Draft:Durango Hot Springs Resort



Durango Hot Springs Resort is a natural hot spring resort located 8 miles north of Durango, Colorado and situated along the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Cortez, and Mesa Verde National Park.

History

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Durango’s hot spring has ancient cultural significance, with documented use dating back to 1000–1200 A.D.[1]

The source of the mineral water is thought to come from deep underneath the La Plata Mountains. Groundwater circualtes through a traverse fault to depths of about 4,900 feet. The most common mineral elements in the water are sodium, chloride, silica, potassium, magnesium, fluoride, and lithium. [2]

In 1874, Frank Trimble discovered the therapeutic benefits of the springs and established the first hotel on the property in 1882.[3] On November 28, 1882, T.D. Burns from New Mexico purchased 160 acres at Trimble Hot Springs. [4] The first hotel was built at Trimble Hot Springs in 1882, which featured 14 guest rooms, a billard hall, dining room, and kitchen. [5]

 
The Hermosa House burned to the ground in 1931

Three hotels have been built on the property; all three have burned down. The last and most devastating fire was in 1957, when the resort’s main building burned down. Trimble Resort then closed for nearly 30 years.[6]

Before reopening again in 1987, elders from the Southern Ute Tribe blessed the grounds in an ancient native ceremony. For the next 30 years, the resort had one swimming pool, two small hot spring pools and a small bathhouse.[7]

In 2019, new owners purchased the historic Trimble Hot Springs and rebranded it as Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa.[8] Since then, the resort has undergone a complete upgrade. [9]

References

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  1. ^ "Trimble Hot Springs". www.animasmuseum.org. Animas Museum. May 12, 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  2. ^ McCarthy, K.P. (January 1982). Geothermal resource assessment of the Animas Valley,Colorado. Colorado Geological Survey. p. 14,15.
  3. ^ Dawson, John Frank. Place names in Colorado: why 700 communities were so named, 150 of Spanish or Indian origin. Denver, CO: The J. Frank Dawson Publishing Co. p. 49.
  4. ^ Twitchell, Ralph. Leading Facts of New Mexico History,Vol V. p. 114.
  5. ^ Dallas, Sandra (1967). No More Than Five in a Bed.
  6. ^ Bear, Leith (January 1985). Trimble Hot Springs. Durango, CO: Trimble Hot Springs. p. 19.
  7. ^ Brothers, Amy (October 4, 2017). "6 scenic southwest Colorado hot springs to warm up and wind down". The Denver Post. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  8. ^ Carrick, Eve (September 8, 2023). "This Hot Springs Resort in the Colorado Mountains Now Has 32 Pools, Private Soaking Tubs, and Cold Plunges With a Gorgeous View". Travel & Leisure. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  9. ^ McKee, Spencer (July 3, 2023). "Colorado hot springs resort with mountain views adds 15 new pools". Colorado Gazette. Retrieved 31 July 2024.