Glenwood Springs

April 2010
We had a long weekend in April, so we thought we'd head to Glenwood Springs (about 3 hrs away) to enjoy the natural hot springs pools and the surrounding area.  Every time we drive to Utah, we pass through the town of Glenwood Springs and admire the large pools and think, "someday we will go there".  Well, it was time!
After much research on what to do and where to stay in the area, I decided to get a room at the Glenwood Springs Lodge (right next door to the pools) because it included your entrance fee to get into the pools ($18 per person usually, so with all of us, that could get expensive going each day). 

We had amazing weather.  The sun was shining and it was just a little cool, so the hot springs felt AMAZING!  First stop, Wal-mart to stock up on treats, munchies and of course, floating devices!  One of my favorite things to do is to sit by a pool, eat yummy snacks, and read a book or magazine!  And YES, the weather was good enough, we were able to do just that!

People use to drink this water.  It's stinky though, so we didn't dare drink the water.

A few facts about the pools:

• The big pool is always kept at a comfortable 90°-93° F 
• The therapy pool averages about 104° F, but can be much much hotter.  Supposedly this pool will treat your aggravated joints and dehydrated skin with all-natural, therapeutic minerals.  (YES!)
• The big pool spans over two city blocks (its a very big pool) and has diving boards and swimming lanes at one end.
• There are over 15 different minerals found in the chemical analysis, the four most abundant minerals in the pool are: Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, Calcium Sulfate, and Calcium Bicarbonate.
• World’s largest outdoor hot springs pool.

Steve in the HOTTEST pool (a hot guy in a hot pool? hee hee)!  My favorite.

On our last day in Glenwood Springs, we headed to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.  This is a mountain-top type park that has all sorts of things to do like: tour the Caverns & Historic Fairy Caves, ride the alpine coaster, see a 4D movie (diff between 3D and 4D? = sprays water in your face), and play a little laser tag (we played guys against girls - boo hoo, the guys absolutely killed us).

McKinnon and I on our way up to the resort in the tram.

All of us lined up and ready to go on the coaster ride.  BIG fun.  Sorry resort we monopolized this ride by riding it over and over and over and over again!  It wasn't that busy, so it worked out great for us.

Touring the caverns.  Lots of fun.
Family shot during the cave tour.  Since Ariel couldn't join us, her friend Trent came up for the day.

Bella finishing the ride!  Wow, the view!

Gabby all smiles!  With a big Dad on board you go extra fast!

After we were exhausted and needed a break, we headed to the quaint little restaurant up at the top of the mountain for a little lunch and a game of checkers (while waiting for lunch).

View from outside the restaurant.  Great Day and GREAT weekend!
We loved Glenwood Springs and I especially LOVED the hot pools. I love a quick weekend get-a-way, and Glenwood Springs is ideal.  See you soon Glenwood Springs.