A World Tour Of Saunas at Iron Mountain Hot Spring’s Sauna Summit

Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, Colorado boasts a treasure trove of natural hot springs. We love the going to Colorado in the crisp cold winter and hopping in steaming waters while surrounded by snow capped mountains.

We previously wrote about the innovative approach to wellness being taken by folks at WorldSprings and the new resort in Texas which made our list of top family friendly hot springs resorts. WorldSprings also made out list of safe hot springs to relax in while pregnant, so we are fans.

Now they are continuing that innovation with the Sauna Summit at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. This is the first publicly accessible sauna and plunge pool experience in Glenwood Springs. While at their Colorado location stay nearby at the cozy Hotel Glenwood Springs.

Launching on the heels of the property’s tenth anniversary, The Sauna Summit marks a significant evolution for Iron Mountain Hot Springs, introducing sauna culture and contrast therapy as essential complements to its renowned geothermal mineral pools. 

While Glenwood Springs has long been known for its hot springs history, The Sauna Summit fills a gap in the region’s wellness landscape. Five new thermal features and three dedicated plunge pools will showcase the proven benefits of contrast therapy firsthand, including recovery and relaxation, better sleep, clearer skin, and reduced stress.

Guests can move through the property at their own pace, or participate in Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ guided circuits targeting specific health goals such as muscle recovery, cardiovascular health, or nervous system regulation. 

Featuring the most diverse sauna collection in the U.S., the Sauna Summit is designed to mirror the distinct architectural styles, temperatures, and aromatherapy and chromotherapy components, including: 

● Steam Room - Inspired by the Turkish Hammam, humid heat helps open pores, supports skin detoxification, and promotes respiratory relief 

● Traditional Sauna - Inspired by the Finnish Barrel Sauna, spending time in deep, dry heat is known to boost circulation, support muscle recovery, and reduce stress 

● Red Light Clay Sauna - Inspired by the South Korean Hanjeungmak, radiant heat and red light encourage detoxification, joint comfort, and cellular recovery 

● Aromatherapy Sauna - Inspired by the Russian Banya, herbal-infused heat can stimulate circulation, ease muscle tension, and calm the nervous system 

● Salt Sauna - Inspired by a Polish Salt Room, salt exposure supports respiratory health, skin balance, and relaxation with mineral-infused air 

“When we acquired Iron Mountain Hot Springs six years ago, the vision was to create a truly outstanding wellness attraction in America. The WorldSprings expansion, completed in 2023, followed by the opening of The Sauna Summit, accomplishes that objective,” said Rob Kramer, Co-Founder of WorldSprings and Managing Partner of Off Road Capital. 

“The Sauna Summit is designed to give guests practical, proven ways to support their holistic well-being,”

Designed as the ultimate slopes-to-soak experience, The Summit enhances Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ standing as both a must-visit Colorado attraction and a wellness-forward destination. The expansion pairs ancient bathing traditions with modern hospitality, offering guests new ways to restore, recover, and reconnect—whether after winter sports or year-round outdoor adventures. It also reflects Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ continued growth within the WorldSprings portfolio, whose mission is to make simple, effective wellness more accessible across the United States. 

The Sauna Summit is now open and is included with Premier Access (21+).

We asked Aaron McCallister, General Manager of Iron Mountain Hot Springs for some additional information that’s important our readers.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for these new facilities?

We’re excited to introduce our longstanding members and new guests to The Sauna Summit. Access to the sauna and plunge experience is available with the purchase of a Premier Access (21+) ticket, ensuring an elevated, wellness-focused environment designed for relaxation, recovery, and intentional contrast therapy.

Q: Tell me more about where sustainability fits? And how materials such as clay and salt are sourced?

Sustainability and thoughtful design are very important to us as we continue to grow. The Sauna Summit was designed as an intentional expansion of our existing property, highlighting the majestic Rocky Mountains that encircle it. 

When we began designing the saunas for Iron Mountain Hot Springs, the most diverse collection of saunas in the country, we knew from the start we wanted to bring the same intentionality to this new area. From the red light clay sauna inspired by South Korean traditions to the salt sauna modeled after Polish salt rooms, each space was designed to feel authentic and restorative.

We work closely with trusted partners to source specialty materials such as clay and salt, ensuring quality, safety, and alignment with our long-term operational standards. As we expand, responsible growth and stewardship remain part of the conversation.

Q: How do these new facilities support accessibility?

The Sauna Summit aims to make contrast therapy approachable and customizable. Guests can move through the experience at their own pace or participate in guided circuits tailored to goals like muscle recovery, stress reduction, or cardiovascular support. 

The space is also thoughtfully equipped to accommodate guests with varying mobility needs. Ramps and pool chair lifts provide access to the signature WorldSprings pools, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ trained team members are available to assist guests entering and exiting the pools and saunas as needed.

More broadly, this expansion reflects our mission to make simple, effective wellness more accessible—bringing a public sauna and plunge experience to Glenwood Springs in a way that feels welcoming, social, and easy to integrate into a full day of soaking and restoration.

Q: What promotions do you expect to have in the future? 

We’re committed to remaining a year-round destination for both visitors and the Glenwood Springs community. Locals have access to specially priced tickets, ensuring Iron Mountain Hot Springs remains a place they can enjoy regularly—not just a spot for tourists.

We also offer a 10% discount to military members, teachers, nurses, doctors, hospital employees, first responders, government workers, students, and seniors who verify their identity with ID.me. This applies to both day passes and memberships and is available through online verification.

Looking ahead, especially during the warmer months, we plan to introduce more member-focused events that encourage connection and community—from fitness-forward activations to curated food and beverage nights—giving guests even more ways to pair their soak with meaningful, social experiences.

Q: What other components are you considering adding? 

The Sauna Summit marks a major evolution for Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and we view it as a foundation to build upon. As guest interest in contrast therapy and social wellness continues to grow, we’re exploring additional guided experiences, educational programming, and enhanced ritual elements that deepen the benefits while preserving the open, inviting atmosphere that makes Iron Mountain a full-day destination. We’re also prioritizing spots for guests to relax and unwind when they are not enjoying the amenities, and plan to introduce new areas to lounge and recline later this year.