* 02.24.2023 * Steamboat Springs, CO
Sometimes after a long day of work or skiing, you just need to let the hot waters and soothing steam take you away. We did just that and checked off a major bucket list item by spending the night in the caboose at Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs Colorado.
The caboose was warm and cozy. Nice set up with a gas burning stove and comfortable pull out couch.
You get to stay in the pools till midnight, if you are a guest, so you practically have the place to yourself. The springs range in temperature from 101 to 106. There is also a cold plunge pond you can jump into for the hardy. From exhilarating brief dips in the cold pond to muscle soothing soaks, you can find it all. The source of the water is 147 degrees then as the water cascades down the hill they strategically mix with river water to hit target temps. After sunset the park becomes clothing optional, but I did not see anyone who had stripped down. It was in the single digits when we were there. Where your swimsuit to expedite the getting in process, although they do have changing huts. And water shoes are appreciated when moving from pool to pool in the winter.
If snowing and you make the 30-minute journey from town, make sure you have 4-wheel drive, chains, or good snow tires. The road up is steep and windy. They also have several tour companies that offer shuttles to take you on site door-to-door.
Make sure you make reservations 35 – 40 days in advance for the pools. They no longer take walk ins. And if you want to rent the caboose or the other few on site lodging you have to reserve 90 – 120 days in advance. And they book up in a day or two from release date, so be “johnnie on the spot” with your booking.
Enjoy the serene setting as you soak your cares away.
