We spent the day in Pagosa Springs, a delightful town some 35 miles north of the New Mexico border, nestled at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level on the western slope of the Continental Divide.

This combination of high desert plateau and the dramatic Rocky Mountains to the north and east, creates an unusually mild climate, especially in summer months, when compared with much of the surrounding Southwest. Pagosa Springs is blessed with some 300 sunny days each year, as well as enjoying four distinct seasons.

Located in the upper San Juan Basin, the town is surrounded by the three-million-acre San Juan National Forest, and is adjacent to the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness which covers over 750 million square acres!

The town is named for the sulfur springs located here, including the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. This “Mother Spring” feeds the pools hosted by three local hot spring locations. The water from the “Mother Spring” is approximately 144 degrees Fahrenheit (62 degrees Centigrade) and the mineral-rich waters are celebrated for their therapeutic powers.

Visitors from all over the world come to Pagosa Springs to enjoy its hot baths. Some come to cure ailments, others simply to relax in the mineral-rich waters.

The Healing Waters of Pagosa Springs are not the only relaxing agent in town! The state of Colorado has legalized Marijuana and the town has three dispensaries – San Juan Strains being one!