VAPOR CAVES HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Before 1860 Ute Indians populate the area of present-day Glenwood Springs, at the confluence of the Grand (Colorado) and Thunder (Roaring Fork) rivers, and frequently bathe and soak in the area’s many natural hot mineral water springs and underground steam vapor caverns.
1860 Isolated site of Glenwood Springs discovered by Capt. Richard Sopris, surveyor, explorer and prospector, who names the area Grand Springs. About 50 hot springs exist along both sides of Grand River.
1879 Meeker Massacre results in removal of Ute Indians to remote reservation land in Utah and southwestern Colorado.
1880 Former Ute Indian Reservation lands opened to settlement. Prospector and pioneer James Landis arrives from Leadville and claims ownership of the area.
1883 Plat filed for the new townsite of Defiance (present-day Glenwood Springs). Garfield County established from Summit County.
1883 Isaac Cooper conveys his landholdings, including the Vapor Caves site, to the Defiance Town & Land Company.
1883 Defiance Town & Land Company develops a vapor cave (Cave #2) west of the original Ute Indian cave (Cave #1). Bathers crawl through a narrow tunnel into a room of standing height. Men bathe in the morning, women in the afternoon.
1885 Town name changed from Defiance to Glenwood Springs, after Glenwood, Iowa, hometown of Isaac Cooper’s wife, Sarah.
1887 Rights to all mineral waters reserved and deeded to the Colorado Land and Improvement Company, owned by city father Walter Devereaux. This conveyance includes resources for the present-day Vapor Caves, Hotel Colorado and Hot Springs Pool. Devereaux buys the five-acre tract containing the hot springs for $125,000, and begins plans to build the hot pool.
1887 First commercial use of Vapor Caves (Cave #3) on present site, with three large underground rock chambers.
1887 Defiance Land & Town Company erects a brick bath house featuring ten porcelain tubs set in cement at Cave #2, east of the Indian caves (Cave #1) on the south river bank, across the river from the present-day Vapor Caves. Charge for bathing is 25 cents.
1887 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad arrives in Glenwood Springs. Railroad construction seals over the original Ute cave (Cave #1). Now part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, this remains an active and important freight line. (The Amtrak passenger trains stop eastbound and westbound in Glenwood Springs daily, across the river from the present Vapor Caves.)
1887 Gambler, gunslinger and dentist Doc Holliday, who came for the vapors of Cave #2, dies of tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs at age 35.
1888 Colorado Land & Investment Co. deeds land to Glenwood Light & Power Company to construct a power plant north of the present Vapor Caves. The hydroelectric plant (now the Glenwood Springs. Arts Center) makes Glenwood Springs one of the first towns in the world to have electric lights. Light bulbs from the power plant light the murky depths of the Vapor Caves.
1888 Hot Springs Pool completed.
1892 Colorado Land & Improvement Co. enters into a $500,000 mortgage with International Trust Co. to develop geothermal resources, including the Vapor Caves.
1893 Foundation laid for present Vapor Caves spa building (known as Cave No. 3). Hotel Colorado completed. Caves are opened to the public late that year.
1898 First Strawberry Day celebration held in Glenwood Springs. The annual early-summer tradition continues today with week-long events and festivities. Oldest running festival west of the Mississippi.
1902 First automobiles negotiate the primitive Taylor State Road through Grand River Canyon (name changed to Glenwood Canyon in 1914). Prior to this, travelers from Denver to Glenwood Springs journeyed over Independence Pass, Cottonwood Pass, or by train.
1905 President Theodore Roosevelt visits Glenwood Springs on a hunting trip.
1907 Grand River name changed to Colorado River by an act of the state legislature.
1911 Fred Busk and B. Aymar Sands obtain holdings including the Vapor Caves in foreclosure proceedings, and form the Glenwood Hot Springs & Hotel Company, incorporated in 1912. The company sells bottled Yampah Spring Water as a natural curative.
1914 Glenwood Hot Springs & Hotel Company fails. Taylor State Road widened and improved through Glenwood Canyon.
1916 Land title and deed of trust conveyed to Charles Hughes, Elmer Lucas and Louis Schwartz, who form the Glenwood Hot Springs & Hotel Colorado Company.
1938 Oil baron, speculator and promoter Frank Kistler purchases the hotel, pool and vapor caves for $165,000. Paved, two-lane U.S. Highway 6 & 24 constructed through Glenwood Canyon.
