Colorado

Dakota Hot Springs - Hot Springs in Colorado

10/06/2024

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.

Signboard 01

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.

Gate 01

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.

Camp Host 01

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.

Office 01

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.

Changing Room 01

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.

Capybara
Capybara
I thought I'd come to the prison by mistake.
Stop it!
Alpaca
Alpaca

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

Poolside 01

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.

From Official Website 01
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

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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