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.
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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 ...
![Entrance 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch14.jpg)
I went to the main house with the sheep on the side.
![Entrance 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch07.jpg)
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
Originally, the hot spring was for overnight guests only, but recently walk-ins can also be booked online.
![Office 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch28.jpg)
The red main house had an antique shop.
![Office 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch24.jpg)
For overnight stays, there are more than 15 comfortable cabins plus a choice of four wagons.
![SHEPHERD’S WAGON 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch06.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch27.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch01.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch02.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch23.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch12.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch03.jpg)
In the outdoor soaking area, there were three pools, taking advantage of the topographical differences in elevation.
![Pool House 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch13.jpg)
Clothing was always required.
![Lower Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch25.jpg)
The lowest pool was located in front of the men's and women's changing rooms.
![Pool House 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch09.jpg)
It was the widest and the water temperature felt cold at 90 degrees F.
![Lower Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch10.jpg)
Water was poured in a curtain-like pattern from the precipitated rock.
![Upper Pool 04](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch19.jpg)
In the process, the minerals reacted with oxygen to produce a beautiful greenish-brown color.
![Soaking 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch29.jpg)
There were two other pools at the top of the stairs.
The water temperature is about 100 degrees F.
![Upper Pool 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch18.jpg)
The bottom of the pools was covered with pebbles, a natural atmosphere.
![Upper Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch15.jpg)
This pool was located one level above the ground.
![Upper Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch17.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch16.jpg)
Oh, the geothermal water is overflowing from this hut.
Dare to be shabby barn
![Bathhouse 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch11.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch20.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch21.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch22.jpg)
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](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/avalanche-ranch08.jpg)
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