Monday, June 1, 2009

In Hot Water--And Liking It

Our family loves hot springs pools, so we had to check out Strawberry Park Hot Springs while we were in Steamboat Springs. This rustic park is no Glenwood Springs, which has a giant mineral springs pool, decks for sunbathing and waterslides. When we got to the park, we walked down a steep hill to the pools, which were nestled next to a rushing mountain stream. The 150-degree hot springs water comes out of the mountain, mixes with ice-cold stream water, which is siphoned off the river into the pools and cools down to a comfortable 102 degrees. The only changing rooms were the bathroom at the top of the hill or a tipi—thankfully we came prepared by wearing our swimsuits under our clothes. Ethan and James were nervous at first about getting in because the stone steps into the pool were slippery.

But once in the water, we were able to relax and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. These hot springs are definitely worth the extra work it takes to enjoy them.

11 comments:

Maggie's Mind said...

Looks like heaven! I love hot springs. I've heard there are quite a few in the area of Japan I'm headed, and I can't wait.

Stimey said...

Wow, that looks amazing! I want to be there!

hokgardner said...

Those look wonderful!

MaryAnn Ashley said...

You are killing me... my back is so sore, I would LOVE to sit in there & soak up the scenery. I have a friend who lives on the western slope & we always go to the hot springs in Ridgeway (i think)... maybe I can put some epsom salt in the bath:)

pixiemama said...

delicious...I need to add that to my itinerary.

bernthis said...

we have those here in CA and after 12 years have yet to give them a try. Looks amazing

Tanya @ TeenAutism said...

That looks so relaxing! I need to find a place like that around here!

Kathleen W. said...

That looks so relaxing! I'm jealous...

We went to a hot springs in North Carolina once, but it was nothing like that place.

Kathleen said...

it looks wonderful Cathy, so jealous

Tiffany said...

We love visiting hot springs. Before we had two kids we went all over the Western Slope to different hot springs. We even backpacked to Condnundrum hot springs! I think I will need to check these out next time we are in Steamboat.

Cookie said...

Wow! I am soooo jealous!