Penny Hot Springs

Penny Hot Springs is a geothermal spring located near the historic mining town of Redstone, Colorado.[1][2]

Penny Hot Springs
CoordinatesGPS N 39°12'54.7800" W 107°13'38.2200"
Elevation8,000 feet
Typegeothermal
Temperature133°F/56°C

Water profile

The hot mineral water emerges from the spring at 133 °F/56 °C, at the foot of granite cliffs called "Hell's Gates".[2][3] It flows into half-a-dozen collecting pools at the edge of Crystal River, the largest of which is 20 feet in diameter by 2 feet deep.[2] The primitive soaking pools are made from river stones, and are maintained between seasons by volunteers. Cold river water can be mixed with hot water by rearranging the rocks surrounding the soaking pools.[1]

History

Local Native Americans originally used the springs for generations. The springs are named for Daniel Penny, a local hotelier who ran a historical bathhouse and small hotel and bathhouse near the Avalance Creek railroad line stop.[4] In the 1960's skinny dippers began using the springs which the locals objected to, in protest they bulldozed the bathhouse.[4] The spring was restored in the early 1990s, after the land was acquired by Pitkin County.[5][6]

During the COVID-19 crisis, the springs were closed and policed due to mass gatherings of bathers of over 10 individuals.[7]

See also

References
  1. Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal. p. 30. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
  2. Berry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Spring List for the United States. Boulder, Colorardo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  3. "Penny Hot Springs: A little-known hot spring haven right below the highway". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  4. "Penny Hot Springs". Uncover Colorado. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  5. "Penny Hot Springs". Outdoor Project. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  6. "Penny Hot Springs". Colorado Life. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  7. Tackett, Megan (March 22, 2020). "Penny Hot Springs closed Sunday after massive gatherings". Aspen Daily News. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
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