1943-1946 U.S. Navy occupies Hotel Colorado for use as a military hospital during World War II. The hot springs pool is also closed to civilians, and reserved for military use.
1946 Glenwood Hot Springs & Hotel Colorado Company, sells Hotel Colorado.
1947 Owners of remaining property including Vapor Caves form the Glenwood Hot Springs Company.
1953 Glenwood Hot Springs Company, including the Vapor Caves, are sold to Dr. C.W. “Doc” McFadden. McFadden practiced medicine in Glenwood Springs from 1926 through 1980. Chiropractic, massage and therapy are offered at the caves.
1956 Frank Kistler sells the hot springs pool to its present owners for $100,000
1974 Dr. McFadden agrees to sell the Vapor Caves to Dr. Richard Renn, who takes over operation of the caves.
1979 Dr. Renn formally assumes ownership of the caves and forms The Glenwood Vapor Caves, Baths and Massage Inc.
1979 Vapor Caves purchased by Ron Hoban and Patty DeFries. DeFries assumes sole ownership in 1986.
1990 Yampah Hot Springs Corporation (Bruce Kendall and Patsy Steele) purchase the caves, now named Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. The spa building property and vapor caves undergo major renovation April-August, 1990.
1993 Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves celebrates its centennial with a new addition, an expanded reception area and passage way for the spa’s herbal treatment wing.
1993 Ute Pow-Wow in Glenwood Springs. The first time members of the three Ute tribes have gathered in 125 years. Yampah Spa celebrates its centennial anniversary with tribes.
2022 Melinda, Scott, and Alex Delmonico assume ownership of Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, eager to carry forward the long-standing tradition of healing and wellness at Yampah.
HOW TO FLOW AT YAMPAH
SIMPLE GUIDELINES, FAQ & POLICIES
-
Yes—reservations are required for all services, mineral baths, and vapor cave access.
We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends, when we’re often fully booked. Capacity is limited to preserve the peacefulness of the space, and the last thing we want to do is turn guests away. Truly, that’s the worst part of our job.
To make sure your time at Yampah is everything it should be, reserve early—a week ahead is ideal.
-
Yampah is a place to unwind, reset, and let the caves work their magic.
If you're just using the vapor caves, arrive at your scheduled time—no need to come early (Although the vapor caves are always better with a service).
If you’ve booked a service like a massage, facial or a packaged experience, you’re welcome to come up to an hour early to enjoy the caves. Just make sure to check in at least 15 minutes before your service starts.
If you’re booked for a facial, we recommend enjoying the vapor caves before your service—not after. The steam and heat can open pores too much post-treatment and may reduce the effectiveness of the products we’ve applied. For the best results—and to keep your skin calm, protected, and glowing—use the caves first, then head straight into your facial.
We begin all services right on time. If you check in late, you’ll miss part (or all) of your treatment.
After your service, feel free to stick around and soak it all in.
-
Please Bring:
Swimsuit - Required
Sandals or water shoes - Recommended
Water Bottle - Recommended
A Positive, Peaceful and Open Mindset – Ready to Relax
We provide towels for all guests. If you’ve booked a spa service, you’ll also get a cozy robe. Need sandals? Just ask—we’ve got those too.
Our facilities have everything you need to get ready or wind down: locker rooms, showers, and spa essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
-
Planning a visit with multiple friends or family members? The easiest way to book for a group is to reach out directly—give us a call at 970-945-0667 or email reservations@yampahspa.com. Our team is here to help make the process smooth and simple.
For group bookings or service packages, we may require a 100% deposit in the form of a gift certificate at the time of booking. These deposits are non-refundable.
You’re welcome to cancel or reschedule anytime up to 24 hours before your reservation. Inside that window, the full amount will be charged. Bookings made within 24 hours are final and can’t be changed.
Please note our minimum age requirements. See “Age Requirements'“ for details.
-
A credit card is required to be stored on-file to book with us.
All appointments are paid in full at check-in.
If you’ve had a treatment, don’t forget to stop by the front desk afterward to check out and add a gratuity for your therapist. Our team puts a lot of heart into every service, and the suggested tip is 20% of the service price.
We know that post-vapor cave bliss can make things a little foggy, we call it spa brain. If you forget to check out, no problem, we’ll automatically charge the card on file to include a 20% gratuity.
