 Radium Hot Spring on the side of the Colorado River. One of my absolute favorite things about Colorado is the mountains. They are what draw most people to the state, but I love them not only for their beauty or fantastic skiing but for their geological make up. I know. Totally nerdy, but what's inside and underneath the mountains amaze me more than anything else I have had the opportunity to explore. The Continental Divide, to me, provides a window into the world below us, and the most relaxing manifestations of that world are hot springs.  The Lobster Pot at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa. Waters from the surface seep down so deep into cracks between tectonic plates that they are heated by the magma of our Earth's interior. To me, that is absolutely mind blowing! I cannot see and learn enough about these places, yet I have only been to about a dozen of the state's 93 geothermal areas! Even though I have only begun to scratch the surface, I want to share the locations I have been to, because each one is much different than the others! The Resort and Spa locations are listed first followed by Natural Springs. Each features directions from Denver, the cost of admission, and a little bit of my experience. You can read more about all of the hot springs and much more from across Colorado on my Colorado Travels Page, here! Resort and Spa Hot Springs Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Since the hot spring waters have to travel such far distances underground to be heated, many of the pools host lots of sediment and minerals from the porous rocks they flow through. These mineral rich waters have been a part of Colorado's history for centuries. Native American tribes believe some spring waters are full of healing powers while others are considered sacred.  The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs. Over the years, these waters became large tourist destinations. To protect many of the springs and their fragile surrounding areas, safer soaking areas were created for large crowds of people to come. These areas often boast board walks, designated man-made pools, and other amenities. These are now the most common kind of hot spring you will find in Colorado, and I've listed the locations I have been to.  The Springs Resort and Spa was the very first hot spring I went to in Colorado! It holds a special place in my heart for not only that reason but for the fact that I had the ENTIRE spa to myself. It was because of a snow storm, but it was still very relaxing and enjoyable. Located in Pagaso Springs in Southern Colorado roughly 5 1/2 hours from Denver. Cost $35 for adults to enter. Click here to see more of my experience, or visit their website to book!  Indian Hot Springs is the closest spring to Denver that I've visited, and I cannot lie: It is one of my favorites. The indoor hot spring pool area doubles as a green house for huge tropical plants that surround the turquoise water. Plus, the geothermal caves are an incredibly therapeutic experience! Located in Idaho Springs off of Interstate 70 roughly 45 minutes from Denver. Cost $18-20 for adults depending on the day and $33-34 with access to the steam caves. Indian Hot Springs offers more amenities as well. Click here to see more of my visit, or visit their website to book!  Strawberry Park Hot Springs was another spring that I visited during a downpour of snow, but is was pitch black and the middle of the night! Strawberry park stays open very late into the night, and after dark, clothing becomes optional. It is the perfect place to soak after a long day of skiing! Located near Steamboat Springs about 3 1/2 hours from Denver. Cost $15 for adults, and no children are allowed after dark. Click here to see more of my night at the spring, or visit their website to book!  Iron Mountain Hot Spring is nestled in the side of the red walls of Glenwood Canyon and provided John and I with the best views of almost any hot spring I had been too. We went on a hot, summer day and enjoyed our time soaking along the banks of the Colorado River. Located in Glenwood Springs about 3 hours from Denver. Cost $25 for adults and children to enter. Click here to see how we spent the day in Glenwood Springs, or visit their website to book!  Desert Reef Hot Springs was an oasis on a blustery day in the desert of the Pike's Peak region in Colorado's southern foothills. Clothing becomes optional at the single, large pool after 6 p.m. Located in Florence, Colorado, in the Royal Gorge Region about 2 hours from Denver. Cost $20 for the day. See more about my experience here, or visit their website!  Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa boasts 22 different pools ranging in temperature and size. A girlfriend and I spent the entire afternoon exploring each and every pool and deciding which ones we liked best. Located in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, about 2 hours from Denver. See more about my visit here, or watch my YouTube video below.
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Talkin' 'bout Tacos
I'm Taylor, aka Tacos! I am sharing my journeys and experiences from across the world hoping to inspire travel and adventure in all who read! Archives |
