Page 16 - October 2020 proof - The Castle Pines Connection

16 CastlePinesConnection.com
Relax and rejuvenate at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
The Creekside Hot Springs at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort are located in Chalk Creek. The hot springs water bubbles out of the ground at 135 degrees Fahrenheit and into the chilly water.
Tucked between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida in Chalk Creek Canyon lies the picturesque resort of Mount Princeton Hot Springs (MPHS). Surrounded by majestic 14,000-foot peaks, this historical but modern retreat in Nathrop is an idyllic place to vacation. The geothermal mineral pools which bubble out of the ground at 135 degrees Fahrenheit are the heartbeat of the resort.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the healing powers of a MPHS soak. There are six pools scattered throughout the property, which are all fed by the odorless natural mineral springs.
Along the Chalk Creek shoreline, 30 hot spots are located right in the midst of the cool rushing waters of the creek. If you are lucky enough to get a spot, guests can create their own private hot springs and control their temperature in the creek side soakings. To the delight of the younger set, a 400-foot water slide was recently added to enjoy in the summer months. The Mount Princeton Historic Bath House that was built in 1867 serves as a
Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik
gateway to many of the pools and remains open 365 days a year.
Visitors can relax with a one-day hot springs experience or rejuvenate with
an overnight stay. A variety of lodging choices are available, including cozy log cabins and cliff side rooms along the creek. There are an abundance of amenities at the resort including bicycles, a full service spa, tness classes, basketball, shuf eboard, tennis and pickleball.
Outside of the MPHS resort, the adventure possibilities are endless in the Arkansas River Valley.
To learn more about Mount Princeton Hot Springs, visit mtprinceton.com.
Salida...
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Established in the 1800s as a stagecoach stop and later as a stopover for travelers on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, downtown Salida is home to Colorado’s largest National Historic District with 136 preserved buildings. Today, historic downtown Salida features several locally- owned shops, galleries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. In addition,
it offers a glimpse into the area’s mining past, providing an excellent way to spend an afternoon during the warmer spring and summer months.
A venture down F Street, the main hub of downtown, is where shops, art galleries and sweet treats are readily available. Old-fashioned sodas at Salida Pharmacy
& Fountain are a favorite. A visit to Vino Salida Wine Cellars is the perfect stop after a day hike to grab a locally-sourced lite bite and wine tasting.
The Salida Whitewater Park, where tourists join locals and other thrill seekers for kayaking, paddleboarding and rafting, offers several man-made features to hone your rafting skills. For those looking for a more relaxing afternoon, tubing along the river is also available.
Whether it is the enticing water of the Arkansas River, the thrill of skiing the backcountry, or simply taking in the local art displays, Salida makes a perfect staycation. For many, it’s a home away from home.
Salida offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from biking to hiking to kayaking and more.
October 2020