At Joyful Journey Sizzling Springs Spa, within the coronary heart of southern Colorado’s “darkish sky” nation, I bathe beneath a halo of twinkling stars within the retreat’s magnesium- and calcium-abundant spring-fed swimming pools, the waters filtered by way of travertine from the middle of the Earth.
Close to Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park and Protect within the San Luis Valley, the hideaway lies amid an unlimited expanse of golden grassland. The sawtoothed Sangre de Cristo Mountains pierce the horizon past. Staying in one of many retreat’s stand-alone yurts, I’m just a few steps from a secluded labyrinth constructed from chunky stones, and much sufficient away from the pool home to be imbued with a mystical feeling of being tucked away within the wilderness. Nature’s quietude prevails right here, however Joyful Journey’s mineral-rich waters take repose to the nth diploma. A wellness vacation spot in itself, the retreat is only one restorative cease on an 800-mile highway journey alongside the healing Colorado Historic Sizzling Springs Loop — the final word wellness driving journey.
Whereas most vacationers head to Colorado with visions of wintertime snow snowboarding or summer time hikes (and cooler nights) of their heads, wellness buffs can expertise the state from a extra watery perspective. With a mission to focus on 23 (of some 100) scorching springs present in eight locations throughout Colorado, from Pagosa Springs to Carbondale, the Colorado Historic Sizzling Springs Loop has mapped out a scenic and experiential circuit for highway warriors who’ve a penchant for wholesome dwelling.
Snaking by way of western Colorado, the loop’s path passes ghost cities, nationwide parks, monuments, trailheads and speeding rivers. Present in (or close to) a few of Colorado’s most interesting cities, its instructed soaking stops vary from classic motels geared up with out of doors spring-fed tubs woven into the hillside to up to date aquatic facilities with water slides and lap swimming pools. Some scorching springs are resortlike with full service spas, eating places and upscale lodge rooms. Others retain a heyday hippie vibe. One boasts the deepest scorching springs on this planet, whereas one other wows as the biggest scorching springs-filled swimming pool on Earth. Some springs lie amid cabins within the woods. A handful have subterranean chambers. All characteristic therapeutic geothermal water from the Earth’s core, every spring enriched with its distinctive composition of healing minerals, together with potassium, calcium, silica, lithium and magnesium.
Simply being close to water brings well-being, and a way of happiness and tranquility. Dunking in mineral-rich scorching springs soothes drained muscle mass and boosts the immune system. Melting into spring water can decrease blood strain, spark creativity, assist with deep sleep — and rather more.
Prepared to fireplace up your engine for a four-wheeled wellness trek? Whether or not you are taking every week or two for the complete route or select only one salubrious submersion, we’ve acquired the thin on a few of our favourite H20 scorching spots within the Colorado Historic Sizzling Springs Loop. Please take a look at the circuit’s web site to find particulars on every scorching spot.
Glenwood Springs
Take a dip at historic Glenwood Sizzling Springs Resort, simply an hour from Aspen, the place the world’s largest scorching springs pool stretches the size of two metropolis blocks. In-built 1888, the spectacular pool complicated has free swim areas, lap lanes, diving boards, therapeutic soaking sections, waterfall-edged mineral baths and an exhilarating splash zone, with river trip chutes. Throughout city, Iron Mountain Sizzling Springs rims the shore of the Colorado River. With scorching date vibes, it flaunts 16 soaking swimming pools, on-site bars and eating places. Enjoyable reality: The quaint city of Glenwood operates on 100% renewable power, which makes for an total guilt-free keep.
The place To Keep: Sleep the place Teddy Roosevelt did when he got here to submerge in Glenwood’s therapeutic swimming pools. Renovated however pleasingly nostalgic Resort Colorado, planted throughout the road from Glenwood Sizzling Springs Resort, opened in 1893.
Pagosa Springs
Within the charming city of Pagosa Springs, yield to water-born ministrations that hail from the world’s deepest scorching springs. With 13 therapeutic minerals, its toasty waters, first found by the Utes, soothe and fulfill. Situated in far southwestern Colorado amongst verdant forestland on the verges of the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa gives a wide range of year-round, soaking spa services. Unequivocally, The Springs Resort & Spa reigns as its pièce de résistance. Positioned on a hill downtown that overlooks the San Juan River, the retreat boasts 52 soaking tubs and chilly plunges woven right into a manicured panorama — in addition to eateries, bars and an on-site spa. A jaw-dropping playground, it gives each day passes and in a single day hotel-style lodging.
The place to Keep: Select The Springs Resort & Spa for its stylish rooms and 24-hour entry to the swimming pools, a boon for early risers and all nighters. For many who desire to remain off property, The Nightingale Motel, an lovable refurbished motor inn, suits the invoice.
Avalanche Ranch
Low key, informal, earthy and affable, Avalanche Ranch occupies 36 leafy acres close to the artsy city of Carbondale. Household-owned and -operated, removed from metropolis lights, it has cabins of varied sizes, caravan-style wagon suites, pleasant cattle, a fishing pond, a labyrinth and climbing paths. Company can stargaze, soak at leisure, picnic and play.
The place to Keep: We love the Canine Home, a pet-friendly studio cabin with a canine theme. The Ranch Home, a three-bedroom cabin with a full kitchen and washer-dryer is right for household holidays. For a romantic tryst or solo keep, take one of many cozy wagons.
Colorado Historic Sizzling Springs Loop
cohotspringsloop.com
