Mountain Meccas and Adventure Escapes

Pagosa Springs: Mecca

Relax the spirit and heal the body. That’s what early American Indians to Pagosa Springs regarded the purpose of the world’s deepest geothermal water, known as the “Mother Spring.” A distinctively mild climate coupled with 300 days of sunshine a year, Pagosa Springs is situated in the middle of the San Juan National Forest, bordering the western side of the Continental Divide. It’s a perfect place to reboot and recoup.  Relax in 10,000 year-old mineral water that bubbles from the ground at temperatures up to 110 degrees. Or travel 30 minutes outside of town and bask in Colorado’s best kept secret–Navajo Lake, where you can soak in the sunset.

Pagosa Springs is known for its bubbling waters, so no visit here would be complete without getting a little pruney. The Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa offers 23 pools, varying in heat and size that border the San Juan River, where guests can enjoy 24-hour unlimited access. A full-service day spa offers a complete and comprehensive line of skin, hair and body treatments. With kid-friendly pools as well as ones available only for adult swim—pools like Lobster Pot—the Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa offers luxury suites and deluxe rooms for the family, as well as pet-friendly rooms for four-legged family members.

Pagosa Springs: Adventure

Originating on Southern Colorado’s Continental Divide, the San Juan River travels through southwest Colorado at Pagosa Springs before winding into New Mexico and making its way into Utah. Pagosa Springs, at the heart of it all, is the perfect place to take advantage of the easy-to-moderate Class I-III rapids, which are ideal for a family adventure. Swelling the San Juan and Piedra Rivers is the spring snowmelt, which makes whitewater bountiful for adventure-seekers until late June. Observe scenic wildlife, cut through canyons and then wind through downtown Pagosa Springs with tours offered by Pagosa Outside. For those who like a slower ride, wait until summer when the water becomes shallow and warmer for a tubing adventure. Pagosa Outside offers shuttle buses throughout the day to drop you off a mile upriver and pick you up again if you want another go. Any bumps and scrapes caused by the trip downriver can be eased at the Springs, where the tubing adventure ends, and where 23 pools varying in heat and size are accessible for those in need of a soak (and a glass of wine).

Top it off by staying at the Cabins at Hartland Ranch where 85 acres of mountain solitude is conveniently located just two miles from downtown—a short bike ride. With one, two and three bedrooms available, every room in the first class, five-star rated luxurious cabins features a private bath, gas fireplace and satellite TV. But, chances are, you’ll be watching the wildlife abundant on the ranch, from your front porch.