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From Luxury Resorts to Hometown "Hot"
Spots Colorado Boasts a Rejuvenating Mix of Spas and
Springs
Hot spring soakers relax at
the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs. Photo By - Matt
Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
In a state synonymous with adventure activities, is it
no wonder that Colorado is home to dozens of hot springs
and spas where visitors can soothe sore muscles after a
full day of white-water rafting, skiing, ice climbing,
hiking or mountain biking.
Ranging from rustic to refined, Colorado’s hot springs
are geothermal treasures that offer visitors a
year-round respite from the state’s high-energy
adventure travel scene. In addition, the state’s hotels
and resorts feature unparalled spa facilities that
consistently capture awards and accolades for their
intelligent approach to wellness and rejuvenation.
High Mountain Hot Springs
Though not unique to Colorado (hot springs exist on
every continent on earth), the state’s hot springs still
hold a singular place among the world’s geothermally
heated groundwater. For example, the world’s largest hot
springs pool is located in Glenwood Springs (www.visitglenwood.com)
and the world’s deepest hot mineral spring is in Pagosa
Springs (www.pagosaspringschamber.com). Celebrated for
their high mineral content and resulting therapeutic
qualities, Colorado hot springs are a favorite stop on
many visitors’ itineraries.
The majority of Colorado’s developed hot springs are
located in the San Luis Valley, the San Juan Mountains,
Clear Creek County, and the Arkansas, Yampa and Colorado
River Valleys, affording visitors the opportunity to
soak in the mineral-rich waters amid spectacular natural
beauty. The state also boasts dozens of undeveloped hot
springs.
The world’s largest hot springs pool is located on the
Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Measuring two
blocks, it is the state’s most popular hot springs
complex, complete with pools, waterslides, diving boards
and even a pool for little ones. Enjoyed by Northwest
Colorado’s Ute Indians for centuries, the Glenwood Hot
Springs Lodge & Pool (www.hotspringspool.com) was
officially founded in 1888. Nearby, visitors can enjoy a
sauna-like experience in the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
(www.yampahspa.com), the only natural steam chambers in
the country. Its three underground rock chambers are a
centuries-old gathering place once used by the Utes for
healing.
One of the state’s most interesting hot springs is also
its least accessible – demanding a nine-mile hike into
the Aspen area’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area (www.coloradowilderness.com/wildpages/maroon.html)
to Conundrum Hot Springs, where visitors are rewarded by
views of six 14,000 plus foot Rocky Mountain peaks.
Another hot springs worth the hike is Rainbow Hot
Springs, a five-mile trek deep within the Weminuche
Wilderness. Here, two hot spring pools are perched on
the shore of the San Juan River’s West Fork.
In Pagosa Springs, the banks of the San Juan River
afford a picturesque setting for 18 terraced hot springs
pools in the heart of town. The Pagosa Hot Springs (www.pagosahotsprings.com)
are open to the public for a fee; guests of the Pagosa
Springs Inn (www.pagosaspringsinnsuites.com) have
complimentary use of the pools. The source of these
mineral-rich waters is the famous Great Pagosa Aquifer,
the world's largest and deepest hot mineral spring.
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool is owned and operated by the
town of Ouray (www.ouraycolorado.com), making it a
low-key, family-friendly option for hot springs goers. A
fitness center welcomes those who want to work-out
before their soak. Nearby, the Historic Wiesbaden Hot
Springs Spa & Lodge (www.wiesbadenhotsprings.com) is a
more intimate retreat, offering visitors the opportunity
to soak in several continually flowing hot springs pools
against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
Therapeutic massage and reflexology sessions are
available in the spa.
Luxe Resort Spas
In addition to its abundance of natural hot springs,
Colorado boasts several “man made” spas within its
collection of luxury hotel and resort spas. Many of the
spas find inspiration in the state’s hot springs
culture, introducing architectural water features and
hydrotherapy treatments that reflect an awareness of and
appreciation for water’s therapeutic qualities.
The Spa at The Broadmoor (www.broadmoor.com) in Colorado
Springs is perhaps the state’s most celebrated spa.
Renovated in 2003, it counts among its most
distinguishing features a $100,000 Silver TAG shower
with 18 showerheads customized to fit all body shapes
and sizes. Developed by TAG Gaylean, the world-renowned
spa architect and designer, it is a cutting-edge version
of classic European hydrotherapy technique, allowing
users to customize their experience through adjustments
to water temperature, placement, and pressure. Outdoors,
the historic property sits on 3,000 acres at the base of
the Cheyenne Mountain.
In Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen (www.stregisaspen.com)
features the signature Remčde Spa, the town’s first
resort spa. Its unique water feature, the Confluence, is
reminiscent of the hot springs found throughout
Colorado. The 15,000-square-foot facility offers spa
treatments, a state-of-the-art fitness center and
yoga/Pilates room.
The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/bachelorgulch)
in Avon garners sweet reviews for its Hot Chocolate
Stone Massage and Rocky Mountain High Body Coffee
treatment. In the spring, summer and fall months, the
Spa taps the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to craft an
unparalleled outdoor wellness experience. Called
“Mountain Spa Mornings,” the program includes a guided
hike through Bachelor Gulch, an outdoor yoga session and
60-minute outdoor massage. Indoors, a natural stone
Grotto with lap pool evokes the atmosphere of Colorado’s
underground caves.
Many spas tap Colorado’s indigenous botanicals to create
unique and soothing body treatments. At Chipeta Sun
Lodge and Spa (www.chipeta.com) in southwestern
Colorado, native pine, fir and cedar oils distinguish an
aromatic Alpine Herbal Steam Wrap.
Set on a pristine lake in Evergreen, The TallGrass Aveda
Spa & Salon (www.tallgrassspa.com) uses the Aveda line
of plant-based products to create imaginative full- and
half-day spa packages such as The Quencher. A three-hour
program designed to combat the drying effects of
Colorado’s climate and altitude, it includes a hydrating
facial, body scrub, hair and scalp treatment and
paraffin hand dip.
A sybaritic city spa experience is found at the Spa at
the legendary Brown Palace Hotel (www.brownpalace.com)
in Denver. Reconstructed in the space that once featured
men's and women's Turkish baths at the turn of the
century, the spa taps the healing powers of natural
artesian waters that have flowed 750 feet beneath the
hotel since before it opened in 1892. Specializing in
custom treatments designed for Colorado’s climate, the
Spa’s popular hydrotherapy treatments include the
20-minute Artesian Plunge Soak.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering
unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a
thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful
cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's
breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot
springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many
peaceful lakes and reservoirs, nine national parks and
monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.
For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official
State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit
www.COLORADO.com
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