Pagosa Springs, 2005
 

THE CURATIVE POWERS  of the springs have long been known. The spring itself is a rather unassuming, saucer-shaped pond in the middle of a meadow alongside the San Juan River. Except for the clouds of steam rising above, it could be a stock pond or a swimming hole. But with a surface temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit (and thermal layer 20 or more degrees hotter), you won’t find any cattle imbibing and it’s way too hot to swim in. What it can do, when used (and even consumed) in moderation, is make you feel better.

      The mineral-rich water and mud was used for centuries by Native Americans, who considered the area sacred ground and used the springs to heal their bodies of a variety of complaints. In 1859 the white man discovered the Pagosa Spring, and in true white man fashion, soon found a way to exploit it. The first bathhouse was built there in 1881, and as the popularity of ‘taking the waters” for one’s health increased, so did the paying visitors. Today, Pagosa Springs has a public hot springs pool and several private establishments, including the elegant Springs Resort, make the water available to the public and their guests. (And, unlike some other Colorado hot springs facilities—there are at least ninety hot springs in the state—Pagosa’s hot spring establishments are available at extremely reasonable rates.)

     Guests are hooked after the first visit, and usually return time and again to soak. Doctors “prescribe” a hot soak for their patients. Local residents swear by it, and say they notice a decline in health when they have to miss their regular soak. With the upswing of holistic and ‘integrative” medicine, hot mineral baths are making a big comeback.

     What’s in the water and why does it make you feel so good?

• Sodium 790  Equivalent levels equal the salinity in sea water. Salt soaks have been known to relieve symptoms of arthritis.

• Potassium 90  Normalizes heart rhythms; assists in reducing high blood pressure; eliminates body toxins; promotes healthy skin.

• Magnesium 25  Maintains normal heart rhythms; converts blood sugar to energy; maintains muscle tissue and hormone levels.

• Silica 54   Strengthens bones, boosts the immune system; promotes healthy nerves, mucous membranes, hair, nails; used in treating acne and migraines.

• Chloride 180  Musculoskeletal benefits.

• Fluoride 4.3  Calcium fluoride is a constituent of the elastic fibers of the skin, the surface of bones and teeth. Promotes hardness and stability.

• Arsenic 0.12  New studies report benefits for plasma and tissue growth.

• Boron 1.8  Boosts brain activity; builds muscle mass; strengthens bones.

• Iron 0.08  Builds up the quality of blood; and increases resistance to stress and disease. Prevents fatigue and promotes good skin tone.

• Lithium 2.9  Produces positive effects in mental balance and gastrointestinal conditions.

• Manganese 0.23  Helps nourish nerves and the brain; a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol.

• Sulfate 1400  Rids the body of toxins; promotes health of bones, hair, nails, fluids in joints and vertebral discs; Sulfur is an anti-inflammatory.

• Zinc 0.01 Antioxidant nutrient; promotes wound healing; maintains male hormone activity; aids in digestion.

* Measured in mg. per litre. Information on waters provided by the The Springs Resort.
 

Related Links
History of Pagosa Springs
http://pagosa.com/history.htm
http://pagosahotsprings.com/about_springs_resort/history.htm
http://pagosa.com/pagosa_hot_springs.htm

The Springs Resort
http://www.pagosahotsprings.com/
http://www.guidebookamerica.com/news/springs_resort/

Pagosa Springs and surrounding area
http://www.pagosaspringschamber.com/
http://www.colorado.com/pressreleases/release.asp?id=138
http://sangres.com/places/pagosasprings.htm
http://www.wolfcreekski.com/