Colorado is steeped in history. From Native Americans to explorers to modern day athletes—generations have sought out our state’s bountiful natural wonders. However, it is the natural mineral hot springs that have garnered the most attention for therapeutic healing and relaxation. This year in your quest to round out a healthy lifestyle, take a lesson from the native Ute and visit Colorado’s abundant natural pools of hot mineral water to soak up their curative qualities.
HAUTE SPRINGS
With the allure of healing waters and therapeutic benefits, it’s an easy decision to make a whole weekend out of your hot springs experience. The following hot springs boast more than just soaking pools. Many offer luxury spas, overnight accommodations and other activities.
DUNTON HOT SPRINGS
Quite possibly the most luxurious hot springs lodging on this list, Dunton is an exclusive resort located right outside of Telluride. Dunton is a restored ghost town with original cabins transformed into posh accommodations. There are six options to enjoy the hot springs that range in temperature from 85° to 106°F. There is a pool located inside of a restored 19th century bathhouse, an outdoor pool at the source of the springs, a pool adjacent to the bathhouse, a pool behind the Dunton Store cabin, inside the Well House cabin and in the river. There are nearly a dozen massages, wraps and therapeutic treatments to choose from as well as private Pilates and yoga sessions.
DON’T MISS:
Just about anything at Dunton. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that rivals few other hot springs in the state, let alone the world. However, previous guests have claimed that Ann Drakeley’s hot stone treatment is truly a highlight of the entire Dunton experience.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Butch Cassidy used Dunton as a hideaway after his legendary Telluride bank robbery en route to Utah. And, a tepid sulfuric spring, Colorado’s only geyser, bubbles up nearly ever hour near the property. Two quite unique attributes for this remote paradise.
BOOK IT:
Dunton Hot Springs
52068 Road 38 | Dolores
970.882.4800 | duntonhotsprings.com
Glenwood Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs is one of the most infamous hot springs in the world. Nearly 3.5 million gallons of water flows through the pool everyday. The resort and pool took modern-day form in the 1860s when a Captain happened upon the Ute gem. Twenty years later, the land was purchased and the beginnings of the resort and town took form. The main pool, which still resembles the original from the 1800s, is more than two city blocks in size, and is kept at 90° to 93°F while the therapy pool averages 104°F. The “Spa of the Rockies,” located on site, takes a natural and holistic approach to healing and relaxation. Guests can also stay at the 107-room Hot Springs Lodge, just north of the pools.
DON’T MISS:
The aromatherapy treatment in the original red sandstone bathhouse turned spa.
YOU DON’T SAY….
President Teddy Roosevelt was a frequent guest of the resort along with gangsters such as Al Capone. Doc Holliday sought out the therapeutic springs as a relief from his tuberculosis and lived out his final days in Glenwood Springs.
BOOK IT:
Glenwood Hot Springs
415 E. 6th St. | Glenwood Springs
800.537.SWIM (7946) | hotspringspool.com
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort
Certainly one of the strongest smelling springs on the list, Hot Sulphur Springs is the largest conglomerate of hot spring pools in Colorado located on 80 acres. The pools have been continually in operation for 140 years. Nearly 200,000 gallons of mineral-rich waters are accessed from seven natural springs providing varying water temperatures ranging from 104° to 126ºF. There are 22 pools on site including private bathing pools, the solarium pool, the therapy Elk Pool and a summer swimming pool. The on-site motel has 17 rooms and there is an authentic 1840s cabin for rent. A full-service spa offers massages, facials, waxes, herbal wraps and much more.
DON’T MISS:
The Vitamin C Facial—one of the most popular and rewarding treatments.
YOU DON’T SAY….
After a massive renovation in 1997, the Ute tribal spiritual leader blessed the waters once again at their opening ceremony.
BOOK IT:
Hot Sulphur Springs
5609 County Road 20 | Hot Sulphur Springs
970.725.3306 | hotsulphursprings.com
Indian Hot Springs
One of the closest springs to the metro-Denver area, Indian Hot Springs is a quick trip up I-70 and offers various pools, a main lodge, Inn rooms, lodge rooms, four cabins and even an electrical hookup campground (water as well in season). Start your water adventure with the geothermal cave baths that were carved right into the mountainside between 1903 and 1911. With separate caves for men and women, there are several sunken hot tubs with natural mineral water ranging from 104° to 112°F. Four large Jacuzzi tubs with 108°F waters are located on the Redwood deck providing optimum views of the surrounding mountains. An indoortropical paradise welcomes visitors with a main large pool at 90° to 96°F that is enveloped by banana and palm trees. Various spa treatments and the popular glo body treatment are all available.
DON’T MISS:
The private rooms each stocked with a 106°F hot tub, shower and bench.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Teddy Roosevelt also came to soak and relax at the Indian Hot Springs, as did Jesse and Frank James and Walt Whitman at what was then known as the Saratoga of the Rockies.
