Desert Reef

The soaking pools at Avalanche Ranch hot springs have spectacular mountain views.

Provided by Avalanche Ranch

Although you’ll swear you’re lost before you arrive at this remote outpost, this rustic retreat is worth worrying whether your GPS has led you down the wrong rutted road. Decidedly unfancy, Desert Reef is a family-owned outpost in Royal Gorge country with sweeping desert and mountain views. This spring was found in the 1940s during a Conoco oil exploration. Instead of black gold, drillers hit a 132-degree gusher of travertine-tinted blue water.

Desert Reef’s paint may be peeling, and there’s little in theway of amenities, but the owners are serious aboutmaintaining a respectful, family-friendly vibe even though most days are clothing optional. Call ahead or check the website for rules and restrictions.

1194 County Road 110, Florence, 719-784-6134, desertreefhotspring.com

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

“Go big and go hot” might well be the motto of this historic haven, which boasts the distinction of being the largest hot springs pool in the world.

Fed by the Yampa spring, which means “Bigmedicine” in the Ute language, Glenwood’s large pool has a diving area, lap lanes and water slides, and is cooled to 100 degrees. The smaller “therapy pool” is four degrees warmer, and there’s a shallow kiddie pool that’s perfect for toddlers. The spring water has 15 naturally occurring minerals; all pools are chlorinated and cleaned daily.

Glenwood is open to day visitors, who can soak until 10 p.m., and is free to guests staying at the historic 107-room lodge, which opened in 1888 and has played host to dignitaries from around theworld.

When (if?) you ever tire of soaking and splashing, the onsite spa, athletic center and restaurants are just steps away. The resort is open right in downtown Glenwood Springs, which offers a great variety of shopping and dining.