A Quick History of the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves
A One-of-a Kind Experience
In all of North America, the Yampah Vapor Caves are the only known natural vapor caves—all others are manmade excavations. They were first used by Native Americans for purification, healing and rejuvenation. The name, Yampah, means “Big Medicine” in the Ute language.
Several Steam Caves
Early Glenwood Springs pioneers referred to the current location of the Yampah Spa as Cave No. 3. Cave No. 1 was situated across the river and sealed up when the railroad came through in the late 1880s, and Cave No. 2 required crawling through a narrow tunnel to access a standing-room-only chamber.
Essential Glenwood Springs History
Originally the vapor caves were developed as part of the Hot Springs Pool complex, which also included the Hotel Colorado. In those days, for modesty’s sake, men and women wore heavy sackcloth coverings and had separate times for steam baths.
The Vapor Caves have changed hands several times over the years. The current owners purchased the iconic health destination in 1990, overseeing major expansions and improvements to the property.