Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa (Mineral Hot Springs site)

Open daily year-round near Moffat in the San Luis Valley: three geothermal pools (98-108F) for day guests ~9:30am-9:50pm (8pm close Fri-Sat); adults $18, kids 4-14/seniors/locals $15, $12 flat on Tuesdays; kids under 4 not allowed in pools.

Sources: Joyful Journey official site - Pools (operator · 2026-09) · Joyful Journey official site - FAQ (operator · 2026-09)

Open daily year-round near Moffat in the San Luis Valley: three geothermal pools (98-108F) for day guests ~9:30am-9:50pm (8pm close Fri-Sat); adults $18, kids 4-14/seniors/locals $15, $12 flat on Tuesdays; kids under 4 not allowed in pools.

Before you go — visit checklist

• ✓Status: Open — last verified below — confirm via Joyful Journey official site - Pools.
• ✓Cost: Reported $18 — confirm current rates before visiting.
• ✓Getting there: Developed resort — confirm operating hours and any reservation requirement.
• ✓Water: Reported soak temperature 103°F — always test the water before entering.
• ✓Rules: Reported clothing required; pets reported not allowed — confirm current rules.
• ✓Conditions: check weather, fire closures, and land-manager alerts the week you go — mountain access changes seasonally.
• ✓Reservations/permits: none for day use; overnight stays need reservation (check-in 4pm, checkout 11am)
• ✓Best time to go: weekdays; Tuesdays are discounted so can draw a crowd; Fri-Sat pools close earlier (8pm)
• ✓Clothing reality: Swimsuits required in shared pools (suit rental $2, towel $4, robe $5 at front desk); no clothing-optional policy offered; family/spa venue.
• ✓Kids: Minimum age 4.
• ✓Cell service: spotty — download maps and tell someone your plan.
• ✓Accessibility: level desert site with paved paths between pools; no published wheelchair details
• ⚠️Children under 4 not allowed in pools - separate fillable 'baby pool' available
• ⚠️Kids under 12 need adult supervision
• ⚠️No alcohol in pool area
• ⚠️Smoking only in designated Smoking Pavilion
• ⚠️No generators in camp/RV areas
• ⚠️72-hr cancellation policy on lodging, 50% deposit at booking
• ⚠️Tuesday $12 flat-rate deal
• ⚠️Free birthday pool pass with ID
• ⛔Hazard: Source water ~140F - pools tempered 98-108F and monitored hourly
• ⛔Hazard: Remote San Luis Valley location - nearest towns Villa Grove 5min, Saguache 15min, Salida/Crestone 30min

Fact Sheet & Geothermal Specifications

Detailed Description

The historic Mineral Hot Springs site in the northern San Luis Valley, now operated as Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa — a small wellness resort with three gravity-fed artesian pools (~98-108°F), sauna, and lodging (rooms, yurts, tipis, RV/tent). Sangre de Cristo views. Fee: ~$18 adult day soak ($12 all-day Tuesdays). Quiet retreat atmosphere expected; no pets in pools.

About Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa (Mineral Hot Springs site)

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa occupies the historic Mineral Hot Springs site on Highway 17 in the northern San Luis Valley, about 32 miles south of Salida and one mile south of the US-285 junction. At roughly 7,700 feet on the valley floor, the property faces the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range to the east; Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 40 minutes away and Crestone about 30. Three outdoor pools are gravity-fed directly from private artesian springs and tempered between 98°F and 108°F; the resort notes the water lacks the sulfur odor common to many mineral springs. Indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, and early settlers all used these waters — Native Americans reportedly called them simply 'The Waters' and treated the source as neutral ground where all tribes were welcome.

Soaking facilities include the three flow-through mineral pools at graduated temperatures, hot tubs, a cold plunge, and a dry sauna; lodging spans hotel rooms with aspen-wood furniture, cottages, all-season yurts, tipis, and RV and tent sites, with stays that include meals. The grounds hold a Chartres-replica labyrinth, a meditation hill, and a geodesic-dome greenhouse, and yoga classes, massage, and retreat programming run year-round. Pets are welcome with on-site kennels, and day-use soaking is available to visitors not staying overnight.

Colorado Geothermal Context

Colorado's springs rise along fault zones threading the Rocky Mountains — the same tectonics that built the ranges drive deep groundwater circulation. Many sites sit above 7,000 feet, so snowpack closes roads and trailheads well into late spring, and afternoon thunderstorms are routine in summer. Resort valleys like Steamboat, Pagosa, and Ouray anchor the developed end of the spectrum.

What a resort site means here

A resort spring is a commercial operation: developed pools or tubs with controlled temperatures, changing facilities, and usually day-use fees or lodging packages. Expect posted rules (swimsuits, quiet hours, age limits), staff on site, and in many cases required reservations — especially on weekends and holidays.

Directions & Trailhead Access

On Highway 17 about 1 mile south of its junction with US-285; ~32 miles south of Salida.

Pool temperatures and access can change with weather and season. Outdoor ambient temperatures fluctuate significantly across Colorado. Late spring through autumn offers the most comfortable road access.

Sources & References

• Joyful Journey official site - Pools — operator · 2026-09
• Joyful Journey official site - FAQ — operator · 2026-09

Additional references for this record; a source link does not guarantee current conditions.

• www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com
• www.cohotspringsloop.com/hot-springs/joyful-journey-hot-springs-spa

Current access has not been independently confirmed for this visit. Check the linked sources before traveling. · How we verify our data · Report a correction

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