Hot Springs in Colorado

Hot Springs in Colorado

Colorado – often referred to as the motherlode of hot springs is one of America’s most renowned geothermal destinations. That said, have you ever wondered what makes Colorado heaven for all hot springs enthusiasts? Why are there 93 undeveloped and developed hot springs in Colorado but none in Indiana or Nebraska? The answer has to do with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains that surround it. Majestic as they are, these mountains have now become the sole reason ski resorts hot spring lodges are booked to the brim in winters, as people from all over the country visit Colorado to enjoy the alpine scenery.

A Brief History of the Colorado Hot Springs

Long before Colorado was famous for its hot springs, it was a shallow sea. As landmasses began shifting (through plate tectonics), the Rocky Mountains were formed. According to archeologists, they took three major mountain-building episodes approximately 140 to 170 million years ago.

All the subduction, pressure, uplifting, and shifting caused fractures deep within our planet, creating these natural hot springs. That is also why you’ll mostly find hot springs in mountainous regions and not many in the Midwest.

Are All Springs Hot?
Not really.

Most springs that occur naturally are cold. However, in places like Colorado, these can bubble to the surface with temperatures ranging from tepid to scalding. However, it’s a slow and long journey that starts from the top of the mountain and goes all the way to the mantle. Here’s how it works: when the rain starts pouring down to mountain peaks in Colorado’s geothermal regions, the water seeps into the mountain’s surface.

On its journey down towards the bottom, this water picks up different kinds of minerals like sulfur and calcium. As the water goes deeper into the surface, it becomes closer as it comes near to the earth’s mantle. The heated water reaches the surface at temperatures as high as 122°F (51°C). Some resorts may cool this down to 104°F (40°C) for their guests, while other springs may naturally be cooler.

The Benefits of Hot Springs in Colorado

Due to the folklore and health benefits surrounding hot springs in Colorado, it is no wonder that they’ve become a popular tourist destination. They’ve become a source of rehabilitation and therapy as an increasing number of people make their way to hot springs. As we’ve mentioned before, hot springs are rich in mineral content since heated water can hold dissolved solids. This means a hot spring in Colorado can contain everything from:

• Radium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Lithium
• Silica

Think of it as a multivitamin for your skin. Moreover, the heat from these hot springs can help relax aching muscles. They also help increase mineral absorption and stimulate certain bodily functions. Here are some of the most prominent benefits of the hot springs in Colorado:

Circulation
Calcium and sodium carbonate are two of the minerals found in hot springs and can help improve blood circulation. Moreover, they can also lower the body’s blood pressure, and the weightlessness that comes with water is good for the body.

Eczema
Flaky skin, dry skin or more commonly known eczema, is a skin disease that affects 15% of all Canadians and Americans. Regularly soaking in these springs can reduce redness, itching, and eczema.

Musculoskeletal Problems
It has often been documented in Japanese and Chinese history that hot springs have been used to aid arthritis, ligament damage, swollen joints, and muscle fatigue.

Relaxation
The power of relaxation should never be underestimated. A stressed mind can cause all sorts of health-related complications such as depression, high blood pressure and an increase in cortisol output. When cortisol is released in excess amounts, it can affect everything from our mood, metabolism, and even our immune system.

So whatever you do to calm yourself, whether relaxing in a hot spring, reading a good book or doing both at the same time, ensure you invest in relaxation.

Nasal Congestion
The sulfur combined with the water’s heat can make an effective combination for combatting nasal congestion. Whether you’re dealing with the common cold, chest congestion, or allergies, a dip in a hot spring in Colorado might be what you need.

>Our Favorite Hot Springs in Colorado

Glenwood Hot Springs

Considered to be home to one of the hottest springs globally, its source is the Yampah spring. It has temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and it also has a diving area and a lap lane.

Pagosa Springs

The drive to this spot is enough reason to visit. You’ll find the deepest geothermal springs in the world here, and it is undoubtedly one of the best springs in Colorado. It also has a resort, which has a spa that offers skincare and massage treatments.

Why Visit Colorado?

Why shouldn’t you visit Colorado? The views are remarkable, and for some people, these can be enough reasons to visit, but that’s not where it stops. In fact, Colorado has some of the most varied landscape orientations globally. Tourists can absorb the marvels of reddish rock formations, serene forests and lakes, high dunes, prairie grasslands, a plethora of wildflowers, along with some beautiful towns.

Moreover, people love the climate as well. The state receives approximately 300 days of sunlight which makes it one of the most suitable places to visit throughout the year. On the other hand, the state also receives more than 300 inches of snowfall in its mountain resorts (idea for skiing). However, things aren’t too bad in the city, making it easy to travel. The changing weather will present some of the most gorgeous natural phenomenon you’ve seen, particularly in the fall.

With everything the outdoors have up for an offer, people in Colorado love spending time outside their homes. Hiking is something you must experience, and there are several trials for people with all kinds of abilities. Fourteen peaks rise above 14,000 feet, and in summers, tourists spend their time hunting, fishing, backpacking, or four-wheeling across the state.

Wrapping Up
That’s not it!

Colorado has several other offbeat experiences for people from diverse backgrounds. If you’re unsure where you should head for your next adventure, consider taking a trip to Colorado. With a lot to see and more to do, you’re going to be spoiled with choices.

Be it a hot spring, a hard-hitting hike or a refreshing swim, Colorado is a state like no other.