My Favorite Colorado Hot Springs

Colorado is fortunate to have at least about a dozen popular hot springs...as well as some that are off the beaten path. I thought I would list my favorites for you and also a few that I am hoping to check out in the near future.

Favorite Colorado Hot Springs:
(Click on the underlined title's for links to the websites)

1. Strawberry Hot Springs
(Located in Steamboat Springs)
This place is awesome! I love the way they have kept the natural look and feel. They also have several small but cozy and rustic camping concoctions. Also, be advised that after dark is "clothing optional" soaking.

2. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
(Located in Nathrop...between Salida and Buena Vista)
I enjoy these springs because they are in one of my favorite areas in Colorado. After a fun day of camping, hiking, rafting, or four-wheeling this is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. Also, they have a couple of big pools but the coolest part is being able to find a few of the completely natural hot spots on the bank of the river (when the water is not too high0--right next to the commercialized pools.As of 2013, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is now more of a resort-with an additional lodging facility and private pool for those staying in the lodge.

3. Hot Sulphur Springs
(Located near Granby)
What I like about this place is that there are around a dozen individual pools...some smaller and bigger than others. This can make for a cozy atmosphere if there aren't that many other guests. However, if the place is packed...then it could feel like alot of sardines in a can....but usually you can find a nice little pool for yourself and friends.

4. Indian Hot Springs
(Located in Idaho Springs)
This is probably the closest hot springs from Denver. It is a quick relaxing getaway located in the old mining town of Idaho Springs. One of the cool features of this resort is their Geothermal Caves. Guests can sit in an actual pool inside of a cave. However, one thing to know is that the caves are divided among genders...so...husbands and wives would not be able to go into the caves together...and note that bathing suits are optional (it used to be mandatory NO bathing suits; glad that has changed).. There are private pools and there is also a main pool.


5. Glenwood Springs Hot Springs
(Located in Glenwood Springs)
This resort is one of the main attractions to the town of Glenwood Springs. It lies right in the heart of town and can often be seen full of happy guests and swimmers. This is one HUGE hot spring pool! This offers more of a communal and open space for children and swimmers.There are actually two large pools that from a distance look like one large pool; one averages around 90 degrees (more of the swimming/active pool) and the other is around 102 degrees. Also, nearby is the Yampah Vapor Caves where you can also spend a day relaxing and steaming.

6. Cottonwood Hot Springs
This is a small but cute commercial hot spring with a handful of pools. A nice quaint oasis near Buena Vista and Cottonwood Pass. As of 2014, they have added some additional lodging facilities.


A few that I want to eventually check out:

7. Pagosa Hot Springs
(Pagosa Springs)

8. Orvis Hot Springs
(Ridgeway)

9. Conundrum Natural Hot Spring
(off the beaten path hike near Aspen)


For some other hot springs that I have not mentioned, check out the Colorado Hot Springs Enthusiast Blog here.

Colorado White-Water Rafting Excursions

The start of summer means the beginning of white-water rafting season here in Colorado. There are a ton of places to enjoy rafting, as well as, multiple rafting outfitters to help you on your journey. As I mentioned in a previous post, one of my favorite rafting destinations is along the Arkansas River, near the town of Buena Vista.

There are several rafting outfitters in this area, however, the one that I have used atleast a half-dozen times is Noah's Ark Rafting Co. Their guides are very skilled and are big on safety. They offer a variety of options, such as; full-day trips, half-day trips, overnight trips, and also rock climbing opportunities.


Anyway, there are literally a ton of places to go rafting, along with just as many rafting agencies.

Here are some links if you want some other options:

This link is very comprehensive and shows you the variety of rivers and outfitters in Colorado.


http://www.coloradoraftguide.com/

http://www.rafting-colorado.net/

http://aroa.org/rafting-members.asp

Excursion Of The Week.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Go camping!

Where?
Buena Vista. Camp along Colorado's most popular river rafting destination; the Arkansas River. There are several places to camp in and around Buena Vista. My favorites are Ruby Mountain Campground and Hecla Junction, since they are right on the water. However, there are some less expensive campgrounds in the Chalk Creek area...and, of course, plenty of BLM area; which of course means free!

Details:

The best part of this trip is the scenery! Its absolutely beautiful driving from Denver, along US 285, into the Arkansas Headwaters area. The Collegiate Peaks are stunning! There is a ton of stuff to do in this area. You are in prime rafting territory and you are only 20-30 minutes away from one of the cutest mountain towns around--Salida. The town of Buena Vista is also a good destination if you need some supplies, groceries, or grub. Also, there are several ghost towns nearby to explore, Jeep and ATV rentals, as well as a couple of hot springs in the area. And, of course, plenty of trails to explore. But even more, its a great place to just sit and relax and listen to the rushing water of the Arkansas River.

So, grab your tent, your camera, and GO!

For more information:


http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/ArkansasHeadwaters/MapsandDirections/

http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/rockymtn/siinfo.htm

http://www.mtprinceton.com/

http://www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com/