Radium Hot Springs (Colorado)

Radium Hot Springs
Radium Warm Springs
Colorado River near Radium Hot Springs
Location	near the town of Radium, Colorado
Coordinates	39°57′59″N 106°32′44″W[1]
Elevation	6,800 feet
Type	geothermal
Temperature	97 °F (36 °C) to the low 100 degrees F

Radium Hot Springs is a thermal mineral spring near the small town of Radium, Colorado, located halfway between Kremmling and State Bridge, in Grand County, Colorado.

Description

The springs emerge from several sources near the edge of the Colorado River. A large primitive soaking pool with a sandy bottom has been constructed against a sheer rock cliff.[2] The rock-lined soaking pool is reached by way of climbing down a fifty foot long rock chimney via footholds and handholds in the rock. The pool is 2 feet deep and approximately 10 by 18 feet. It fits approximately 10 to 20 people.[3][4] It is dangerous to attempt to jump from the soaking pool on the rock cliff to the river below, and serious injuries could be incurred.[5]

Location

The hot springs are located in the Radium Wildlife Area of the Bureau of Land Management Radium Recreation Area. Located one quarter mile off the River Rim Trail, the springs are situated on a rock outcropping midway up the sheer rock canyon wall. They are inaccessible by vehicle and are accessible only on foot or by raft.[3] The soaking pool overlooks the Colorado River.[3] The closest area to camp is the Mugrage Campground.[6]

The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad can be seen from across the river.[3] This area of the high desert is filled with deep river canyons and sagebrush vegetation.[1]

Water Profile

The water emerges from several sources at the bottom of the gravel lined soaking pool at a temperature range of 97 °F (36 °C) to the low 100s, and cool to the mid-80s in the soaking pool.[1][3]

References

1. Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
2. Andrews, Chris (2022). Hiking Hot Springs in the Southwest. Falcon Guides. pp. 192–194. ISBN 9781493036578.
3. Frazier, Deborah (2014). Colorado's Hot Springs. West Margin Press, Pruett Series. pp. 52–56. ISBN 978-1-941821-13-8.
4. Boster, Seth (12 November 2018). "Radium Hot Springs, a Primitive Soak Spot that's Nearly Impossible to Find". Denver Gazette. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
5. "Radium Hot Springs, Kremmling". Uncover Colorado. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
6. Paul, Susan Joy (2018). Touring Colorado Hot Springs. Falcon Guides. pp. 5–7. ISBN 9781493029167.

External links

Radium Recreational Area