Mineral Hot Springs (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mineral Hot Springs |
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View from the south in 1990
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| Location | San Luis Valley, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 38°10′05″N 105°55′26″W / 38.168°N 105.924°W |
| Type | geothermal |
| Temperature | 140 °F (60 °C) |
Mineral Hot Springs is a thermal spring found in Saguache County, Colorado. It's located in the northern part of the San Luis Valley. This spring is known for its naturally heated water.
A Look Back: Who Used the Springs First?
Long before the 1860s, the Mineral Hot Springs were important to local Native American groups. The Capote (Kapota) and Mohuache (Muache) bands of the Ute people lived in this valley. They used the hot water and mud from the springs. They believed it helped heal wounds and was good for their health.
What's Special About the Water?
The water at Mineral Hot Springs is naturally very hot. It comes out of the ground at about 140°F (60°C). This hot water brings up minerals from deep within the Earth. These minerals then form low deposits around where the springs emerge. The heat comes from deep inside the Earth, making it a geothermal spring.
Where Can You Find Mineral Hot Springs?
Mineral Hot Springs is easy to find on Highway 17. It's about one mile south of where Highway 17 meets U.S. 285. This spot is also about six miles south of a town called Villa Grove, Colorado.
For a while, Mineral Hot Springs even had its own post office. This was open from 1911 to 1946. Today, Mineral Hot Springs is a planned area with many privately owned plots of land. Over the years, several buildings have been added nearby. These include a covered swimming pool, a motel, a cafe, a hotel, a spa, and a gas station. 38°10′05″N 105°55′26″W / 38.168°N 105.924°W
