Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS
POP 663 / ELEV 7680FT
When you roll through the sleepy little village of Hot Sulphur Springs, it's hard to imagine
its glory days as a happening tourist destination. In the late 1860s William Byers, founder
of the
Rocky Mountain News
, acquired most of the land in the area from itinerant Utes
with a combination of legal maneuvering and the aid of the US Army, and he immediately
began promoting it to tourists. At one time its rivalry with Grand Lake was so serious that a
struggle over which town would be the Grand County seat led to a fatal shoot-out between
elected officials. Hot Sulphur Springs prevailed politically, but never suffered the tourist in-
vasion that has made Grand Lake so ticky-tacky - a blessing and curse, as these days it
seems to be wilting in a slow economic decline.
At the foot of 12,804ft Byers Peak, Hot Sulphur Springs is midway between Granby and
Kremmling on US 40. It has no formal tourist office, but Pioneer Village Museum is a good
source of information.
Sights & Activities
Pioneer Village Museum
( 970-725-3939;
www.grandcountymuseum.com
; 110 E Byers Ave; adult/senior/child $5/4/3; 10am-5pm Wed-
Sat; )
This small community museum has exhibits on early settlers (both native and
white), skiing and artifacts from the nearby Windy Gap archaeology area.
MUSEUM
Hot Sulphur Springs
Resort & Spa
( 970-725-3306;
www.hotsulphursprings.com
; 5609 County Rd 20; pool adult/child $17.50/11.50, r $108-168)
Un-
like the hot pools in Glenwood Springs, this spa doesn't chlorinate the water, allowing the
heady mix of sulfates, chloride, magnesium and other minerals to soothe bathers just as it
has done for generations. The 24 pools have been enclosed by cement and tile and are sep-
arated by temperature , ranging from 95°F to a deeply satisfying, if challenging, 112°F.
Like most modern facilities of this kind, there's an added menu of spa options: body
wraps, facials, massages and the like. If you want to spend the night, there is a lodge on
hand with clean, comfortable motel-style facilities. You get two free days of access at the
pools with your stay.
HOT SPRING
