YAMPAH SPA & VAPOR CAVES

One of Glenwood Springs’ most unusual attractions is also one of its most historic. The underground vapor-filled caverns at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves were originally used by the Ute Indians for both healing and rituals. The Yampah Vapor Caves are one of only a few known natural vapor caves in North America, that offer therapeutic steam naturally.

Deep underground mineral-rich steam from the Yampah spring, the same source that barrels water into the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, seeps into three subterranean chambers and fills them with hot steam. Visitors descend a staircase and go through several partitions before entering the caverns. The dim lights are conducive to relaxing, but at the same time provide enough wattage to allow visitors to safely navigate the underground space. Each of the three “rooms” is lined with marble benches where guests can relax and inhale the healing vapors. These hot springs caves Colorado has to offer are downright calming and worth a trip from anywhere!

CAVE TEMPERATURES

Temperatures range from 110 – 112 degrees Fahrenheit. A water spigot and buckets are never far away and guests are encouraged to use them to cool off. The natural, untreated therapeutic water contains 34 minerals and trace elements and is especially high in sulfate, nitrate, zinc, and potassium.

The hot springs water flows through the caves at a simmering 125 degrees Fahrenheit by way of narrow, shallow channels. Guests are advised to use the caves in 10 – 12-minute intervals with cooling breaks in between.

Soothing music, lounge chairs, and ample reading material are readily available in the spa’s solarium. Guests can also step outside for a dose of fresh, cool mountain air on an outdoor deck. Visitors with a cave pass may descend into the vapor caves as often as they like or add-on spa services.