, there are over 50 trails you can explore through Glenwood Canyon, or hike from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, which is a little over 40 miles away. Popular trails include Hanging Lake, Grizzly Creek and Doc Holiday. 

Vacationers revel in the fact that there are so many options for water sports like rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River as well as the Roaring Fork River. The Colorado River offers kayakers everything from smooth water excursions to class III and IV rapids which will give you maximum thrills.

There’s nothing more “Western” than saddling up and taking a ride through the scenic Glenwood Canyon, courtesy of Bair Ranch. The ranch is one of Colorado’s oldest family-run working livestock ranches, offering intimate and personal rides that offer views of the Rocky Mountains.

After you’ve spent the day challenging your outdoor acumen, test your brain power at the Glenwood Escape Rooms. Available adventures include the Elevator, The Serial Doctor, or Christmas Chaos. Solve a series of puzzles, find clues and escape from your room.