Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Bustling, touristy Glenwood Springs sits at the western end of impressive Glenwood Canyon, within striking distance of both Vail and Aspen; as such, it offers those with their own vehicle a budget base for either destination. The town was long used by the Ute people as a place of relaxation thanks to its hot springs, which became the target for unscrupulous speculators who established resort facilities in the 1880s. North from downtown and across the Eagle River is the town's main attraction, the behemoth Hot Springs Pool, 410 N River St (daily: summer 7.30am–10pm; rest of year 9am–10pm; $13.25–18.25; Tel:970/945-6571 or 1-800/537-7946, Web: www.hotspringspool.com ), offering spa services in addition to two large pools. More intimate are the natural, subterranean steam baths of the nearby Yampah Spa Vapor Caves at 709 E Sixth St (daily 9am–9pm; $12; Tel:970/945-0667, Web: www.yampahspa.com ), where you can relax on cool marble benches set deep in ancient caves.