July 26: Steamboat Springs and a visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs

We heard Strawberry Park Hot Springs were very nice, pools in a natural setting, so set out for Steamboat Springs, about 1.5 hours Northeast of Granby.  The route took us through the town of Hot Sulphur Springs (where they also have hot springs, but we'd heard they really do smell like sulphur, which Gary can't tolerate), then through Byers Canyon which alone is worth the drive - then through the town of Kremmling, through rich ranchlands, past huge reservoirs, and up through Rabbit Ears Pass towards Steamboat Springs...

Coming into Steamboat springs, a view of some ski runs...big town, lots of ski resorts, big chain stores, etc. But they also have bike paths, natural areas, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Wow, the fancy homes....clearly an affluent area like all of the ski towns we've visited so far in Colorado.

Then out of town towards the hot springs, we found ourselves passing through a fantastic aspen glen.....

Spent half the day at this hot springs, they'd done a great job designing the pools in a natural setting, with multiple paths / entrance points into each pool (much better than Mt Princeton!)...though it was quite slippery in spots. At $10 for the day, it was a good value!

However, their two big hotter pools were a bit too hot to sit in for more than a couple minutes, so most folks spent the day mostly on the side or in the "cold" pools...we would have preferred (as clearly, the majority of folks there would have as well) that they keep their hot pools a bit cooler and thus comfortable for a longer soak...

Left feeling relaxed and rejuventated....what else can you ask for?!