Piece Of History — Peace Of Mind
BY MARTIN PINE
The history of Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a delightful sally down the rustic roads of the state’s past. It is a town where old meets the new on each and every street corner to shape a year-round resort.
The nomadic Ute Indians were the first people to call Glenwood Springs home. In addition to prime hunting and fishing grounds, the Utes believed in the healing powers of the hot mineral springs. They referred to them as “Yampah,” roughly translated as “big medicine.” For them the springs were not only a source of physical regeneration, but provided mental and spiritual nourishment. Battle braves and their horses soaked in the hot water pools and underground vapor caves to strengthen their spirits and resolve.
In 1860, Captain Richard Sopris was the first white man to lay claim to Glenwood Springs. It wasn’t long before the valley, punctuated with more than 50 hot springs, became a favorite spot for many weary miners, as well as entrepreneurs dreaming of world-class resorts and big profits. Walter Devereaux was one such man. Along with his two brothers, he set out to build the world’s largest hot springs pool.
In 1883, the confluence of the Roaring Fork and the colorado rivers had been given a name Defiance. It was a rough-hewn town of bars and brothels, populated with gamblers, gunslingers, miners and madams. The town retained its rebellious moniker until 1885, when it was changed to Glenwood Springs by Sarah Cooper, wife of one of the founding fathers, isaac Cooper.
The Fairy Caves (now called the Glenwood Caverns) were the first real tourist attraction in Glenwood springs, opening to the public in 1886. Fifty cents would gain you access to the subterranean caverns, grottos and labyrinth corridors, adorned with the most beautiful calcareous formations of stalactites, stalagmites and pillars.
“SPA IN THE ROCKIES”
Little did visionary and silver magnate Walter Devereaux know that when he came to Glenwood Springs in the late 1800’s to build a great healing spa from the Yampah Springs of the Ute indians that it would have such a lasting impact on this small mountain town.
In Victorian Times, Glenwood Springs became known worldwide as the “Spa in the rockies,” attracting the rich and famous of the day. Devereaux had built an empire, featuring the world’s largest hot springs pool as the jewel in his crown, natural vapor caves and the luxurious Hotel Colorado.
Today, a wide array of spas, fitness centers and contemporary health and beauty treatment centers complement Glenwood springs’ natural spa atmosphere. Leading the way is the Hot springs Pool — the world’s largest hot springs pool. The years have been many reincarnations of the hot springs, from a sacred Indian site to an exclusive Victorian enclave to a modern family vacation destination. This mineral-rich water, combined with the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, relax tired muscles and bring peace of mind.
The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves are said to purify body and spirit as they soothe away aches and pains. they are the only known natural vapor caves in North America in which hot mineral waters flow through the cave floors at 125 degrees to create a natural geothermal steam bath. The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves also offer a full range of contemporary health and beauty treatments, including massage, facials, European herbal body treatments, mud baths, private hot tubs and salon services.
Whether you need a healing touch or simply want to unwind, Splendor Mountain Spa offers a variety of services to suit you, including therapeutic massage, Starflower facials, an herbal wrap, La Stone massage of Watsu warm water, a special form of bodywork, incorporating water therapy and Shiatsu Massage.
The Glenwood Springs Community Center is the town’s newest facility, featuring a full-size gymnasium with six hoops, a full-service cardio and strength conditioning center complete with free weights, steppers, treadmills and cross trainers, a dance studio, an ice rink and climbing wall, and much more. Group exercise classes include Sweat and Sculpt, Aerobic-Funk, Cardio Kick, Yoga Flow, Kundalini Yoga and Pilates.
The Hot Springs Athletic Club offers a variety of massage therapies, including Swedish, Polarity, Shiatsu, Thai, Intergrative, Neuromuscular Therapy, Foot Reflexology and Sports massage.
For more information about Glenwood Springs, Colorado, call 970-945-6589 or go to www.glenwoodschamber.com.
