Colorado’s Hot Spring Loop
The Colorado Hot Springs Loop offers an opportunity for enthusiasts of thermal waters to take a remarkable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Colorado. Spanning a long, circular route of 740 miles, this trail encompasses 19 geothermal mineral springs, connecting notable destinations such as Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Durango and Ouray.
Ouray’s rich history begins with the Ute Native Americans, who first discovered the therapeutic properties of the springs, which later attracted miners and transformed the area into a bustling mining town. Notably, the mineral content of these springs mitigates the common sulfur odor associated with many geothermal sites, for visitors seeking a pleasant soaking experience.
Among the highlights is the town of Ouray, renowned for stunning mountain surroundings and rich history, which attracts visitors to its four prominent hot springs resorts. Notably, the Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs presents a unique experience, transforming from a family-friendly environment during daylight hours to an adult-only, clothing-optional venue in the evenings.
Read more on GoNOMAD Travel:
https://www.gonomad.com/229022-great-colorado-hot-springs
Listeners are introduced to the various hot springs resorts that populate the area, including the Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa, which embodies European charm.
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Transcript
Today on GoNomad, we take a trip out west to Colorado where we discover the Colorado Hot Springs Loop which takes hot water loving visitors on a circular trip from Steamboat Springs in the north down to Pagosa Springs and Durango in the south.
Speaker A:It's a big state.
Speaker A:The loop is a spectacular 720 mile journey to 19 geothermal mineral springs.
Speaker A:In a Go Nomad travel story by Sierra Sumner, we take the journey and begin in the quirky fun town of Ouray, Colorado in southwest.
Speaker A:Ouray is in a box canyon, meaning it's fully surrounded by mountains.
Speaker A:Its nickname is the Switzerland of America since the mountains resemble the Alps.
Speaker A:The first people to enjoy Ouray's hot springs were the Utes, the Native American tribe who used it freely until the underground minerals attracted miners and Ouray became a mining town.
Speaker A:One benefit of these minerals was that it prevented the hot springs here from smelling like sulfur, which is one drawback of enjoying many underground springs.
Speaker A:No, these don't have the sulfur smell and this draws even more people to the town's four hot springs resorts.
Speaker A:There's even one called the Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa.
Speaker A:Harkening to the European feel of the place.
Speaker A:Downtown Ouray has a historic district because of its well preserved Victorian homes.
Speaker A:There are plenty of breweries, distilleries, cafes and even a bookshop that makes it a fun place to visit.
Speaker A:Another winter highlight of Ouray is their world renowned ice climbing park with 200 different ice climbs to try for climbers of all levels of experience.
Speaker A:Glenwood Springs, Colorado is located 157 miles north and here you'll find Iron Mountain Hot Springs right next to the Colorado river.
Speaker A:It has 16 mineral rich pools and gorgeous mountain views.
Speaker A:Nearby is the Yampa Spa and Vapor Caves.
Speaker A:This is an underground steam bath area for relaxation and here's how the brochures describe it.
Speaker A:Consisting of three adjoining caves, the passageways and chambers are adequately but dimly lit to enhance the mood of tranquility.
Speaker A:Guests can recline on marble benches in each cave and and for a break from the heat, which gets up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, guests can douse themselves under cold water spigots, retreat to the serenity room or escape to the outdoor deck.
Speaker A:If you want a break from all this hot water while in Glenwood Springs, veer over the adventure park.
Speaker A:It has the highest elevation roller coaster in North America and they have a gigantic canyon swing that flies up to 50 miles an hour as you swing out over the canyon.
Speaker A:Back in the southern part of Colorado is Pagosa Springs which is a year round summer fun destination.
Speaker A:Campers, backpackers and people who want to ride hot air balloons all come to visit as well as kayakers on the San Juan River.
Speaker A:Hikers looking for mountain hikers looking for Rocky Mountain views and waterfalls will find them here too.
Speaker A:In Pagosa, soakers can visit three different hot springs, Healing Waters Resort, Overlook Hot Springs and the Springs Resort and Spa.
Speaker A:The springs is giant with 24 mineral hot spring pools all set up with terraces and water that comes from one of the deep geothermal springs.
Speaker A:You can visit the hot springs 24 hours a day if you're staying in the resort, but if not you can buy a day pass and so can all 24 of them.
Speaker A:They also have restaurants, massage and other treatments at the resort, plus aqua yoga and forest bathing Hikes Steamboat Springs, located at the top of Colorado, has a large ski resort and a cute town that has two unique hot springs, Strawberry Hot Springs and Old Town.
Speaker A:The first is rustic yet features stone mason built soaking tubs and and four springs.
Speaker A:Interestingly, while Strawberry is family friendly during the day, at night it's adult only and the suits come off well.
Speaker A:It's clothing optional as they say.
Speaker A:You can stay in interesting accommodations at Strawberry including cabins, covered wagons or a real train caboose.
Speaker A:One warning the parking at Strawberry is extremely limited and you have to have a four wheel drive vehicle to get here.
Speaker A:They do offer a shuttle from Steamboat Springs which will take you there in the winter.
Speaker A:If the cold weather is getting to you, maybe it's time to find this Colorado Hot Springs trail loop.
Speaker A:Go to www.cohotspringsloop.com and find the map Happy Soaking.
Speaker A:Read more on GoNomad.com.