Colorado 10/2007 - Valley View

We leave Denver and head south-west toward Salida and hot water at Valley View Hot Springs.

The springs are owned and operated by the Orient Land Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the local area and resources.

Over our three (3) day stay, we will spend two (2) nights in a Sunset Room. Basically a motel room.

For our third night, we move to the most popular cabin on the property, the Cottonwood Cabin.

The outside.

The inside.

Here are some other lodging options:

Willow and Elm Cabins

Aspen Cabin

Cedar Cabin


I usually take a room here in the Oak House

This is the San Luis Valley.



Here's the view from one of the vehicle camping areas and Sunset rooms.

Here's the view hiking up to the top springs.

There were many soaking opportunities available on the grounds.

One could take a dip in the warm pool.



Or take some sun on the deck.

The hottest pool is small and shallow.

There is a dry Sauna, with a unique cool plunge built into the bottom.

It is really neat.

There are several natural soaking areas available on the grounds.

This is the waterfall pool.



The Meadow Pool

The Party Pool



Here is the run off from the Party Pool



These pools are located up the hill from the Party Pool. The view of the valley is pretty, hence the name - Valley View.




View from the very top pool



Ricky was dutifully doing his reading, when one of the local inhabitants came by to visit and welcome him to Valley View. He bribed her with some snacks.



Ricky and I made a great discovery here. We were introduced to Dagoba chocolates. They come in many flavors, but the dark chocolate ones are the best. Our favorite is right here: