Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Delightful in any season, this Steamboat classic is more easily accessed in summer, when the winding road along the last 2 unpaved miles can be handled by two-wheel drive vehicles. (There are two shuttle services as well.) Soak in the friendly seclusion of the park’s six sprawling mineral pools, sheltered by the valley’s aspen sentries.
Once a hangout for hooligans, Strawberry has transformed into an unelectrified oasis where families congregate and picnic. In the evening, the springs become clothing optional, and the high alpine skies are perfect for stargazing while reveling in the healing vapors. (Bring a headlamp to navigate the slippery rocks.)
Overnight lodging is available in rustic cabins, and massage andwatsu treatments are available aswell.
44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-0342, strawberryhotsprings.com
Orvis Hot Springs
Ditch the cellphones (mandatory) and the swimsuits (optional) at this Ridgway retreat, where electronics are completely outlawed but au naturel enjoyment of the seven soaking areas is de rigeur. (The indoor pool requires bathing suits from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) At this beloved-by-locals spot, the lithium ponds range from 100 to 114 degrees— the hottest is called “the lobster pot” for a reason— and enjoy uninterrupted views of nearbymount Sneffels and the wildflowerstrewn San Juan range.
Two private indoor tubs are available at no extra charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Families with children will appreciate the indoor kiddie pool, which is only 3 feet deep and heated to a mellow 98 degrees. Camping and lodging are available and include the use of a communal kitchen.
1585 County Road 3, Ridgway, 970-626-5324, orvishotsprings.com
Radium Hot Springs
“Earn your turn” types will love the accomplishment of this primitive hot springs, located on the Colorado river south of Kremmling and north of Edwards. While you can get there in winter by four-by-four, vehicles are verboten in the summer months, necessitating a hike (or a float). Finding this sweet spot is half the fun, and you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing soak that averages in the 80-degree range— perfect for warmseason splashing. Sheer volcanic cliff views and occasional whistle blasts from the Denver and Rio Grande Railway trains that tra-
Eldorado Swimming Pool
Who says soaking has to be steamy? Tucked into the elevations of Eldorado Canyon, the artesian waters of Eldorado Swimming Pool come in at a crisp 80 degrees — perfect for a cooling respite from Colorado’s high desert heat. Once known as “the Coney Island of thewest,” the hotel here hosted Jazz Age luminaries likemary Pickford. Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower chose this refreshing locale for their honeymoon, and today the canyon’s steepwalls make it a desired destination for climbers fromaround theworld.
Opened in 1905, the sprawling 180,000-gallon pool still provides a rustic and affordably retro excursion for families and groups of friends who picnic and splash to the sounds of classic summer rock. Floaties are allowed, so bring that inflatable pink flamingo and zone out while divers spring from the board and kids squeal down the water slide.
Eldoradonatural Springwater provides the Front Rangewith half amillion bottles amonth. Next to the pool, you can fill up a gallon for only 25 cents and toast one of Colorado’s finest summer escapes.
294 Artesian Drive, Eldorado Springs, 303-604-3000, eldoradosprings.com
D