Colorado

Avalanche Ranch - Hot Springs in Colorado

Warm mineral water with plenty of air bubbles.

Its history as a hot spring resort was unexpectedly short.

Unusual history

Penny Hot Springs, a wild spring on State Route 133, is always crowded with people, but Avalanche Ranch, located 1 mile north of it, is well known to those in the know.

ReferencePenny Hot Springs - Hot Springs in Colorado

Aspen is one of the top ski resorts in North America. In the vicinity of the resort, there was a hot spring hotel that was closed down due to protests from local residents. Propaganda Pie I had made it to Penny Hot Springs in the mountains, but was getting hungry. ...

Entrance 01

I went to the main house with the sheep on the side.

Entrance 02
Capybara
Capybara
I made eye contact with a sheep.
So it's a ranch in name and reality.
Alpaca
Alpaca

Originally, the hot spring was for overnight guests only, but recently walk-ins can also be booked online.

Office 01

The red main house had an antique shop.

Office 02

For overnight stays, there are more than 15 comfortable cabins plus a choice of four wagons.

SHEPHERD’S WAGON 01

The wagons are covered wagons itself reminiscent of the Wild West, perfect for a cozy trip for two.

Proximity to the pools is also an attraction.

SHEPHERD’S WAGON 02

The facilities were minimal, but I enjoyed it as a kind of glamping.

I had no trouble finding a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator in the common area across from the wagon.

SHEPHERD’S WAGON 04

The history of Avalanche Ranch is a bit unusual.

The ranch itself has existed for a long time, and the current owner's family acquired it in 1950.

SHEPHERD’S WAGON 03

It was a popular summer-only cabin resort, but there were no hot springs at the time.

It was finally in 2008 that a hot spring was dug at a neighboring ranch.

THE LODGE 01

Although it was known that warm water was available along the river downstream of Penny Hot Springs, the decision to drill a hot spring well at great expense was a gamble.

THE LODGE 02

After clearing water rights and other legal issues, a pipeline was run from the neighboring ranch to Avalanche Ranch in 2010.

As a result, the mountain cabin resort, reminiscent of the good old days, had become a brand new hot spring resort.

Artistic outdoor pools

Entrance 03

In the outdoor soaking area, there were three pools, taking advantage of the topographical differences in elevation.

Pool House 01

Clothing was always required.

Lower Pool 01

The lowest pool was located in front of the men's and women's changing rooms.

Pool House 02

It was the widest and the water temperature felt cold at 90 degrees F.

Lower Pool 02

Water was poured in a curtain-like pattern from the precipitated rock.

Upper Pool 04

In the process, the minerals reacted with oxygen to produce a beautiful greenish-brown color.

Soaking 03

There were two other pools at the top of the stairs.

The water temperature is about 100 degrees F.

Upper Pool 03

The bottom of the pools was covered with pebbles, a natural atmosphere.

Upper Pool 02

This pool was located one level above the ground.

Upper Pool 01

It was an excellent design with a subtle difference in elevation so as not to cross the lines of sight of other soakers.

Bathhouse 03

Oh, the geothermal water is overflowing from this hut.

Dare to be shabby barn

Bathhouse 01

The barn had the appearance of having survived the wind and snow for many years.

Inside it lurked a single two-person-sized barrel tub.

Wooden Tub 02

The shabby barn, full of gaps, was daringly utilized in a tasteful way.

It was hard to believe that the hot spring had been drawn only recently.

Soaking 01

The amount of water input was large compared to the size of the tub, and the water was provided in a fresh state.

The temperature at the water outlet was 102 degrees F.

Wooden Tub 01

It contained carbon dioxide gas and my body was enveloped in fine bubbles.

On the surface of the water, I could hear air bubbles popping with the metallic smell.

Soaking 02

I did not want to tell anyone about the existence of this barn if I could help it.

Summary

Avalanche Ranch, Redstone Historic District, Colorado, U.S.

My rating

Type: Lodging, Walk-in

Rule: Clothing required

Chemical use: Not detected

Water temp: Up to 102 degrees F

Official website

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

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