Soak in ‘MAGIC WATER’ at Durango Hot Springs

by Debbie Stone

The Southwest region is the ideal spot for restorative dips, from riverside locales to mountain pools, and boasts such destinations as Truth or Consequence, Ojo Caliente and Jemez Springs here in New Mexico, and Pagosa Hot Springs in Colorado.

Recently, I checked out another of these havens in Colorado— Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, the place underwent a total renovation and fully reopened in August 2021. The major rehaul included putting in new pools, remodeling the spa and adding an upscale day club with numerous amenities and concierge level service. Future plans include a hotel and glamping facilities.

The property is set on 65 acres, surrounded by mountains in the scenic Animas Valley, eight miles north of downtown Durango. It’s comprised of over forty unique thermal mineral water features, including sixteen natural mineral hot springs soaking pools (twelve of which are located in the adults only section and four in the family area), private Japaneseinspired cedar soaking tubs, cold plunge pools, a reflexology walking path and a rain tower. Additionally, there’s a resortstyle swimming pool, concession area, men’s and women’s bath/shower dressing rooms and a full service day spa, offering a variety of treatments to enhance wellbeing.

Durango Hot Springs’ water is one hundred percent pure natural geothermal mineral water. The property claims to have some of the best natural mineral water in the world. They state that they are building better water, or what they call, “Magic Water,” based on mineral counts and unique technologies. The water is geothermally heated and brought to the surface via wells, with temps ranging from 106 to 127 degrees in the summer and from 112 to over 127 degrees in the winter. Each pool has its own water source with a specific temp, which circulates out every two hours to maintain cleanliness.

The water has a blend of 34 minerals and each has its own individual health benefits. The property uses state-of-theart technology to bind the minerals to the water molecule, increasing absorption and the clarity of the water. It also has the distinction of being the only hots springs in the world to utilize the unique AquaGen system. This system infuses the pools with tiny oxygen bubbles, which serve to enhance the healing properties of the water.

Some of the hot springs I have soaked in have a strong rotten eggs odor due to the sulphur content. At Durango Hot Springs, I didn’t smell anything because there are only low or trace levels of the mineral.

I enjoyed going from one pool to another in Goldilocks fashion to experience the different temps. I discovered that 103 degrees was ideal. The pools are terraced, which allows for great views of the scenery. They are also nicely landscaped, with natural privacy curtains.

Additionally, I appreciated the separation between the adults and family areas. Kids can behave like kids without having to adapt to adult standards of noise and behavior, while adults can have their own peaceful realm.

by Kaldoun!