Each year, 2.3 million visitors pass through Glenwood Canyon and stop for a visit in the town of Glenwood Springs. They come for its natural beauty and rich history, as well as the chance to relax in one of the town’s many thermal hot springs.
But long before the railroad and interstate came through — and long before the first massage therapists arrived — the Roaring Fork Valley was a haven for healing.
How much do you know about the history of Glenwood Springs? Why have generations of people traveled here seeking solace and relief?
Let’s take a brief journey through time to discover the roots of natural healing and massage in Glenwood Springs.
The Origins of Glenwood Springs
The oldest rocks in the Roaring Valley are at least 1.7 billion years old. Much more recently — about 30 million years ago — the area became geothermically active, with volcanoes bubbling up in nearby Basalt and Dotsero. The Colorado River formed about 10 million years ago and became the base for the hot springs we all know and love.
Fast-forward to the arrival of man and the area’s first known inhabitants — the Native American Ute tribe. They named the valley’s waters “Yampah,” or “Big Medicine,” because they believed it to be a sacred place of healing. In fact, local legend states that the Utes took Captain Richard Sopris to soak at Yampah when he fell ill on a prospecting expedition.
(By the way, this isn’t just ancient hearsay — there’s real science that establishes the use of hot springs for healing.)
In the early 1880s, James Landis established a homestead at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Grand Rivers that would become Glenwood Springs. The famous hot spring pool and bathhouse opened in 1888, and the rest is history.
Over the decades, famous figures including Doc Holliday, Abraham Lincoln, and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown ventured to the mountain town to experience the benefits of these healing waters. Even today, there’s nothing like a leisurely soak in one of Glenwood’s famous hot springs to relax your body and calm your mind.
But your therapeutic journey doesn’t have to end there. In fact, once your muscles are nice and loose from the waters, that’s the perfect time to book a massage.
Massage Therapy in Glenwood Springs
Massage is a natural, healthy way to manage your stress and reduce anxiety. Not only does it feel amazing, but it helps us to heal from the inside out.
Consider just a few benefits of receiving a massage:
- Increases serotonin and dopamine (the “feel good” hormones)
- Lowers cortisol levels (the “stress” hormone)
- Improves circulation and removes toxins
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Improves your quality of sleep
- Reduces pain and inflammation
When’s the last time you unplugged from the craziness of the world and focused on recharging your batteries? When’s the last time you experienced a truly good night’s sleep and woke up feeling refreshed?
If it’s been a while, it’s time to book your next massage.
The Best Massage in Glenwood Springs
Are you ready to be part of Glenwood’s rich legacy? Could you use some natural healing and relaxation in your life?
At Simply Massage in Glenwood Springs, our goal is to help you do exactly that. Our team of professional therapists is here to put your body and mind at ease. We offer Swedish massage, sports massage, and deep tissue massage, as well as the option for a couple’s massage.
Book your session today or give us a call at 970-748-1600 to learn more!