Pagosa Springs: A Soak in the World’s Deepest Hot Springs

Pagosa Springs, a gem in the southern portion of Colorado, is a great vacation destination for hikers and spa enthusiasts. What is better after a long hike than an even longer day at the spa? For a recent birthday weekend, Mike and I headed out here to hike some trails (Treasure Falls is amazing), horseback ride, and enjoy the mineral pools. Coming back to these warm soothing pools was such a treat after exploring the outdoors, which is fun but tiresome. It was a fabulous birthday weekend and I hope we can get back out here again while living in close proximity.

The town was named as so by the Ute Indians in 1866 after the discovery of the area’s healing waters. Today, they are considered the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs. After hiking or biking in the beautiful San Juan National Forest, you can enjoy hours of soaking in mineral pools which are toasty hot and naturally enriched with minerals that soothe muscle and joint aches.

Hot springs resort options

There are 3 resorts in town to take advantage of these healing waters: The Healing Waters Resort and Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, and The Springs Resort and Spa. The Springs Resort, home to the Mother Spring, was our choice for this vacation. This resort has a particularly attractive setting right on the beautiful San Juan River. Whether visiting day or night, beauty surrounds you: the mountains and forest by day and the starry skies by night.

History of The Springs

The springs were discovered over 150 years ago. Early Native Americans called the springs “Healing waters,” and used them as a source of both peace and healing. In the 1860’s, US army physicians studied the waters and determined “the waters of Pagosa are without a doubt the most wonderful and beneficial in medicinal effects that have ever been discovered.” Over the years many visitors have attested to the healing powers of these ancient waters.

After visiting myself, I can say that there is definitely something in the water. I left so refreshed despite a lot of physical activity. I can’t imagine anyone leaving not feeling totally restored.

Read more about the history of the Springs

Benefits of soaking in mineral water

Whether or not the mineral waters actually provide any restorative health benefits, one thing’s for sure- they definitely have relaxation benefits! As soon as you lower yourself into one of the rich, warm mineral pools, you can literally feel your stress melt away. It’s like a hot tub but even better. We enjoyed being able to soak together as a fun couple’s date night experience.

The scenery is nicer and the facilities are nicer. Just knowing that the minerals are supposed to help may even contribute to a placebo effect.

All I know is my tired muscles were soothed, headache and neck tension gone, and overall happiness and relaxation way up. So take a break from all that technology and enjoy a soak in warm healing mineral water. Your body and brain will both thank you!

From mild to toasty hot: soak at your own comfort

Each of the 25 pools at The Springs is a different temperature, so you can choose one that suits your individual heat tolerance level. Or better yet, test out several! I imagine that the really hot springs are especially nice on snowy winter nights or following an exhausting day on the slopes.

While the Mother Spring’s temperature is around 131 degrees (which is obviously much too hot to safely enjoy,) all pools vary in terms of tolerable temps. From a cool 91 degrees in the Dancing Waters Pool to a steaming 114+ degrees in the Lobster Pot, there is a little something for everyone, every season!

We learned during our visit that the pools remain at a much lower temp than the Mother Spring because each pool is slowly filled with water, thus giving it plenty of time to cool down. The temps vary slightly day by day due to weather fluctuations and number of people.

I tried the Lobster Pot out really quick but it was too hot for my liking. Surprisingly, we saw a few people in there for a quite a while: I don’t know how they stayed in so long! On the other hand, some of the pools were too cool and I had to get out because I was shivering. My personal favorite is the Venetian, which was around 101 degrees during our visit: the perfect moderate soaking temperature in my opinion!

The pool area is clean and well maintained. Amenities include spring side towel racks, lights at night, and even an underwater bridge as a convenient means of transportation. I really loved this bridge in my pic below; it was such a fun way to go between pools.

There are many natural mineral deposits that make the setting even more attractive. From the springs to the surrounding countryside, there is a lot to look at. The waters around these are very hot, so avoiding getting too close!

Chemical free soaking!

The beauty of these mineral pools is that there are no harmful chemicals used like chlorine traditionally used to sanitize public swimming facilities. My eyes are really sensitive to chlorine so this was a bonus. I consistently have to wipe my eyes while in any pool or hot tub.

No need to worry about sanity though as the water is constantly flowing so there is no need. Additionally, the staff drains and cleans each pool every few weeks.

