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PrintTaking to the Waters
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is known as Ski Town U.S.A for its spectacular ski resorts that dot the edges of the Rocky Mountains.
www.steamboatsprings.org
You are relaxing in a warm pool filled with healing mineral water straight from Mother Nature and surrounded by sparkling snow-capped mountains. When snowflakes begin to dance in the air, you think to yourself, “This truly is a winter paradise.” Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is known as Ski Town U.S.A for its spectacular ski resorts that dot the edges of the Rocky Mountains. Just outside of this bustling ski town nestled between majestic mountains are natural mineral hot springs that draw visitors with their beauty and warmth.
Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs has been a favorite spot for rejuvenation and recreation for more than 100 years. The site first served as a gathering and bathing place for the Ute Indians who first settled in the area, and later it was most likely a social and bathing place for early homesteaders. The multi-use complex, open year-round, in downtown Steamboat Springs has two 230-foot waterslides, eight hot spring-fed pools, including a 3,000-square-foot activity pool, a heart-shaped spring pool, and a lap pool. The complex also offers various fitness classes, tennis, massages, and on-site childcare. There are no accommodations directly on the Old Town Hot Springs property, but there are many hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfast options in the Steamboat Springs area.
Winter is not the most obvious time of the year to go swimming, but at Old Town Hot Springs, winter is the best time of the year to enjoy the naturally hot mineral water that fills the pools. The Heart Spring is the source of all the water in the Old Town Hot Springs pools. This rejuvenating mineral water flows out of the spring without the need for a pump and then runs into an overflow system to supply each of the pools at Old Town Hot Springs. Every pool is warm to slightly hot. With a special children’s pool, this is a great getaway for families. Couples looking for romance will also find it here with the opportunity to relax in a quiet mineral pool far from noisier guests.
For more information on Old Town Hot Springs, call (970) 879-1828.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
For those looking for a more off-the-beaten path experience, Strawberry Hot Springs is the perfect place. This diamond in the rough located on the edge of Steamboat Springs is one of the most stunning mineral springs in the entire world. The unique stone masonry pools are filled with 104-degree mineral water and surrounded by snow-capped mountains—a place of pure serenity. Strawberry Park Hot Springs captures nature’s beauty such that guests will experience mineral hot springs in a setting like no other. As you enter the hot springs, your eyes will be drawn to the steam rising from the mountainside.
Guests can also hike, bike, and snowshoe along the many trails in the area. Or, keep with the natural healing spirit of the springs and get a massage in one of the many private nooks throughout the property. Strawberry Park Hot Springs also has a picnic area, heated changing cabin, and a tipi. A newly completed rental space is perfect for gatherings and parties, with an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, and plenty of seating.
Several lodging options are available, but all are rustic—not always a bad thing in this amenity and technology saturated world. Choose from a train caboose, large and small cabins, covered wagons, and tent sites. The caboose and cabins have gas heating and are available year round. Covered wagons and tent sites are only open during the warmer months.
For more information on Strawberry Park Hot Springs, call (970) 879-0342.
