The most historic hot springs facility in Ouray, Colorado.
Don't miss the hot water that wells up in the otherworldly cave.
Ouray's First Commercial Hot Spring
In the tourist town of Ouray, also known as the "Switzerland of America," there is an inn named after a German spa town.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs is located on the eastern outskirts of the small town.
This quiet inn, which even prohibits groups of more than six people, is Ouray's oldest commercial hot spring facility.
On the hill behind it are the remains of the mountain house of Ouray, the Native American (Ute) chief.
It is hard to believe from the beautiful lawn-covered courtyard, but this place was once a gold mine.
In the mid-1800s, gold miners discovered hot water inside the tunnels.
In 1879, it began operating as Mother Buchanan Bath House, a soaking facility for miners.
In the 1920s, it was developed as a sanatorium.
Today, in addition to lodgings, it is available for walk-ins and as a spa.
Geothermal water was also used in the outdoor pool.
Clothing is required here.
Water temp 104 degrees F at the water outlet.
There was no chemical odor, and no distinguishing features were detected in the water.
Stairs leading downstairs in office building next to the pool.
The Amazing Vapor Cave
Sunlight was streaming into the semi-basement downstairs.
The room had sunbeds and large mirrors.
Here, in addition to shower rooms and changing rooms, there is a spa and the vapor cave.
A vapor cave is, in essence, a steam bath, but it was far more than I had imagined.
Through an ordinary doorway...
Seriously?
I was suddenly transported back to the gold rush period.
The spring water flowing out from near the ceiling formed a travertine dome similar to a limestone cave.
As I proceeded behind a simple wooden door, I finally came to the tunnel.
The heat and steam in the air created a unique atmosphere.
Clothing is optional here.
At the far end was a concrete pool, 111 degrees F.
It may have been designed to generate steam and not for soaking, but I didn't care, I was soaked up to my shoulders.
The water was extremely hot.
It was a different world looking back.
Private Pool "Lorelei"
Overwhelmed by the power and heat of the Vapor Cave, I finally realized the existence of the private pool the next day.
It was named "Lorelei" in German, which requires an additional fee for overnight stays as well as walk-ins.
A private space surrounded by a tall wooden fence even though it was outdoors.
There was a mystical, free-flowing rock pool there.
Summary
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, Ouray, Colorado, U.S.
My rating
Type: Lodging, Walk-in
Rule: Clothing optional, Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 111 degrees F
