Colorado Hot Springs Vacation
Beyond the attractions of jeeping, ice climbing, mountaineering, and guided gold mine tours, Ouray is unique because of its abundance of natural hot springs. Even during the deep of winter, when snowfall will cover Ouray in many feet of dense white-stuff, the hot springs continue to simmer and tempt residents and visitors alike into their crystal-clear depths.
About Ouray’s Hot Springs
Unlike so many natural hot springs, the crystal-clear waters of Ouray are free from the strong smell of sulfur. First enjoyed by the Ute Indians native to this area of Colorado, the hot springs which burst forth in many locations throughout Ouray began to serve as a healing sanitarium in the early 1920’s. Most of these same springs offer spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, making a good relaxing soak in the hot springs a popular, year-round treat.
Temperatures in the springs vary by location, but average between 90 and 120 degrees. Since the hot springs waters are constantly flowing in and out as nature commands, there is no need for the use of chemicals. In many of the local hotels, the hot springs water is used throughout the building as a natural form of heat during the winter months and to heat domestic water through the use of custom-built heat exchangers.
Two of the most common questions asked about Ouray’s hot springs are what makes the water hot, and why it does not contain a sulfur odor. As a local geologist explained, ground water from rain or melting snow seeps down into the earth’s crust and is heated. Once it has heated, it starts to bubble and rise through faults in the earth’s crust and forms, still heated and constantly recycling, on the earth’s surface. Unlike many other hot springs located in various parts of the world, Ouray’s hot springs do not contain any sulfur, so there is no unpleasant odor. Analysis of the hot springs water has shown that it is unusually high in sodium, manganese, iron, and sulfates; in short, a very skin-loving experience.
Although there are dozens of naturally occurring hot springs in Ouray, only three motels and a handful of individuals own rights to the geothermal water. The City of Ouray owns all remaining hot water rights, and is the most extensive geothermal water user in the area, operating a million-gallon hot springs public pool at the northern end of Ouray.
The Box Canyon Lodge
Renowned not only for its tier of redwood-enclosed hot spring tubs, but for its immediate access to the jaw-dropping majesty of the Box Canyon Waterfalls, the Box Canyon Lodge is our first stop in looking at the hot springs vacation spots in Ouray.
First used by the Ute Indians, the original settlers of the beautiful Ouray valley, the hot springs on the property of the Box Canyon Lodge have seen a varied history. By the 1870’s, miners bitten by the gold rush had come to the mountains surrounding Ouray in search of gold and silver. So abundant in and around Ouray, the hot springs were enjoyed by many a weary prospector.
In 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cogar purchased the land that the Box Canyon lodge resides on, and in September of that year they opened a sanitarium using the natural hot springs for healing pursuits. Named the Cogar Sanitarium, the couple’s dream became a popular getaway. People came from near and far to enjoy the secluded scenery and praise the spring’s curative powers.
One woman, after taking six baths, exclaimed, “Ponce de Leon searched in the wrong section of the country for the fountain of eternal youth. He should have come here and his dream would have been realized.” This memorable lady had visited the sanitarium suffering with rheumatism that had made moving her neck, shoulders, and arms extremely painful. She left, after her half-dozen baths, free from pain. For many years, the sanitarium kept the woman’s name and address on file so that others could verify her cure.
Today, the Cogar’s sanitarium offers shelter to visitors and features outdoor mineral hot spring tubs terraced up the mountainside behind the lodge. Each tub offers an uninterrupted view of the surrounding mountains. As it has been for more than 100 years, revitalizing in the hot springs of this scenic setting is an unforgettable experience.
The Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Lodge
Our next stop in hopping Ouray’s hot springs is the Wiesbaden. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, casual elegance, and European flair, the Wiesbaden is a small, intimate lodge surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Reflecting its more upscale nature, the Wiesbaden is a no-smoking and no-pet establishment. Due to this and the other small things that the Wiesbaden does to ensure the unequaled quality of their establishment, its environment is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating ones you are likely to find anywhere.
Built squarely on top of a series of natural hot springs, the Wiesbaden lodge offers an underground vapor cave with completely naturally occurring pool and geothermic heated sauna. Relaxing in the belly of the earth, feet or body suspended in seemingly weightless, 108 degree water, you will quickly wish that your vacation never had to end.
Outdoors, the Wiesbaden offers a swimming pool that ranges from 99 to 102 degrees, and the Lorelei, a private outdoor spa with soaking pool, secluded for private use.
All of the springs of the Wiesbaden flow pure, with no chemicals or additives needed since the waters continually flow in one side and out the other, exactly as nature designed these pools centuries ago.
An added treat to staying at the Wiesbaden is the full range of spa treatments available: Massage, Stone Therapy, Dry Brushing, Raindrop Therapy, AVEDA Facials, Body Wraps, Foot Treatments, and Body Polishes.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
The last stop we’re going to make in this review of Ouray’s hot spring vacation spots is the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Whether you’re of the mind to enjoy some of Ouray’s scenery by enjoying a great camping experience, or simply can’t make a reservation in one of the hotels, the Hot Springs Pool will give you the wonderful experience of sulphur-free mineral waters heated to perfection by the earth itself.
First opened in 1926, the million-gallon plus pool contains three distinct and well-separated sections: a hot soaking area, a body-temperature shallow zone, and a deep end with lap lanes. In addition to the soaking areas maintained at a variety of temperatures ranging from 96 to 106 degrees, there are also diving areas and a game area for water volleyball.
Revitalizing in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool has become a popular pastime with visitors and residents alike, year-round. During summer months, there is little more relaxing than a soak after a day of hiking or four-wheeling. During the winter, the experience of slowly lowering yourself into 106-degree water with big fat snowflakes fluttering around you is the ultimate experience.
As if the pool weren’t relaxing enough, the public facility also offers an adjoining fitness center with massage facilities. The bathhouse offers a full range of conveniences including showers, hair dryers, a play pen and changing table for infants.
Even more fun is available here, too. Directly adjacent to the Hot Springs Pool is a Ã?¼ mile running track, tennis courts, playground, softball diamond, horseshoe pit, barbecue grills, and picnic tables. Purchase an all-day pass for use of the pool, fitness center, and all the other amenities for only $10 and embark on a day like you’ve never known before.
