Omayra Acevedo, Pagosa Springs. I’ve mentioned Pagosa Springs a couple of times in my past columns; I figured it was time to pay it tribute. Home to the world’s deepest hot spring and waters rich in minerals, with plenty of outdoor activities year-round, the town is the perfect balance for adventure and soothing the soul. Let’s not forget to mention, the quaint restaurants, shops, bars, and coffee shops, including a bakery that produces daily fresh goods. 

As I walked around downtown, in the freezing cold, I stumbled upon the comforting warmth of the hot springs. Yes, you can see them right off the main road. You can even watch as the steam rises from the pools and river banks that nestle the town. The Springs Resort and Spa is home to the most geothermal hot spring pools in our colorful state. Like I need another reason to love Colorado!

In Pagosa Springs you can shop, eat, drink, or simply stroll along Main Street in Historic Downtown. While I was there, I sat for a very brief moment at a local bakery, you know, the kind that truly bakes their own goods. As you’re waiting in line for your turn to order, your mouth can’t help but water as you daydream about what the first bite will be like. Yeah. It was one of those. I stick to a fairly strict diet, but not this time. And every second was worth the wait. I had a homemade cinnamon muffin. Yum!

Besides modern civilization, indoor and outdoor activities, you can find a lot of Colorado history in Pagosa Springs. Chimney Rock National Monument (CRNM) offers you a look into the past. With seven square miles featuring 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings of ancestral Puebloans, you are sure to feel as if you have traveled back in time. CRNM is known as the place where the Ancient Puebloans studied the cosmos. 

Pools topped with healing waters and a view to die for, ample places for skiing and hiking, so much history to be a part of, tasty treats scattered around town, and more than enough excuses to spoil oneself. Not to mention, it isn’t too far from other towns where you can explore, discover and fill your life with simple pleasures. Well, there you have it. Pagosa Springs in a nutshell. So, when are you planning your visit? 

For more information check out https://visitpagosasprings.com/

(Originally published in the March 11, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)