National Geographic Traveler: Road Trip - Colorado Hot Springs

"Coloradans like to boast about having higher red blood cell counts than their sea level–dwelling counterparts. This is true: At an average elevation of almost 7,000 feet, the body is forced to do more with less oxygen. But there’s another secret behind that healthy, hardy Coloradan glow. Balneotherapy, or the use of natural hot springs to ease muscle aches and mental

stress, has been around since ancient times. Native Americans sought out Colorado’s soothing mineral vapors long before the silver miners showed up in the late 1800s. Now, a new hot springs route has connected the Centennial State’s most prized balmy bathing spots—and you can test the waters." —Alex Schechter