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

Pagosa Springs, a small Southwestern Colorado community, was named as so by the Ute Indians in 1866 after the discovery of the area’s healing waters: the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs. Three million acres of gorgeous wilderness including the San Juan National Forest surround the town. There are many gorgeous hikes and waterfalls to explore within the region. After a full day out on the trails, it’s nice to come back and treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the warm natural mineral springs.

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 and Spa, home to the Mother Spring, is the must visit while in town. 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.

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. Tired muscles are soothed, headache and neck tension disappear, and overall happiness and relaxation increases. 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!

The Springs Resort and Spa

The Springs is the premier hot springs resort in town. 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! 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!

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 fluctations and number of people. In total there are 25 pools to consider! My personal favorite is the Venetian, which was around 101 degrees during our visit: the perfect moderate soaking temperature in my opinion!