Colorado's New Historic Hot Springs Loop Pairs Year-Round Adventures with Rejuvenating Soaking Spots

DENVER (July 27, 2016) — Colorado’s unmistakable charm is fed by its diverse attractions that keep visitors active all year long. Laced with heart racing adventures and scenic drives, soaking in a hot spring is an exceptional way to unwind and relax after a Colorado day of play. Five premier Colorado adventure and hot springs destinations recently formed the 720-mile Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, which showcases a variety from intimate private baths to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. For more information on Colorado’s Historic Hot Springs Loop, please visit: http://www.colorado.com/hotspringsloop

Ouray

Home to over 500 miles of four wheel drive heaven, it is no wonder that many consider Ouray in the summer to be the “Jeeping Capital of the World.” Ouray has many companies that offer Jeep rentals and guided 4x4 tours with fun, experienced and knowledgeable guides. In the winter, Ouray has created the ultimate climbing experience. The Ouray Ice Park is home to more than 200 ice and mixed climbs where novices and experts are all welcomed to learn a new sport or master their skills at the ice park.

Orvis Hot Springs, located just north of Ouray, maintains electronic-free soaking areas that encourage guests to unplug and unwind. Visitors can book a room on the property, or bring along their camping gear for a truly authentic night under the stars.

More hot springs: ​Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center, The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs and Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs

In the summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a mountain-top theme park that offers tram and thrill rides along with cave tours. Visitors can ride the highest-elevation roller coaster in the U.S. or soar on the giant canyon swing and canyon flyer, launching brave parties 1,300 feet out over Glenwood Canyon. In the winter, guests can make their way to Sunlight Mountain Resort’s Babbish Gulch for an afternoon of snowshoeing. The Nordic trail system consists of over 29 kilometers of marked trails along the edges of dense pine forests.

Relax, restore and rejuvenate at Glenwood’s newest wellness destination, Iron Mountain Hot Springs. 16 soaking pools filled with pure, hot, mineral water are located on the bank of the Colorado River. A freshwater family pool and jetted spa provide additional soaking options.

More hot springs: ​Glenwood Hot Springs and Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves

Chaffee County

During the summer, the mighty Arkansas River flows through the heart of Chaffee County. For first-time rafters, families and those who enjoy canyon scenery and wildlife, Brown’s Canyon, is one of the Arkansas River’s most popular sections. Consisting of mostly Class 3 rapids, riders should be prepared for splashy, bumpy fun. In the winter, snowmobiling to the top of Cottonwood Pass near Buena Vista, brings riders to the Continental Divide. Being placed at 12,000 feet above sea level, visitors are surrounded by numerous 14,000 foot peaks and glistening Rocky Mountain snow.

For a private experience, Creekside Hot Springs Cabin offers a vacation rental home with its own secluded soaking hot springs pool that is fed by the Mount Princeton geothermal aquifer.

More hot springs: ​Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, Cottonwood Hot Springs, Alpine Hot Springs Hideaway and Antero Hot Springs Cabins

Pagosa Springs

Surrounded by over 3 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas, a hot air balloon ride in the summer with Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures excursions allows guests to float peacefully while taking in the expansive views. From November to April, visitors and locals alike flock to Wolf Creek Ski Resort to ski and ride “the most snow in Colorado,” with an average of 430 inches of natural (not manmade) snowfall per season. Wolf Creek ski area is known for its relaxed vibe and affordability — $65 for an adult lift ticket and free parking.

The Springs Resort & Spa is located on the banks of the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs. Offering 23 naturally hot therapeutic mineral pools and a mineral water lap pool fed by the world's deepest geothermal hot spring.

More hot springs: ​Overlook Hot Springs Spa and Healing Waters Resort & Spa

Steamboat Springs

During summer and fall, experience downhill mountain biking at the Steamboat Bike Park where a bike access ticket takes guests up the mountain via the Steamboat Resort gondola. More than 50 miles of freeride and downhill terrain for all abilities make this spot a haven for mountain biking aficionados. In the winter, spend the day Nordic skiing, tubing or fat biking at Howelsen Hill Ski Area. Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill is the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado, operating since 1915. Howelsen also features the largest natural ski-jumping complex in North America.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is nestled in an aspen grove about 15 minutes from town. The natural spring water and stone pool surrounds offer a rustic and rejuvenating experience. Here guests can enjoy a massage in private massage huts and stay the night in a variety of lodging options including a train caboose, cabin, wagon and more.

More hot springs: ​Old Town Hot Springs

See also http://www.colorado.com/news/colorado%E2%80%99s-new-historic-hot-springs-loop-pairs-year-round-adventures-rejuvenating-soaking-spots 

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 25 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, over 850 farm and ranches that are open to visitors, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

For more information or a copy of the 2016 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO.

Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room for story ideas, news releases, image gallery, and other resources.

# # #

Media Contacts:
​Carly Holbrook, carly.holbrook@state.co.us, 720-289-9366 
Kirstin Graber, kirstin.graber@state.co.us, 303-892-3871