2 Best Sights in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado

Newer and more relaxing than its famed sibling across town, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is geared to adults looking for a peaceful retreat. Seventeen mineral pools with views of the Colorado River and Mt. Sopris are scattered across the hilltop; temperatures vary from 98°F to 108°F. A large family pool, heated to 94°F, encourages young children to stay out of the soaking spas, and soothing music drowns out much of the noise from the nearby kids' area. On-site bars offer a variety of beer and wine for sipping at the pools, and the contemporary locker rooms maintain the property's spa–like atmosphere. In summer 2023, a new adults–only area complete with two large pools with waterfalls and eight riverside pools lined with relaxation pebbles opened to visitors over 21. Reservations are required and visits are limited to three hours.

Even before the heyday of the adjacent Hotel Colorado, Western notables such as gunslinger Doc Holliday came to take advantage of the area's curative spring waters. The smaller pool at Glenwood Hot Springs is 100 feet long and maintained at 104°F. The larger is four times that size and contains more than a million gallons of constantly filtered water that is completely refilled every six hours and maintained at a soothing 90–93°F. Seasonal favorites include a children's area with a splash pad, fountain, waterslides, and an on-site pizza stand and café.