About the Hot Springs Vapor Caves

The Yampah Spa Vapor Caves are natural underground hot mineral water steam baths located in the historic hot springs mountain retreat of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Hot mineral waters flow through the cave floors at 125 degrees F. to create our natural geothermal steam baths. The Vapor Caves consist of three adjoining underground rock chambers. Visitors descend a stairway inside the main building and pass through a stone corridor into the caves. An atmosphere of well-being pervades throughout the soothing stillness of the caves. Relax on slab marble benches in the rocky alcoves, and inhale the natural steam vapor in the warm, dimly lit cave chambers. Stress and tension melt away effortlessly. Cave temperatures average 110 -112 degrees F., allowing repeated visits of 10 -12 minutes separated by brief rests in a nearby cooling room, or upstairs in the spacious solarium. Cold water and small tubs are also available for cooling off in the caves.

The Ute Indians who originally inhabited this region visited these caves for centuries, and regarded them as a sacred place of healing and rejuvenation. Visitors today still honor that tradition. The Vapor Caves purify body and spirit as they soothe away aches and pains. The Indians had done much to spread the fame of the hot mineral springs as a wonderful healing source. Early settlers used holes scooped into the ground and shielded by pine boughs as their bathtubs, an idea copied from the Indians who brought their sick to the springs for treatment.

These are the only known natural vapor caves in North America ...others are manmade excavations.

In 2005 we made a long-awaited and fantastic addition to the many day spa services we provide. Our “city water” Jacuzzi baths have been replaced with modern Japanese-style soaking tubs filled with the hot mineral water piped directly out of the caves. Our tubs accommodate individuals or couples. Our customers now enjoy the therapeutic properties of the hot Yampah mineral waters before a massage or body treatment. Bathers are treated to a fresh tub of water in a private room.

Glenwood Springs is a scenic resort town at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. We offer year-round cultural and recreational activities in a spectacular setting. The select staff includes certified massage therapists who practice Swedish massage techniques, with acupressure and foot reflexology available. Body treatments include herbal wraps, body mud wraps, seaweed wraps, rose petal wraps and salt glow rubs. Monthly spa specials offer a package of treatments at a savings.

Body treatments with a soak in the caves have long been a favorite activity for couples and friends visiting Glenwood Springs. The Spa provides the perfect compliment to outdoor recreation any season of the year.

In addition to the Vapor Caves, we now offer a full range of contemporary health and beauty treatments: massage, facials, herbal body treatments, private natural mineral baths and salon services. Yampah Spa Vapor Caves are easily accessible from Interstate 70, Colorado's major east-west thoroughfare. We're located just east of the Hot Springs Lodge and Pool complex. Glenwood Springs is a scenic 3-hour drive from Denver and Boulder along all-weather highways. We are only 1 hour from Aspen or Vail and 1 1/2 hours from Grand Junction.

Open every day from 9am to 9pm. You may click here to go to our reservations page, or call us at 970-945-0667. And be sure to check our monthly special page for this month’s treatment package special.

A Yampah Spa Gift Certificate makes a wonderful, unique and thoughtful gift for anyone.