Pinkerton Hot Springs

by Matt Bodo

If you’ve ever been on your way to Purgatory, Silverton, or beyond on Highway 550 and noticed a large, wet, yellow/greenish rock formation on your right, you just blinked past Pinkerton Hot Springs. Located roughly 13.5 miles north of Durango, Pinkerton is a quick roadside-attraction stop with an interesting history to match its unique appearance. This pit-stop attraction is a natural geothermal spring topped with a man-made rock pile. The mustard-colored rocks with deepgreen highlights look like a spinach enchilada version of “Pizza the Hut” from Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs". (Aside from the DO NOT CLIMB sign, we would also suggest a strict DO NOT LICK policy, unless the kids have been acting up on the trip.)

The Pinkerton spring runs hotter than most hot springs, averaging between 95-105 F, which is caused by the waters running down to Earth’s liquid hot magma. Because of the water’s temperature, the rock pile was stacked to protect visitors from the discharge. In 2001 the Department of Transportation installed vertical piping to reverse the direction of the water, allowing it to recycle over the feature.

Judge James Harvey Pinkerton and his wife Ann Eliza discovered the spring in the late 1800s. Developed as a destination for visitors to soak in the “life-changing, healing” waters, it was believed the waters would heal the skin, cure arthritis, and promote longevity. It’s rumored that Marilyn Monroe was the resort’s most famous guest. (Still to this day, nobody knows who was the least famous guest.)

If you plan to visit Pinkerton Hot Springs, observe caution as it’s easy to drive past and miss. The spring itself is located near the highway, but there are walking paths behind the structure that are safer for observing, taking pictures, and enjoying. Do not climb on the rocks themselves, but it is safe to touch the water. Another tale of the springs is that many people bottled the spring water to drink. That said, it’s not suggested that you imbibe of the water either. Just enjoy the attraction and head back to downtown Durango for enchiladas.

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