Retreat to One of These Four Affordable Hot Springs in Southern Colorado

There is an artesian hot springs corridor that follows the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. 

Along this corridor are four unique mineral springs establishments that also offer lodging or camping. These resorts are open year round for the tourist passing through or for the locals needing a hot, relaxing soak.

Sand Dunes Hot Springs Pool

Winter is on the way here in the San Luis Valley and when it looks like above picture, I head out to the Sand Dunes Hot Springs Pool which is only about 20 minutes from Alamosa. 

This artesian oasis located in Hooper, Colorado was founded in the early 1930’s. Hot water was struck while drillers were exploring for oil. The hot water for the larger main swimming pool enters at 118 degree and maintained at 98F. The smaller therapy pool is maintained at 107F. 

Before being reopened in August, 1995, the “Hooper Pool” as they are affectionately called by locals, was last used for swimming in 1978.  Catfish were raised in the pool in the early 1980’s and then the pool sat unused for about 10 years. 

As the pool was deepened in the summer of 1995, three pool layers were unearthed. Early visitors swam in a dirt-covered board pool & later renovations included two cement floors.

Outside of the larger pool is a grilling and picnic area, with a a 25-foot kid’s water slide close by.

“Friends of the Sand Dunes Pool” are building another area in the greenhouse section just for adults to enjoy these healing waters. Camping sites are available for RV’s and tents, as well as three-one room cabins and a family style travel trailer.

In addition, a not so ordinary, full menu concession stand promises you won’t go hungry.  Plus it was voted “The Best Concession Stand in Colorado” by Channel 7 News in Denver, Co. 

They are family owned and year after year strive to make Sand Dunes Recreation a one of a kind family destination.  There is always a project and always something new to see!

Joyful Journey Hot Springs and Spa

A little further north up Highway 17 and not far outside the town of Moffat is another hot spring haven the Native Americans claim “Where Healing Waters Flow”.  

Joyful Journey Hot Springs, are naturally super-heated by the earth’s active geothermal and hydrothermal activity. These springs are one of the few places on earth with natural hot mineral water that does not have the sulfur odor that is often found in many hot mineral springs. The water is piped directly from private artesian springs to three outdoor pools that are kept between 98F and 108F (37C and 42C).

While here, you’ll want to take advantage of their massage and bodywork therapies, body wraps, aromatic facials. 

Furthermore, If you decide to stay the night, there are twelve motel rooms, six yurts, three teepees, RV hookups, camping sites as well as a greenhouse and labyrinth for your meditation pleasure. 

In addition, they serve two meals daily, complimentary to all overnight guests. Breakfast is available from 7am-10am. In the evening, dinner is served from 5:30-8pm.

Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs

If you are ready for something entirely different, then you need to check out the Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs. Located about 10 miles northeast of Joyful Journey Hot springs. Orient Land Trust is a non-profit land trust created around Valley View Hot Springs, its unique culture and environment.

With the Orient Mine and Everson Ranch, they now protect 2,200 acres, its wildlife corridor, pristine spring waters, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and camping. 

Visitors of all ages and walks of life enjoy free educational programs, clothing-optional naturist open space, geothermal warmth, hydroelectric energy, and Colorado’s largest bat colony.   

In the summer months, the now defunct Orient Mine, houses bats that migrate from Carlsbad Caverns over to the San Luis Valley.   You won’t want to miss witnessing the out flight of 100,000 to 250,000 Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats Incredible Journey as they emerge from the recesses of the earth. 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

And last but not least on this list, is Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. This resort is surrounded by towering peaks and is the perfect getaway with every amenity for a family gathering.

In 1860, a way station, hotel, and freight depot were built near the site of the present hotel to serve freighters traveling over Tincup Pass, bound for the mines of Ashcroft and Aspen; and over the Altman Pass toward Gunnison Country.

Finally established in 1879, this is one of Colorado’s oldest and most beloved hot springs resorts and for over 140 years, this resort has been a favorite destination for visitors seeking relaxation, healing, and adventure.

Throughout its history, the resort has been a gathering place for people from all walks of life, from Ute Indians to miners to modern-day vacationers.

Three outdoor pools are available; a near Olympic-sized lap pool, a main soaking pool with a cooler upper pool that includes a 300 foot water slide and Creekside Springs. Creekside Springs offers a more rustic experience, as it is below the resort.  Where the gentle sounds of nature accompany your soak. 

Overnight lodging is available by the cliff side, poolside, in the resort lodge and new cabins are located in the woods. The facility also boasts a variety of massage and oriental bodywork, restaurant and country store.

I hope you find time this winter to unwind and savor in the magic of the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. 

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