Pagosa Springs

About Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in Archuleta County, Colorado, 35 miles (56 km) north of the New Mexico border, nestled at 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide The population was 1,727 at the 2010 census. The town is named for the sulfur springs located there, including the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. The “Mother Spring” feeds the three main soaking locations downtown: The Springs Resort, Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort & Spa. The water from the “Mother” spring is very hot indeed, at approximately 144°F (62°C)! Guess that’s why (according to the Archuleta County government, which states that) the Ute people called the sulfur-rich mineral springs “pagosa”, a Ute word meaning “healing or “boiling water.”.

In the Summer, Spring or Fall months, other things to do besides soaking include rafting on the San Juan River, hiking to Treasure Falls, exploring Chimney Rock National Monument, and biking. In the winter, with the area known for exceptionally high snowfall, one can ski, snowshoe or go snowmobiling. Pagosa Springs has a semi-arid climate (often described as a high-desert/mountain mix), characterized by four distinct seasons, 300+ days of sunshine annually, and high temperature shifts. The area experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer days see highs in the upper 70s to low 80s°F / 21 ° to 29 ° C, with cool nights. In the winter, it’s on the cold side, with average daytime highs around 39-42°F / 3.9°C to 5.6°C and with nightly lows falling into the single digits or teens ° F / -15°C to -9.4°C.