Hot Springs as Resorts
June 3 -- If your kids love the water, here's something they may enjoy even more than a cool pool on a hot day: a hot pool on a cold day.
Thanks to the geothermal peculiarities of the American West, the region is home to a host of natural hot springs, many of which form the centerpieces of family-friendly resorts and spas.
These mineral-rich waters are naturally heated by the same geological forces that fuel geysers, and are then pumped to temperature-regulated hot tubs and swimming pools. The following resorts also provide amenities such as locker rooms, saunas, children's pools and water slides, and many have lifeguards on duty.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, Desert Hot Springs, Calif.The Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel (www.dhsspa.com), located near Palm Springs, boasts eight hot mineral pools of varying sizes and temperatures nestled among palm trees in a large open-air courtyard. From a swimming pool big enough for laps to smaller soaking tubs, the rule is, the smaller the pool, the hotter the water. This lets you select the perfect soak for every family member. Lodging is available. Call 800-808-SPAS.
Glenwood Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs, Colo.At 405 feet long, 100 feet wide and filled with 1,071,000 gallons of constantly filtered water, Glenwood Hot Springs (www.hotspringspool.com) is the largest mineral pool in the world and a landmark on scenic Interstate 70. If not for the diving board and water slide, kids would never want to leave the comfortable 90-degree water. Parents, however, are sure to enjoy a dip in the large therapy pool kept at a steamy 104 degrees. Call 800-537-SWIM.
Lava Hot Springs, IdahoThe impressive lava cliffs that give this small village its name tower over a spring emitting 104-degree to 110-degree mineral water. The water is tempered for use in modern hot baths, private tubs, and swimming pools at the site, including a huge Olympic-size pool with a 10-meter diving tower. Call 800-423-8597.
Chico Hot Springs, Pray, Mont.Established in 1900, this quaint secluded lodge (chicohotsprings.com) is built around a 94-degree spring-fed pool and a 104-degree soaking pool. Located just 30 miles from the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, it's a popular base camp for family mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and touring. Lodging is available. Call 800-468-9232.
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