Cleopatra swore by warm mineral baths and mud wraps from the Dead Sea to maintain her legendary complexion. And the ancient Greeks built spas near their temples in order to harvest sulphur springs, a known remedy for skin disease and muscle pain.

Today, holistic healers and traditional physicians at both offices and spas in Colorado and worldwide are utilizing healing waters to help their patients and clients with a number of maladies. An example is SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs, where seven soaking tubs are filled with mineral water from the Seven Minute Spring, directly adjacent to the Spa. Inspired by a trip to India, where they bathed in the Ganges River with millions of others during a ceremony to cleanse the spirit, friends and co-founders of SunWater Spa, Kat Tudor and Don Goede, were drawn to the possibility of creating a healing arts space revolving around the magical waters of Manitou Springs. Thus, the idea for a hot mineral water spa in this special mountain town was born.

“At SunWater, our guests relish views of Pike’s Peak and picturesque Manitou Springs year-round from the healing comfort of the outdoor cedar tubs. Guests also have access to our indoor garden saline, hot and cold plunge pools, and therapy pool — making a visit to SunWater a unique soaking experience,” says Gabriela Silva, spa services manager.

Healing benefits of warm mineral water include: 

Boosts Blood Circulation

Containing a variety of minerals such as calcium and sodium bicarbonate, when you bathe in water found in natural hot springs your skin soaks in these minerals and your hydrostatic pressure rises. As this process continues, circulation and oxygen flow increases.

Promotes Sleep, Reduces Stress

Immersing your body in a hot-spring water bath is a natural stress reducer. The minerals in the water contribute to the psychological healing process, while heat relaxes anxious muscles. By heating the tub or bath, you will be able to get a better night’s sleep. 

Relieves Pain, Naturally

Soaking in a pool of hot-spring water can effectively improve pain from chronic muscle pain, arthritis or even fibromyalgia. Additionally, when your body is submerged in hot-spring water, the buoyancy encourages freer movement by naturally supporting your joints.

Solves Skin Problems

The high silica content found in hot springs can smooth and soften dry, rough skin, and the water’s sulfur content has been shown to relieve eczema and psoriasis symptoms.

Before You Soak

Always check with your doctor before taking a soak in a hot spring, especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, have cardiovascular problems or another serious illness, to be sure the practice is safe for you.

Hot Springs Guide By Alexandra Caffery

Glenwood Hot Springs

401 North River Street Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

One of the most well-known hot springs resorts in Colorado is Glenwood Springs, also called “Spa of the Rockies” back in the 1800’s. Glenwood Springs is very family friendly as they not only have a large hot springs pool, a smaller hot pool, a diving well, and swimming lanes. But they have a kiddie pool and two water slides. They also offer a variety of activities from mini golf for the kids to massages and yoga classes for the adults. Glenwood Springs uses the natural Yampah therapeutic spring waters in every pool except the waterslide pool.

Indian Hot Springs

302 Soda Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Tucked away on I-70 in Idaho Springs is Indian Hot Springs. If you’re looking for hidden piece of paradise in Colorado, look no further. Indian Hot Springs transports you to another world. Whether you’re soaking in the large mineral water swimming pool covered by a glass dome and surrounded by Banana and Palm Trees or soaking in the Geo-Thermal Caves, Indian Hot Springs will not disappoint. Not only are you able to pick from a variety of soaking options (mineral water swimming pool, Geo-Thermal Caves, outdoor Jacuzzis, indoor private baths), but Indian Hot Springs offers Club Mud which is a mineral rich clay mixed with the mineral springs which you apply all over your body and then rinse off. This detoxifies your pores and leaves you with smooth hair and skin.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

15870 County Road 162 Nathrop, Colorado 81236

Lying in the Rocky Mountains between Buena Vista and Salida, Mt. Princeton is the perfect getaway, especially after a day of hitting the slopes. Mt. Princeton is the perfect hot springs for those who want to sneak away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy relaxing in nature. Patrons are able to relax into bliss in the Historic Bath House, Creekside hot springs, upper pools, or at the spa and club which is a 16 and above relaxation pool. One of the many favorite attractions at Mt. Princeton is the Creekside hot springs which allow guests to create their own mineral hot tubs with rocks in the river.