Discovering Eco-Friendly Bliss in Glenwood Springs: A Sustainable Travel Adventure
Last month, I packed my bags and headed to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, a charming mountain town nestled between the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. I’d heard whispers of its legendary hot springs and stunning natural beauty, but what really piqued my curiosity was its reputation as a leader in eco-friendly and sustainable living. As someone who’s always on the lookout for destinations that blend adventure with environmental consciousness, I couldn’t wait to dive in—literally and figuratively—and see what Glenwood Springs had to offer. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
A Warm Welcome from the Hot Springs
My first stop was the iconic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Stepping into the steaming waters, I felt an instant connection to the land’s deep history. Long before the resort was built, the Ute Native Americans revered these springs, calling them “Yampah,” meaning “Big Medicine.” For centuries, the Utes—nomadic people of the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains—visited these waters for their healing properties, believing they held spiritual power to cure ailments and restore balance. The springs were a sacred gathering place, a natural gift from the Earth that shaped their culture and traditions.
When the resort opened in 1888, it carried forward that legacy of reverence, albeit in a new form. What impressed me just as much as the soothing 90°F to 104°F waters was the resort’s modern commitment to sustainability. They’ve been harnessing geothermal energy for decades, using the springs’ excess heat (those surplus BTUs) to preheat water for showers and laundry, and to melt snow off the pool deck and sidewalks in winter. No noisy snowblowers or gas-guzzling heaters—just nature doing its thing, echoing the Utes’ respect for the land. It’s a brilliant blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, and it made my soak feel even more meaningful.
Next, I visited Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which opened in 2015 with 16 smaller soaking pools overlooking the Colorado River. The Utes likely soaked in these waters too, drawn by the same geothermal bounty. Today, Iron Mountain continues that legacy with its own eco-conscious approach, using geothermal heat to warm the pools and walkways while minimizing environmental impact. The pools are thoughtfully integrated into the riverside landscape, a nod to preserving the natural beauty the Utes once cherished. It’s a quieter, more intimate experience, but the sustainable ethos is just as strong.
A Town Powered by the Future
Beyond the springs, Glenwood Springs itself is a beacon of sustainability. Since June 1, 2019, the town has run on 100% renewable electricity—wind, solar, and hydroelectric power—making it the second city in Colorado and the seventh in the U.S. to achieve this milestone. Every hotel, restaurant, and attraction, including the hot springs, benefits from this clean energy, all without extra cost to residents or visitors like me. It’s a forward-thinking move that honors the Utes’ harmonious relationship with nature, adapting it for the modern age.
Beyond the Springs: Sustainability in Action
The eco-friendly vibe extends throughout the town. When Interstate-70 was built through Glenwood Canyon in the 1880s, it was designed with the ecosystem in mind—a rare consideration for the time. Today, initiatives like the Hanging Lake Trail permit system (limiting visitors to protect the fragile area) and shoreline restoration along the Roaring Fork River reflect a commitment to conservation that feels like a continuation of the Utes’ stewardship. The Roaring Fork Valley Destination Alliance (RFVDA), a partnership with nearby towns like Aspen and Snowmass, promotes responsible travel—sticking to trails, packing out trash, and respecting nature—further tying the region to its Indigenous roots.
A Little History to Soak In
The Ute connection runs deep in Glenwood Springs. Before European settlers arrived, the Utes roamed the Western Slope of Colorado, living off the land and its resources. The Yampah springs were a cornerstone of their existence, a place of physical and spiritual renewal. But by the late 19th century, as settlers moved in, tensions rose. The U.S. government forced the Utes onto reservations in Utah and southern Colorado, displacing them from their ancestral lands—including Glenwood Springs—under treaties like the one signed in 1868. Despite this painful history, the Utes’ reverence for the springs lives on in the town’s identity.
Glenwood itself has a pioneering past, too. In 1886, it became one of the first U.S. towns to use hydroelectric power for electric lights, outpacing even New York City. That innovative spirit carried into the hot springs’ development, where visionaries like Walter Devereux tapped into geothermal energy. It’s a legacy that bridges the Utes’ natural wisdom with today’s eco-friendly ethos.
Reflections from the Road
Floating in the mineral-rich waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, I felt the weight of history and the promise of sustainability converge. The Utes saw these springs as “Big Medicine,” and in a way, they still are—offering healing not just for the body, but for the planet through Glenwood’s green efforts. From the geothermal ingenuity at the hot springs to the town’s renewable energy commitment, every detail reflects a respect for the Earth that spans generations.
Glenwood Springs isn’t just a place to unwind—it’s a model for how tourism, history, and sustainability can intertwine. I left with a relaxed body, a full heart, and a deep appreciation for a destination that honors its Native American past while leading by example into the future. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some trip photos to sort through—and maybe another hot springs soak to plan!