Hot springs are heated groundwater that rises from the Earth's crust. They have a high mineral content and can contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, silica, sulphur, and lithium- which are good for the skin! Hot springs help to soothe aching muscles, nasal congestion, circulation, and musculoskeletal problems, while allowing the body to relax. They are great to visit during the winter, especially after a day of skiing. Lucky enough, Colorado is filled with plenty of them! Here are a few springs under 3.5 hours away.
Located at just an hour away, Indian Springs Resort is the closet hot springs. They are equipped with a mineral water swimming pool, geo-thermal caves with sunken walk-in hot tubs, outdoor Jacuzzis filled with the hot mineral water, and indoor private baths to reserve in advance.
Photo Courtesy of Indian Springs Resort
Known as one of the nation's oldest, largest, and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spa, Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa contains seven natural springs. Minerals in their water include sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium, fluoride, magnesium, arsenic, and lithium.
Desert Reef Hot Spring is a natural mineral hot swimming pool situated in a desert oasis near the mountains. The pool is graced with a dramatic waterfall and the water temperature is maintained to comfortable year-round. Just be aware that clothing is optional at this facility.
Their hot water comes from a geothermal source created by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and doesn't have a sulphur smell. Each of the three cabins have a private, soaking tub where the water temperature varies from 100-112 degrees.
These odorless hot springs are open year-round. Choose to relax in four different areas, the Historic Bath House, Creekside Hot Springs, the Upper Pools, and the Relaxation Pool in the spa & club area. A must do is to experience the hot springs pools located in Chalk Creek. This stretch of the creek contains twenty wading pools with different temperature ranges and unique views of the surroundings.
Photo Courtesy of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Nestled in a high mountain natural ecosystem area, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is a relaxing retreat from all the noise our environment subject us to. It features three stone pools, three private tubs, and each cabin has its own private stone hot tub.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort contains the world's largest hot springs pool that contains 15 minerals that have the power to re-energize and renew tired muscles.
This spa features natural underground hot mineral water steam bathes. It consists of three adjoining underground rock chambers averaging around 110-112 degrees. A cooling room is nearby to allow for brief rests from the heat. It's suggested to take a cooling break every 10-12 minutes to allow the body temperature to decrease. Herbal baths and hot mineral baths are available to help relax and remove toxins from the body.
Photo Courtesy of Yampah Hot Springs & Vapor Caves
Differing in size, shape, and temperature, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers 16 soaking pools with temperatures ranging form 98- 108 degrees. For a more family friendly experience, a family pool and whirlpool spa are located near the cafe.
Salida Hot Springs pool is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country. The water is gathered from an underground spring nearby. It contains a large 25 meter pool, a six-lane lap pool, and a smaller leisure pool.
Located in downtown Steamboat, Old Town Hot Springs features eight different pools that vary in temperature from 80- 103 degrees. All of the water originates from the all natural Heart Spring that eventually flows into the other seven pools.
Photo Courtesy of Old Town Hot Springs
Designed around the natural landscape and rock formations, Avalanche Ranch features three hot spring pools. Each pool offers a different view of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Situated just outside of downtown Steamboat, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is nestled alongside Hot Springs Creak. Four different pool areas allow you to relax in the 104 degree mineral water. You may even find some fish swimming in one of the colder pools!
The main attraction that draws people into Valley View Hot Springs is the water. Six natural hot ponds, a hot tub, and a swimming pool are available for guests that range in temperatures from 90- 104 degrees. Each swimming area is slightly secluded and have their own beautiful views.