It is unusual for a natural hot spring pool that does not require clothing to be located relatively close to an urban area.
I could see that the order was maintained by a strict code of conduct.
Strict Code of Conduct
It is a 40-minute drive southwest from Colorado Springs, the second largest city in Colorado, to the Dakota Hot Springs.
As it is located along National Route 50, which crosses the state, there is a high chance that you will see it by chance.
Even though it was close to the city, the surrounding area was a desolate landscape.
There are also prisons and correctional facilities nearby, as well as an interesting tourist spot called Museum of Colorado Prisons.
“THE WELL” is the name of the facility's predecessor.
In 1924, the oil company Conoco installed oil well drilling.
It is said that a hot spring that gushed forth naturally was discovered in place of oil, and was used as a water source for livestock.
Although a resort facility was built after that, the owner changed hands several times, and in 1985, the facility was placed under government control due to the owner's financial difficulties.
The business reopened in 1993, and the current owners, Mr. and Mrs. Shenise, have been maintaining and operating it since 2000.
In addition to the use of the pool, Dakota Hot Springs also offers lodging options such as camping and RV rentals.
You must also make an online reservation in advance to use the pool.
Even if there are enough spaces available on a day, it is absolutely essential to follow the rule.
Open 6 days a week except Mondays (cleaning day), with two sessions: 10:00am - 3:15pm and 4:00pm - 9:15pm.
On Tuesdays, clothing is mandatory, and on other days, it is optional.
The pool is surrounded by a tall, dilapidated wooden fence as there are men and women soaking naked.
At the office, I was made to swear to strictly observe the code of conduct, including the one-strike rule, and at the pool, there were surveillance cameras operating on me while I was naked.
There is no reason for visitors to criticize this.
It is not an easy thing to run a clothing optional establishment near an urban area where all kinds of people come and go, and it is not an easy thing to run such a family business.
Dual-structure Pool
The hot spring pool is 70 feet in diameter and 3 to 5 feet deep.
There was a water outlet in the center, and some of the water at 108 degrees F was sprayed into the air, while the rest was poured into a tub installed in the pool.
So it's a double structure with the tub inside the pool.
Dakota Hot Springs
The tub was 6 feet in diameter, and the clear, colorless, odorless water was being poured in vigorously.
The hot water here was excellent, so I spent most of my time in the small tub.
Summary
Dakota Hot Springs, Penrose, Colorado, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging (RV park)
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 108 degrees F