BOOK IT:
Indian Hot Springs
302 Soda Creek Rd. | Idaho Springs
303.567.1303 | indianhotsprings.com
Joyful Journeys Hot Springs
There are two geothermal artesian hot springs that release water up to 145º F at Joyful Journeys Hot Springs, making it one of the hottest springs in the state. There are three soaking pools in which to choose from; the cooler pool at 98° to 100ºF, the medium pool at 104ºF and the hottest pool at 108º F. All three pools are tiled and the medium pool is the deepest. There are more than a dozen massages, facials and herbal wrap treatments available through an on-site spa. Standard hotel rooms are available for overnight stays as well as tipis, RV hookups and camping (in season).
DON’T MISS:
The yurts—a round space building with full bedding, towels and robes for a unique overnight stay.
YOU DON’T SAY….
All three pools are drained and cleaned each night so the hot water has ample time to cool off for optimum soaking pleasure.
BOOK IT:
Joyful Journeys Hot Springs
28640 CR 58 EE | Moffat
719.256.4328 | joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Nestled into the valley just below one of the most breathtaking fourteeners is Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. There are numerous choices for relaxation in these healing waters, including the 105ºF soaking pools; the exercise pool (which averages 90º F) with lounge chairs and an outdoor fireplace surrounding the pool; the relaxation pool at 100º F available to overnight guests only; the upper pool at 85º F, which boasts a lazy river and 400-foot waterslide (Memorial Day through Labor Day); and 30 pools located on the banks of Chalk Creek, closed only during spring run-off. For overnight guests, there are luxury cabins that include a small or large cabin and even condo units within the cabins, cliffside rooms, hillside rooms or the lodge. Additionally, the on-site Princeton Club serves three meals a day.
DON’T MISS:
The new luxury spa building…it’s opening in 2012!
YOU DON’T SAY….
This is a very popular wedding destination in the summer and winter with more than 60 bookings a year. Look out for gorgeous brides and grooms in the pools.
BOOK IT:
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
15870 County Road 162 | Nathrop
719.395.2447 | mtprinceton.com
The Springs Resort & Spa (Pagosa Springs)
Home to the largest, deepest hot springs in the world at an amazing Guinness World Record of 2,500 feet below the earth’s surface, Pagosa Hot Springs is the Disneyland of hot springs pools. The Great Pagosa Aquifer pumps out water at 131°F, too hot for humans; therefore, it is mixed with fresh water for the 23 different pools and soaking tubs throughout the resort that range from 99° to 114°F. There is truly a pool for every kid and adult at this property in addition to 79 guest rooms and a full-service day spa.
DON’T MISS:
A little memento from the Bath House gift shop—springs lotions and soaps made from the curative waters.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Not only did Oprah pay the resort a visit, it is one of the only Gold LEED-Certified hotels in the country.
BOOK IT:
The Springs Resort and Spa
65 Hot Springs Blvd. | Pagosa Springs
970.264.4168 | pagosahotsprings.com
Waunita Hot Springs
The only dude ranch on the list, Waunita Hot Springs originally drew tourists from the Midwest at the turn of the 20th century for its healing waters during the summer months offered by its owner at the time, Chicago doctor Charles Davis. Through several changes in ownership, the ranch has now been family-owned for more than 40 years and has transformed into a recreational haven. The Olympic size pool fed by the natural hot springs has waters at 98° to 99ºF and the hot tub reaches 102ºF. Guests can stay in the Main or Hillside lodge. Massages can also be accommodated during the summer weeks. Bookings are usually taken in six-day increments, so set aside plenty of time for Waunita. Dude ranch activities are offered June through August with limited dates available in September. October thru April Waunita offers B&B stays, meetings and retreats, as well as public use of the pool.
DON’T MISS:
The incredible horseback riding through the surrounding Gunnison National Forest.
YOU DON’T SAY….
The ranch can be booked for a Bed & Breakfast stay during the off-season at discounted rates.
BOOK IT:
Waunita Hot Springs
8007 County Road 887 | Gunnison
970.641.1266 | waunita.com
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
Ouray offers numerous hot springs, but none more European-inspired than the Wiesbaden. The resort is located directly over several natural cool and hot springs that release water ranging from 78° to 128°F. The outdoor pool reaches temperatures of 102°F, the soaking pool soars to 108°F and the Lorelei, a private soaking pool that can be booked by the hour, is also regulated at 108°F. There are 21 units, either cabin or cottage, to stay in and a private retreat with three bedrooms and two baths for rent. The Wiesbaden also boasts one of the few vapor caves in the nation located in and under the mountain adjacent to the resort. The first chamber has a cool spring of 78°F and the main vapor cave has an 18-inch soaking pool that can reach 109°F.
DON’T MISS:
Aveda treatments, massages and therapies at the full service spa.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Travelers from Scandinavian countries like to descend upon these springs and the resort has been written about in Travel+Leisure five times, the New York Times, Forbes and numerous other outlets.