Mineral analysis of the water

So you may ask what gives these minerals waters the widely reported restorative health effects? The answer lies in the high mineral concentration, in addition to heat in general being excellent for soothing sore muscles and joints and promoting relaxation. Listed below is the approximate mg/L concentration of each mineral and it’s benefit to your health according to the spring’s brochure.

Sodium (790 mg/L) – The sodium found in the springs is equivalent to sea water. Bathing in salt water is very beneficial to those suffering from arthritis.

Potassium (90 mg/L) – Potassium is an essential electrolyte known to reduce high blood pressure, detoxify, clarify skin, and stabilize heart rhythm.

Magnesium (25 mg/L) – Magnesium is a mineral many of us are deficient in, yet it is very important as it converts blood sugar into energy, helps maintain hormones and muscles, and normalizes heart rhythm.

Silica (54 mg/L) – This trace mineral offers a number of benefits including boosting the immune system, maintaining the health of the nervous system, mucus membranes, & hair and nails, strengthening the bones, treating acne and reducing migraines.

Chloride (180 mg/L) – This electrolyte works with others to maintain proper fluid balance in the body. It also supports the musculoskeletal system.

Fluoride (4.3 mg/L) – Calcium fluoride helps strengthen bones, teeth, and the skin, contributing to hardness and stability.

Arsenic (0.12 mg/L) – Recent evidence shows that arsenic promotes new tissue growth.

Boron (1.8 mg/L) – Boron helps to build muscle mass, strengthens bones, and boosts activity within the brain.

Iron (0.08 mg/L) – Iron reduces fatigue and enhances skin tone. Those who lack this essential mineral may suffer from anemia. Many are not aware that iron also reduces stress and helps prevent disease. It also builds the blood.

Lithium (2.9 mg/L) – Lithium is reported to be great for those suffering from any type of gastrointestinal illness.

Manganese (0.23 mg/L) – This mineral helps to break down fats and cholesterol. It also supports the nerves and brain.

Zinc (0.01 mg/L) – Zinc has many benefits including aiding in digestion, helping wounds to heal faster, boosting the immune and cardiovascular systems, and supporting male hormones.

Sulfate (1400 mg/L) – Sulfur, which gives the hot springs that weird smell, actually provides numerous benefits, the main being powerful detoxification. It’s also a potent anti inflammatory mineral that supports nail, hair, bone, and joint health. More on sulfur below.

You can read more about different minerals and their health effects on the body.

Hot springs vs. hot tubs

In my opinion, soaking in a natural mineral springs is more rejuvenating, relaxing, and beneficial than an ordinary hot tub. There are no annoying jets splashing in your face and no harmful chlorine.

I also like the added bonus of the minerals. At home, I frequently soak in epsom salt and dead sea minerals so this is already something I try to do to soothe muscle ailments. It’s fun to get out into the fresh air in such a nice setting. The added bonus of being able to absorb healthy minerals is great for those interested in a healthy lifestyle. As your skin is the largest organ and very porous, you absorb most of which you are exposed to. Thus, you are far better off soaking in natural healthy minerals than drying chlorine!

Sulfur: “the beauty mineral”

That strange rotten egg like smell in the waters is sulfur. If you have ever bathed in a hot springs before, you will be familiar with it. Despite the unpleasant smell, experts say there is no harm in bathing in sulfur. On the contrary, sulfur is one of the best detoxifiers out there.

Additionally, sulfur provides other benefits for your hair, skin, nails, and joints. It’s funny to think that something that smells so bad can actually make your skin more beautiful. Sulfur aka “the beauty mineral” because it helps your body make collagen. Just another reason to visit a hot springs! While you are relaxing, you are also helping to keep off those wrinkles! We could all use a little extra help 😉

You can read more about sulfur on this Very Well health article.

Complimentary soaking for resort guests

Guests staying at the on site Springs Spa and Resort gain 24 hour access to the pools at no extra charge. This is a great bonus and next time, we are definitely booking at this property. Although we did stay in a wonderful local inn as a great alternative. Day guests can choose amongst a variety of options which start around $65 per person ($25 for locals). Pools are open to guests from 9am-9:30pm (hotel guests get 24 hour access).

I also recommend getting a massage in the wonderful spa. Mike treated me to one for my birthday and it was the best I’ve ever had – no joke. The San Juan Essential Massage is a luxurious escape which includes hot towels, warm pillows for your eyes, organic oils and creams, and top notch Swedish massage techniques.

Address: 165 Hot Springs Blvd in Pagosa Springs.