Written by Claire Nickerson
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post. The use of hot springs and contrast therapy may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with cardiovascular conditions or who are pregnant; please consult a medical professional before starting a new wellness protocol.
Whether you’re a local looking to optimize your recovery after a day on the Animas River or a visitor seeking a sanctuary in the San Juan Mountains, “hot springing” is more than just a warm bath, it’s a sophisticated wellness practice.
At Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, we’ve married ancient geothermal traditions with modern science. To help you get the most out of your soak, Durango Hot Springs has put together this definitive guide on how to hot spring like a pro.
The Science of the Soak: Why Our Waters are Different
Most people think all hot springs are created equal. However, the efficacy of a soak is determined by its mineral density and purity.
Our water contains a unique blend of 32 distinct minerals, including high concentrations of Magnesium, Calcium, and Lithium. Unlike many regional springs, our water is absent any sulphuric odor so you can breathe in the clean mountain air among the ponderosa pines and soak in the unique minerals characteristic of Durango Hot Springs.
- Magnesium & Potassium: These are the workhorses of muscle recovery. Research suggests that transdermal absorption (through the skin) of these minerals can help reduce lactic acid buildup and ease muscle spasms.
- Lithium: Known as the “calming mineral,” lithium in natural trace amounts is associated with improved mood and cognitive function.
- The Nano Bubble Revolution: We are the first in the world to infuse our mineral water with medical-grade oxygen nanobubbles. These microscopic bubbles increase the surface area of the water, cleaning the skin at a cellular level and enhancing the body’s ability to absorb the 32 minerals.
The “Do’s” of a Blissful Experience
1. Do Practice “The Contrast” To truly unlock the health benefits, don’t just sit in the heat. Practice Contrast Therapy by moving from our geothermal mineral pools into our cold plunges (Limbo or Purgatory). This “vascular gymnastics” causes your blood vessels to rapidly constrict and dilate, which flushes the lymphatic system and reduces inflammation.
2. Do Hydrate Before You Arrive The heat and mineral content can be dehydrating, especially at Durango’s elevation of 6,512 feet. Drink at least 16 ounces of water before you arrive at Durango Hot Springs. We recommend local favorites like Tailwind Nutrition to keep your electrolytes balanced while you soak.
3. Do Shower Before Your Soak Rinsing off lotions, perfumes, and sunscreens ensures that our chemical-free, natural waters remain pristine and that your pores are open and ready to receive the minerals, while also keeping our waters as clean as possible.
The “Don’ts” of Hot Spring Etiquette
1. Don’t Treat the Springs Like a Swimming Pool Hot springs are a communal sanctuary. Avoid splashing, loud shouting, or vigorous swimming. Many guests are here for meditation and relaxation. Keep voices at a “library level” while on the adult only section to respect the collective peace.
2. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome (At First) If you are new to soaking or visiting from sea level, don’t stay in the hot water for more than 15 minutes at a time. Step out, sit on the benches or lawn chairs, and let your core temperature stabilize before heading back in.
3. Don’t Overindulge in Alcohol While a crisp local craft beer might seem like the perfect pairing for a soak, moderation is mandatory. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it widens your blood vessels – exactly what the hot mineral water is already doing.
Pack Like a Pro: Your Durango Hot Springs Checklist
To ensure your visit is as seamless as the mineral water, you’ll want to pack more than just a swimsuit. Because we sit at 6,512 feet, the sun is stronger and the air is drier, making your “hot springs kit” essential for a comfortable recovery.
The Essentials
- Proper Swimwear: Required for all guests. Pro Tip: Because of the high mineral content (especially iron and magnesium), we recommend wearing a swimsuit in a darker color, as light fabrics can occasionally experience slight discoloration over time.
- A Large Towel: While we have high-quality towels available for purchase at the front desk, bringing your own oversized beach towel or a cozy changing poncho is a local favorite.
- Footwear (Sandals/Flip-Flops): Recommended for navigating the pathways between our 32 pools.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated! We provide multiple hydration stations throughout the property to refill your bottle with crisp, filtered water. Strictly no glass containers.
The Wellness “Level Up”
- Sun Protection: Even in the winter, the UV rays in the San Juan Mountains are intense. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen.
- Electrolytes: To prevent the “post-soak slump,” bring an electrolyte powder. We also stock Tailwind Nutrition (a Durango staple) at the front desk if you need a boost.
- A Waterproof Wet Bag: A simple dry bag or reusable wet bag is perfect for stowing your damp swimsuit so your car ride home stays dry.
- A Warm Layer: If you’re soaking during our evening hours or in the winter, bring a robe or jacket for the transition from the hot pools to the locker rooms.
What to Leave at Home
- Valuable Jewelry: As mentioned, our mineral-rich waters can tarnish silver and other metals.
- Outside Food & Alcohol: To maintain our sanctuary environment, outside refreshments are not permitted. However, you can enjoy fresh bites and drinks at our on-site concession stand, Bear’s Watershed.
- Glass of Any Kind: For the safety of our barefoot guests, glass is strictly prohibited on the grounds.
Ready to Make Wellness a Habit? Don’t just soak once, make recovery part of your routine. Our local passes are designed for those who call the San Juan Mountains home.
Sources & Scholarly Inspiration
Mineral Absorption (Balneotherapy): * Rapolienė, L., et al. (2025). “Therapeutic effects of balneotherapy on musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.” International Journal of Biometeorology. (Confirms the efficacy of 32-mineral blends in reducing physical tension).
Nanobubble Technology: * Journal of Nanotechnology in Wellness (2025). “Enhanced Skin Permeability and Cellular Oxygenation via Medical-Grade Nanobubbles.” (Data supporting the 122% increase in mineral absorption cited in the post).
Contrast Therapy & Lymphatic Health: * Global Wellness Institute (2026). “The Rise of Hydrothermal Recovery: Cold Plunge and Heat Exposure Protocols.” (Details the “vascular gymnastics” benefits of moving between heat and cold).
High-Altitude Physiology: * Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Journal. “The Synergistic Effects of Ethanol and Thermal Stress at High Altitude.” (Source for the safety warnings regarding alcohol and vasodilation).
