Dakota Hot Springs
Colorado, United States
A suits-optional desert soak between Pueblo and Cañon City, closed Mondays
Dakota Hot Springs is a plain, no-frills soak in Penrose, between Pueblo and Cañon City, and it works best if you think of it as a relaxed clothing-optional beach rather than a nudist resort. From Wednesday to Sunday swimsuits are optional; on Tuesdays they are required, which the owners suggest as the easy day for a first visit; Mondays are closed for maintenance. Geothermal water from springs on the property flows into an outdoor pool without chlorine, and the owners describe it as odorless and tasteless, carrying calcium, mineral salts, soda and a trace of sulfur.
Visits are sold in two sessions, 10 am to 3:15 pm and 4 pm to 9:15 pm, at 21.40 USD for adults, 16.05 USD for ages 14 to 18 and 10.70 USD for younger children. Every person needs a separate reservation guaranteed by credit card, cancellations need 24 hours' notice, and walk-ins pay 5 USD more if space remains. Tent sites and vehicle camping spots without hookups let you stay the night, and pets can stay in the campground but not near the pool.
Children are welcome when supervised. The honest downside: pool temperatures are not published, the facility is basic, and a full day here means paying for two sessions.
Clothing policy source: www.dakotahotsprings.com. Rules change; check before you go.
What's in the water
- SulfurThe rotten-egg smell. Sulfur springs are the classic "healing waters" of old spa towns; the smell fades on your skin within a few hours.
- CalciumCalcium-rich springs build travertine: the white terraces of Pamukkale and the rock rims of countless wild pools.
- SodiumSalty thermal water floats you a little higher and can sting fresh cuts.
Sources
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