Written by: Claire Nickerson
The experience of soaking in geothermal mineral hot springs provides unmatched relaxation. Your tension melts away while you relax and rejuvenate in the warmth of a hot spring. Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa delivers a distinctive and soothing experience that benefits both body and mind for experienced soakers and newcomers alike. This blog post presents five essential tips to help you maximize your hot spring experiences. This content will guide you through everything you need to bring and explain the health benefits of hot springs.
1. Prepare Like a Pro: Essential Items for Hot Spring Visits
Packing the right items before you head out for relaxation and rejuvenation is crucial to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible. When packing for hot spring visits during warm weather months, include your preferred beach towel or a changing poncho from Durango Hot Springs in your bag. For winter pool travel at hot springs, combining your favorite towel with a cozy robe provides essential warmth throughout your visit! Take sunscreen with you and keep it nearby to easily reapply during your visit. To fully experience your visit at the hot springs, you need to make sure your skin remains protected. Additionally, bringing a good pair of sandals or slippers is ideal for traveling from pool to pool comfortably and safely. The Durango Hot Springs FAQ page contains the latest information you need.
2. Hydrate for Health
Prolonged exposure to hot spring water can lead to dehydration despite initial expectations. Your pores open due to high water temperatures and mineral content which increases your sweating beyond what you expect. A personal tip: Before I visit Durango Hot Springs, I make sure to have powdered electrolyte drink mixes readily available. Don’t worry if you forget your electrolyte drink mix at home because we have yours covered. You can purchase Tailwind Nutrition Hydration Mix at the front desk. With multiple great flavors, you’ll stay hydrated and support another local Durango business! If you like to enjoy an adult beverage during your hot spring visit, be sure to drink water before, during, and after. Staying hydrated is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. Understand the Effects of High Elevation
Visiting Durango Hot Springs is a rejuvenating experience, but it’s important to be mindful of the high elevation, especially if you’re coming from lower elevations. At higher altitudes, the air contains less oxygen, which can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and headaches. To ensure a comfortable visit, take time to acclimate gradually, stay well-hydrated, and listen to your body. Don’t neglect to eat light, nutritious meals and protect yourself from the stronger ultraviolet radiation. Having knowledge of these conditions will allow you to enjoy the soothing waters and picturesque scenery of Durango Hot Springs to the fullest.
4. Try Contrast Therapy for Optimum Benefit
Contrast therapy—alternating hot and cold water immersion—may add value to your Durango Hot Springs experience by enhancing circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and maximizing joint mobility. The temperature shift from hot to cold expands and tightens blood vessels, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and easing stiffness—just the thing after a day on the slopes at Purgatory Resort or trekking one of Durango’s many trails. Two contrast therapy tubs, Purgatory and Limbo—one family side and one adult-only side—have been provided at Durango Hot Springs so everyone can benefit. Because Limbo is on the family side, it isn’t as cold, making it enjoyable for all ages. This activity also stimulates the release of mood-altering hormones like norepinephrine and prolactin, which can improve concentration, reduce stress, and support brain function. Incorporating contrast therapy into your soak at Durango Hot Springs not only increases relaxation but also maximizes the therapeutic benefits of the mineral waters.
5. Be Mindful of Your Soak Time
To get the most out of your hot springs experience, be mindful of how long you soak. Durango Hot Springs recommends soaking in 15-minute intervals to avoid overheating and experience maximum relaxation. Break up the soak every 15 minutes by stepping out of the tub, allowing your body to cool, and sipping a drink of water to remain hydrated. Pacing yourself this way ensures a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing soak. This allows your body to stabilize its temperature and also lets you get the complete range of pools at a relaxing pace. Consider changing from one pool to another of different temperatures, such as moving from a warmer pool to a cooler pool or taking a break in one of the areas shaded on the grounds to supplement your overall experience. The DHS grounds have 32 mineral hot springs pools that range in temperatures so you will have plenty of options when you need to change pools. Pacing oneself in this way provides for a safe, pleasant, and thoroughly refreshing soak.
Ready to unwind in the best possible way at Durango Hot Springs? Book your visit today and let your worries melt away! Book your visit now to see our variety of mineral pools designed to reboot mind and body. Don’t forget to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and enjoy your hot springs experience to the fullest! Book your visit or follow us on social media for additional wellness tips and special features!
