Mineral Hot Springs (Colorado)

Mineral Hot Springs
View from the south in 1990
Location	San Luis Valley, Colorado
Coordinates	38.168°N 105.924°W / 38.168; -105.924
Type	geothermal
Temperature	140 °F (60 °C)

Mineral Hot Springs is a thermal spring located in Saguache County, Colorado in the northern San Luis Valley.[1][2]

History

Before the 1860s, the springs were used by the local Capote (Kapota) and Mohuache (Muache) bands of Ute indigenous people who lived in the valley and valued the hot water and mud for the healing of wounds.[3][4]

Water profile

The springs emerge from low formations deposited by the mineral water at 140°F (60°C).[2] If not tapped, and hydrostatic pressure is sufficient.

Location

Mineral Hot Springs is located on Highway 17 about a mile south of its junction with U.S. 285 about 6 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado. Mineral Hot Springs had a post office from 1911 to 1946.[1] Mineral Hot Springs is a platted subdivision but many lots are now privately owned.[5] In the post-colonial years,[6][7] there have been some facilities built at Mineral Hot Springs. In its recent history a covered swimming pool, a motel, a cafe, a hotel, a spa and a gas station have been built nearby. 38.168°N 105.924°W / 38.168; -105.924

References

1. Pages 74 to 77 in Postmarks and Places by George Harlan, Golden Bell Press (Copyright 1976), trade paperback, 220 pages
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. "THE UTES -- Los Indios Del Valle". Museums of the San Luis Valley. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
4. "Alamosa County". Colorado Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
5. Records on file with the Saguache County Clerk and Recorder
6. "Saguache County: Past and Present". Town of Saguache. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
7. "Early History". Southern Ute Tribe. Retrieved 6 January 2021.

External links

• Google map showing mounds and vegetation patterns at the natural springs