Wellness Travel Destination: Glenwood Springs

December 19, 2019

Wellness-centered vacations are a growing travel trend, which can involve either an immersive multi-day experience or a one-off activity that helps you re-center. For a Colorado vacation that focuses on self-care, Glenwood Springs is a destination known for holistic healing.

With its long-established history of hot springs and spa culture, Glenwood Springs continues to be a go-to destination for wellness seekers. Geothermal hot springs put the resort town on the map long ago, and the healing waters and steam continue to drive an influx of visitors interested in boosting their wellbeing through the rejuvenating and restorative qualities associated with the waters. Whether you soak at the historic Glenwood Hot Springs, the newer Iron Mountain Hot Springs or alternatively submit to a hot steam bath in the underground chambers of the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, expect to feel a sense of deep relaxation.

While partaking in Glenwood Springs’ geothermal attractions is a favorite wellness activity, it isn’t the only one. The hot springs town supports a wide and varied culture of healing arts.

Herbs and Nutrition

Homsted specializes in herbal remedies, natural skin care products, aromatherapy products and fine teas. With their extensive knowledge and experience, the owners can even create customized herbal tinctures, ointments and other remedies for customers. Additionally, Natural Grocers recently expanded with a new store at the Glenwood Meadows Shopping Center stocked with healthful options; everything from fresh produce and organic meats to supplements and body care products.

CBD Remedies

Cannabidiol or CBD for short is a natural, non-psychotropic and not to be confused marijuana, which is typically smoked or digested, rather the botanical oil is gaining popularity in the health and wellness community. As a topical treatment it can be effective for insomnia, inflammation, mood disorders and anxiety, and most especially for pain relief. There are many places in Glenwood Springs to purchase CBD products including dispensaries, as well as at local shops and spas like Homsted, day spas and others.

Spa Treatments

For the ultimate relaxation, wellness travelers can count on the therapeutic effects of touch therapies at spas in Glenwood Springs. Tried-and-true feel-good treatments include Swedish, deep tissue and warm stone massage. For something a little different try monthly spa packages at Splendor Mountain Spa or a slimming European Body Wrap at Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves.

Forest Bathing

Originating from Japan, forest bathing is growing in popularity as a way to experience the regenerative powers of nature. The practice consists of simply being present in nature surrounded by trees and passively accepting its sensory input: natural beauty, birdsong, fresh air, the sound of running water. The benefits of forest bathing include reduced stress, improved mood, more creativity, lower blood pressure and faster healing after illness. With the exception of Hanging Lake, due to its popularity and off-limits lake policy, there are a multitude of nearby trails, riverside spots and high alpine locations where visitors can easily find a quiet, wooded place to meditate, walk barefoot, dip toes in a stream, practice yoga or even take a nap al fresco. Wherever you go to commune with nature, remember to always be respectful of your surroundings and follow the rules.

With wellness travel on the rise, make plans today to visit Glenwood Springs, established more than a century ago as a destination for health and healing in Colorado.