There's no question about it, a popular Western Colorado destination is the hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs. After all, thousands of motorists traveling I-70 pass by it every single day. It would be easy to find it accidentally. Such is not the case with the hot springs pool in Ouray. While Ouray certainly is a popular tourist destination, few people are there by accident. While Ouray is known for great scenery, lodging, and ice climbing, the hot springs pool there might be the best kept secret in Western Colorado.

(Zane Mathews)
(Zane Mathews)
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The pool in Ouray is not as large as the one in Glenwood Springs, but it also doesn't have the smell of sulphur.  My visit was on a Monday and it wasn't even close to being crowded. What's cool about the Hot Springs Park in Ouray is the three different water temperatures you will find in the pool.

As soon as you walk out of the dressing room you can step right into the first section of the pool which contains very warm water - almost hot.

(Zane Mathews)
(Zane Mathews)
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The next section is the largest area of the pool which contains warm water - about 86 degrees - but definitely offers an initial chill when stepping in from the adjacent hot water. The chill quickly leaves as your body adapts, and the coolness of the water feels great on a hot summer day.

Then there's a section of the pool that contains hot water - as in hot tub like water - around 106 degrees. It feels so good, and is a great way to just kick back and relax.

(Zane Mathews)
(Zane Mathews)
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The Ouray Hot Springs Park offers a couple of slides - one of which is good for all ages but it big enough for big "kids" to enjoy. The other slide isn't nearly as tall and is well-suited for children.

There's also an area of the pool reserved for those who simply want to do lap swimming.

The  Ouray Hot Springs Park  is open year round, although there are some periodic closure dates and special hours of operation. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for kids.

If you haven't discovered the hot springs in Ouray it's definitely worth the two hour drive from Grand Junction.

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