BOOK IT:
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
625 5th St. | Ouray
970.325.4347 | wiesbadenhotsprings.com
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
The following hot springs are more rustic in style, some with overnight accommodations and some without. It’s likely that the remote locations of these springs are what holds the most appeal.
Conundrum Hot Springs
The only hot springs to make this list that has no admission fees and no building or structure of any kind—Conundrum Hot Springs are not for the weak of heart. Situated at 11,200 feet, this remote location is the highest elevation natural hot springs in North America. While one must hike nine miles from the end of a paved road in Aspen to reach the springs, the breathtaking glory of surrounding Aspens, pines and wildflowers in the shadow of nearby mountain peaks make the journey worthwhile. This is an extremely popular destination for hikers in summer—all who are allured by the secluded locale. The spring is often packed with people (and some sans clothing) during the warmer months. There is one larger main water pool at 103°F and a couple other smaller pools with cooler water pooling from the main spring.
DON’T MISS:
The new regulations that do not allow dogs on the trail and near the hot springs. It would be shame for Fido to be fined.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Elevation gain to the spring is nearly 2,700 feet on the journey to this remote locale.
BOOK IT:
Conundrum Hot Springs
Trail begins at a round-about on Castle Creek Road that leads to Conundrum
Creek Road | 970.925.3445
(Pitkin County Forest Service)
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
The town’s hot springs pool holds more than one million gallons of natural hot springs water. The pool is divided into sections with water temperatures varying from 96° to 106°F. The sulphur-free minerals come from the hottest fresh water hot springs in the world that pumps out water at 155°F. The Ouray Hot Springs are then mixed with fresh water to make swimming, soaking and relaxing enjoyable. There is a lap section, a diving area, a large slide and shallow section for visitors (diving board and slide closed in the winter). The views of towering Mount Abrams from the pools are simply breathtaking and enhance the majestic ambiance of the experience.
DON’T MISS:
The quintessential massage from Healing Touch Massage Therapy after a soak in the pool.
YOU DON’T SAY….
The park across from the hot springs is a popular gathering spot for deer and elk in winter due to the hot water under the ground allowing vegetation to grow nearly year-round.
BOOK IT:
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
1230 Main St. | Ouray
970.325.7073 | ouraycolorado.com
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Located just outside Steamboat Springs along Hot Spring Creek, Strawberry Park is a group of four pools ranging in temperature from 102° to 106ºF. The destination is as minimally developed as possible to enhance the natural characteristics of the land. The pools are all located very close to one another so you can easily walk from one to the next. Massage is available through one of the park’s licensed therapists. Rustic cabin rental and campgrounds (in season) offer guests overnight stays.
DON’T MISS:
Watsu, a healing massage and stretching treatment offered while floating in the hot spring water.
YOU DON’T SAY….
On Friday and Saturday evenings the pools stay open late to allow for intense stargazing.
BOOK IT:
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
44200 County Road 36 | Steamboat Springs
970.879.0342 | strawberryhotsprings.com
Trimble Hot Springs
Durango’s only operational hot springs, Trimble is the perfect treat after a day on the nearby slopes of Durango Mountain Resort or hiking in the surrounding Needles Mountain Range. With roots to the 1880s, Trimble’s two naturally heated mineral pools range from 103˚ to 109°F. An outdoor, heated, Olympic-sized swimming pool hovers at about 80° F April through November. Two saunas are also available, as well as another pool for the exclusive use of spa clients. The spa offers massages, herbal wraps and more. Overnight lodging at Trimble includes the Starlight Room for singles and couples, and the Trimble Guesthouse, a two-bedroom vacation rental for up to five guests.
DON’T MISS:
The signature 60-minute massage. This therapeutic massage is the most booked spa service and comes with the added bonus of a soak in the Red Rock pool only available to spa patrons.
YOU DON’T SAY….
Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe were both guests of Trimble Hot Springs. Many more celebrities have visited the pools, but names are kept under tight wraps.
BOOK IT:
Trimble Hot Springs
6475 County Road 203 | Durango
970.247.0212 | trimblehotsprings.com
Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves
Located in Glenwood Springs, the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is not only a day spa, it boasts one of the few vapor caves in the world! The caves help enclose hot steam from natural springs that heat the air temperature from 115° to 117°F. Most visitors sit on benches in the caves for 15 to 20 minutes, retreat to a lounge for lemon water and to cool off, then return to the caves for another steam. Patsy Steele, owner of the spa, recommends dedicating an hour for this cycle. There is also a full-service day spa and Aveda beauty salon.
DON’T MISS:
The private geothermal mineral bath that is said to help relieve pain from arthritis, stress, tension and congestion in the body.
YOU DON’T SAY….
The native Ute used the caves as a source of healing and still come to Yampah for its healing powers every season.
BOOK IT:
709 E. Sixth St. | Glenwood Springs
970.945.0667 | yampahspa.com
