Summer 2005
Feeling Tired and Stressed?
Then Plunge into a Hot Springs!
By Judith Martinez
Anyone living in Southern Colorado is fortunate to have over 30 hot springs in the area. If you feel the stress of living in the 21st Century, you can seek relief from it by going to the nearest hot springs and taking a swim. That’s what I did just the other day.
I live in Pueblo and visited The Well, an artesian-fed pool which is located between Florence and Penrose, just off of Highway 50. The Well, unlike some hot springs, is “suits optional,” and nudity is common.
The Well (photo: Judith Martin)
Developed in 1924, it is now managed by Joe Shenise, although he said, with a gleam in his eyes, “My wife is the real manager of the place. They decided she should be the manager, since she has been managing me for all these years.”
About 75 people visit every day, Shenise said, “but people come and go all day long, so it’s hard to tell for sure.” Most of them--especially the paid members--prefer nude bathing.
If you don’t have any problems with nudity, then I highly recommend visiting The Well near Florence and Penrose; it feels wonderful. Besides the main pool, there is a small hot tub in the middle which is much hotter than the main pool. You can’t stay in the little one for very long, but it sure feels good when you’re in it. Also, for those of you who may feel tension in the neck and upper back area, there is a spigot that gushes out hot water. It is located in the middle, as well. If you have lower back pain or tension, there is a spigot which is directed lower, just for that. That spigot is located near the edge of the pool, by the water volleyball net.
Salida's hot springs pool (photo: Judith Martin)
Salida Hot Spring Aquatic Center
Another hot springs I visited is located in Salida. I decided to try out a couple more hot springs in the area the following week-end. The Salida pool is known as the Salida Hot Spring Aquatic Center. Since the water was only 94-95 degrees F., it qualified as a warm spring rather than a hot spring, and unlike the other two hot springs I visited, it was an indoor facility. It’s more like a recreation center, than what I expected for a hot springs.
Salida’s hot springs pool, however, is more of a family-oriented pool than the other two hot springs I investigated. The pool center is clean and has large dressing rooms. Since the water is cooler than either of the other hot springs I checked out, it is much better for very young children.
According to Maria, one of the employees, Salida’s first hot springs pool was built in the 1920s. The water itself is pumped from nearby Poncha Springs.
I didn’t stay long at the pool, since the temperature was not as warm as I would have liked. So, after perhaps forty-five minutes, I wrapped myself in a towel and left,heading for the hot springs at Mount Princeton, which is about 18 miles from Salida.
Next:
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Pool
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