Beautiful, scenic Colorado, with it’s majestic mountain ranges is an outdoor paradise. Among the rocks and mountains are thermal hot springs that have been enjoyed for their health benefits for centuries. The Native Indians of the land discovered the restorative benefits of the steamy mineral waters and vapor caves many years ago.
Today people travel to the hot mineral springs in Colorado for the rejuvenation offered there.
There are some historic spas in Colorado, which offer the health benefits along with the history of healing in the region. Each of these spas has accommodations ranging from rooms to cabins. Some of the accommodations look somewhat rustic, and casual. The emphasis is on nature and the healing power of the natural minerals and the waters.
If you have never been to a natural, outdoor spa you should experience it. The steam rises in the cold air. Even if there is snow on the ground, you can enjoy the ouitdoor beauty surrounding you while enjoying the warmth of the natural springs baths.
Three historical, natural healing spas are: Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, Yampah Spa and Salon, and The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodging.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa
28999 County Road 306
Buena Vista, Colorado
719-395-6434
Cottonwood Hot springs, 6 miles west of Buena Vista, at the entrance of Cottonwood Canyon, was a hotel and sanitarium. The water from the lower springs flowed hot and was used in the treatment of catarrh and for drinking. The water from the upper springs was conveyed to the house by pipes and used for bathing, as a treatment of rheumatism and dyspepsia. The water temperate was said to be between 132 and 150.
The hotel was built by the Reverend and Mrs.JA.D Adams, M.D. in 1878. there was no railroad in the county and all materials and furniture had to be brought in be freight teams from Colorado Springs. Mrs. Adams MD was an able physician and restored many to health with the waters. In 1911 there was a fire, and Cottonwood Hot Springs was destroyed.
Today The Cottonwood Hot Springs is a relaxing, comfortable country inn, nestled in the mountain area and the majestic Collegiate Peaks Range. The Inn is bordered by Cottonwood Creek and surrounded by San Isabel National Forest.
Clients can soak in Colorado’s purest, geo-thermal, gravity-fed mineral spas. The spas are noted for their medicinal and therapeutic value. The springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians and a spiritual gathering retreat. People have been coming to soak in the curative waters ever since.
The retreat revolved around the pure gravity-fed, natural hot springs, rock lined soaking pools, cold plunge and sauna. The ‘adult oriented’ facility focuses on the healing aspects of the mineral water, along with various therapies and soothing atmosphere.
Massage therapists are on staff and offer services such as Massage and bodywork, hot rock therapy (Ute style), WATSU (water Shiatu, Herbal Aloe Salt Glows, Herbal Body Wraps, Hypno Therapy, Iridology, Aqua Chi, Diamond Peel, Ear Candling.
There are rooms and cabins for lodgings. All accommodations include Hot springs Soaking Pools and Sauna. Swimsuits required. There are no phones of televisions in the rooms or cabins. There are 5 restaurants in the town of Buena Vista, 10 minutes away.
Yampah Spa and Salon
The Hot Springs Vapor Caves
708 East Sixth Street
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
970-945-0667
The Yampah Spa Vapor Caves are natural underground hot water steam baths located in the historic hot springs mountain retreat of Glenwood Springs. Hot mineral waters flow through the cave floors at 125 degrees F. creating natural geothermal steam baths.
The Vapor Caves consist of three adjoining underground rock chambers. Visitors descend a stairway and relax on slab marble benches i the rocky alcoves, to inhale the natural steam vapor in the warm dimly lit caves. the relaxing treatments are in intervals of 10 – 12 minutes, with breaks in a nearby cooling room.
The region was originally inhabited by the Ute Indians, who visited these caves for centuries and regarded them a sacred place for healing and rejuvenation.. visitors today still honor that tradition. The Vapor Caves purify body and spirit as they soothe away aches and pains.
These are the only known natural vapor caves in North American, others are man made excavations.
In 2005 additions of modern Japanese style soaking tubes filled with hot mineral water were brought to the spa. Massage therapy, and body treatments, facials and other treatments are available.
The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
625 5th Street
Ouray, Colorado 81427
970-325-4347
The Wiesbaden, surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, is a small intimate natural hot springs spa and lodge. the spa is known for it’s peaceful atmosphere, “casual elegance” and European flair.
The Wiesbaden is well known for it’s relaxing, therapeutic environment. The Weisbaden sits directly over the emanations points of several natural hot springs, which range from 78 degrees to 128 degrees F.
Wiesbaden’s continually flowing natural hot springs vapor cave is 108 degrees. The soaking pool and outdoor swimming pool is 99 to 102 degrees. The water at the Wiesbaden if pure, with no chemicals or additives, or recirculated water. All of the water flows continually flows in one side and out the other side. In winter the Wiesbaden is heated by its natural hot springs.
There are a full range of spa treatments at the Wiesbaden including: massage, La Stone Therapy, dry brushing, aromatherapy, AVEDA facials, body wraps, foot treatments and body polishes.
There are a range of accommodations at the Wiesbaden. Each room has its own bath. All accommodations come with unlimited use of the Wiesbaden’s continually flowing natural hot springs, vapor cave and out door pool.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado along with the restorative powers of the healing waters in the natural spas.
