For centuries, the natural hot springs in Colorado have been used for their healing powers. Ancient Ute Indians soaked in them for their medicinal properties; in Victorian times the mineral-filled waters were bottled and sold to cure ailments. Heck, even gunslinger Doc Holliday relocated to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in an effort to cure his tuberculosis by soaking in the hot springs there. (It didn’t work; he died in Glenwood Springs in 1887 at the young age of 36).
Terraced pools at The Springs Resort.
The most enterprising folk built up resorts around some of the larger Colorado springs, including the Great Pagosa Hot Spring in the southern area of the state. Today, The Springs Resort & Spa beckons visitors with more than 20 multi-level, tiered hot springs pools on the banks of the San Juan River.
When my family visited last summer, we had a ball testing out all of the different pools — with clever names like the ultra-steamy “Lobster Pot” or the adults-only “Clouds in my Coffee.” If we got too hot in one pool, we’d seek a cooler one — each separate pool has its temperature posted. Adventurous folks take a “cold plunge” right into the chilly river!
We stayed in one of the “deluxe” guest rooms - all guests have free access to the adjacent hot-springs pools. Our room was basic and comfortable, with two double beds and a galley kitchen. Coming in March 2009 is a brand-new wing with luxury rooms and suites.
Other on-site amenities include two fresh-water swimming pools that are heated closer to a “typical” 80 degrees, and a full-service day spa. This winter “Ski & Soak” packages combine lodging, hot springs pool access and lift tickets to nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Photo by Kara Williams.
5 Responses
That looks wonderful. I’ve been to Colorado Springs, but this place looks like more fun.
Does Colo. Springs even have some great soaking hot springs? I don’t know of any there — unlike Glenwood Springs’ world’s largest mineral springs swimming pool & Hot Sulphur Springs w/ its resort…. I’ll need to write about the lodging properties there!
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Pagosa Hot Springs is way over priced and the service sucks!!! My husband and I stayed there and wanted to soak later that week after skiing. OUr friends got the local deal of $12/13 and we were to pay $25. I spoke to the manager that we had just stayed there and were wondering if we could get in for just an hour at the locals rate. The response from him was unacceptable and rude. Not to mention the young woman working the desk was extremely rude!!! We will never stay there again!
i loved the place, cheapest spa resort ive ever been to….. and ive been to 4 different ones. Really liked the attendants, and management was excellent