-
Vapor cave access is complimentary with any spa service—massage, body wrap, luxurious facial, you name it. If you’re booking a service, there’s no need to pay separately for the caves—it’s included.
So if you’re planning to visit the caves anyway, it’s a great time to treat yourself to something more. A massage and a steam session? That’s a full reset.
-
Gratuity is not included in the price of your service, but it is a standard in the spa industry and a meaningful way to show appreciation for your therapist’s time, care, and skill. Our team puts a lot of heart into every session, and your gratitude goes a long way.
The suggested gratuity is 20% of the service price, though the amount is entirely up to you.
After your treatment, don’t forget to stop by the front desk to check out and leave a tip if you’d like. We know that post-vapor cave bliss can leave you floating—we call it spa brain. If you forget to check out, no worries: we’ll automatically process your payment using the card on file and apply a 20% gratuity to your service.
Gratuity can also be added at check-in if you’d prefer not to think about it later—and it can always be adjusted afterward if your service doesn’t meet your expectations. Our team appreciates you!
-
The vapor caves are a sacred space—natural, healing, and deeply rooted in the history of this land. We ask that all guests treat them with care and quiet.
The caves are a silent space. Please refrain from talking while inside to maintain a peaceful environment for everyone.
Leave all jewelry, electronics, and personal items in your locker. The intense heat and moisture can quickly damage them.
Our caves are completely natural formations. You may notice loose dirt, rocks, or crystals—that’s all part of the experience. That said, the caves are cleaned nightly using a medical-grade solution. All surfaces are thoroughly scrubbed and washed to ensure cleanliness and safety. While the caves remain raw and organic, they’re always clean.
If you’re uncomfortable with enclosed spaces, underground environments, or natural debris, the caves may not be the right fit for you.
Any damage to our space or mistreatment of our team will result in permanent removal from the property. We take this seriously: law enforcement will be called, and damages of no less than $1,000 will be charged to the card on file.
Guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed entry. If a guest appears intoxicated, they will be asked to leave immediately with no refund.
If you’re pregnant or have medical conditions affected by high heat, steam, or enclosed spaces, talk to your doctor before visiting. We’re not medical professionals, and your safety is your responsibility.
Keep in mind: Glenwood Springs sits at 5,800 feet. If you’re feeling the effects of altitude, skip the caves and consider our oxygen therapy instead.
-
You must be 13 years of age or older to enter the vapor caves.
Any guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
You must be 18 years or older to participate in our massage, wrap and scrub services. No exceptions.
You must be 16 years or older to participate in our facial services.
If you are under the age of 18 and receiving a service a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign our service consent form. It is your responsibility to conform to this policy and cancellations due to this age requirement are subject to our 24 Hour Cancellation Policy.
-
We hold all appointments with a valid credit card. You can pay however you’d like when you check-in at Yampah.
Need to cancel or reschedule? No problem—just let us know at least 24 hours in advance, and there’s no charge. Cancellations or no-shows within 24 hours will be charged in full. We don’t make exceptions. This policy supports our team and keeps Yampah running with care and intention.
To modify or cancel, contact us at least 24 hours ahead:
📞 970-945-0667
📧 reservations@yampahspa.com -
If you have any medical conditions, we recommend checking with your doctor before booking at Yampah Spa.
Yampah reserves the right to pause or stop any service at any time to ensure the safety and well-being of both our guests and team.
EXPECTING MOTHERS:
We’re honored to care for our guests during this special time. Massage services are available only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. For safety reasons, we do not offer massage during the first trimester—thank you for understanding.
The vapor caves are not recommended at any stage of pregnancy due to the high heat and steam environment. If you are pregnant do not go into the vapor caves.
However, we do offer a customized mineral bath for expecting mothers, with the water temperature lowered for your comfort and safety. Just let us know at the time of booking so we can customize your experience.
Yampah reserves the right to pause or stop any service at any time to ensure the safety and well-being of both our guests and team.
-
We’re honored to care for our guests during this special time. Massage services are available only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. For safety reasons, we do not offer massage during the first trimester—thank you for understanding.
The vapor caves are not recommended at any stage of pregnancy due to the high heat and steam environment. If you are pregnant do not go into the vapor caves.
However, we do offer a customized mineral bath for expecting mothers, with the water temperature lowered for your comfort and safety. Just let us know at the time of booking so we can customize your experience.
Yampah reserves the right to pause or stop any service at any time to ensure the safety and well-being of both our guests and team.