How2Day: Hot Springs in the Sawatch, Colorado Area

The western United States is famous for its many natural wonders, from the salt lakes of Utah to the canyons of Arizona. Colorado, among other attractions, has an abundance of natural hot springs. In the center of the state, just around the Sawatch mountain range and close to Colorado Springs, are several active hot springs that visitors can experience.

Cottonwood Hot Springs, located just west of the small town of Buena Vista, provides both lodging and access to the springs for visitors who want to test them out. The naturally-heated water can range in temperature from 94 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Nothing artificial is added to the water, which is why all beverages are restricted around the pool area. Among the natural elements already in the hot spring water are calcium, fluoride, iron and lithium. The resort also includes several spa and therapy services that use the hot rocks and salt from around the spring area.

Mount Princeton, which reaches over 14,000 feet at the summit, is one of the six largest peaks in the Sawatch mountain range. The Mount Princeton Hot Springs are located at the base of a giant peak in a town called Nathrop, where the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort provides accommodations and access to the natural baths. Here, there are several variations on the springs, from soaking pools, which can rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to lap pools, which can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There's also a 300-foot water slide that pours out in a 75 degree pool. Spa treatments using the spring rocks and water also are available.

On the western base of the Sawatch Mountains lies the town of Aspen, known for its upscale ski resorts, which attract some of the celebrity crowd. Just outside of Aspen are the Conundrum Hot Springs, which also have received some attention, with Time magazine naming them one of "50 Authentic American Experiences" in 2008. Unlike many other hot springs in the Sawatch area, these are not part of a resort and a 8.5-mile hike from Aspen is required to reach them since there are no roads. The Connundrum Hot Springs are even higher in elevation than Aspen, reaching 11,200 feet, and the water can get as hot as 102 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the various natural pools.

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