When I came back to Colorado five years ago, I was excited for the wide-open spaces, gorgeous weather, and breathtaking views. What I was not excited for was the flood of people that had the same idea as me. Even so, here I am, constantly exploring Colorado, while I can still afford it that is.

Colorado is known for many things—epic mountains, breathtaking views, and endless opportunities to explore. But a lesser known Colorado staple is the abundance of natural hot springs.

Located less than three hours west of Denver, Glenwood Springs is known for being a hot springs hot spot. And historically, the Glenwood Hot Springs has been the only player in town, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, a new contender has arrived: Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

We bought cocktails and splashed in the water, allowing our thoughts to wander while we enjoyed the scenic views. The hot healing waters made releasing the troubles of daily life easy (and the cocktails helped too). As I gazed out to the red mountains, Jake snapped a picture of me. I felt like an Instagram model.

Until next time,

Leah Pinkus