Most populous community in Archuleta County, Colorado, near the San Juan National Forest, the town is named for a system of sulfur springs, which includes the world's deepest geothermal hot spring
From Durango, CO (60 mi): Head north on Main Ave toward E 11th St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 11th St. Turn left onto US-550 S/Camino Del Rio Continue to follow US-550 S. Continue onto US-160 E. Keep left to stay on US-160 E. Keep left to continue on US-160 E/San Juan St. Turn left onto Lewis St.
Overview
Pagosa Springs is the most populous community in Archuleta County, Colorado. Approximately 65 percent of the land in Archuleta County is either San Juan National Forest, Weminuche and South San Juan wilderness areas, or Southern Ute Indian reservation land. Pagosa Springs is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of the New Mexico border, at 7,126 feet (2,172 m) above sea level on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide. This combination of high desert plateau and the Rocky Mountains to the north and east creates an unusually mild climate, especially in the summer months. Pagosa sees around 300 days of sun each year, as well as four distinct seasons.
The town is located in the upper San Juan Basin, surrounded by the 3-million-acre (4,700 sq mi; 12,000 km2) San Juan National Forest, and adjacent to the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness.
The town is named for a system of sulfur springs, Pagosa Hot Springs, which includes the world's deepest geothermal hot spring. The "Mother" spring feeds primitive and developed hot springs located on the upper banks of the San Juan River, which flows through town. The primitive springs are freely accessible to the public, but are generally not for entering or interacting with because of the extreme water temperature. Developed springs feed soaking pools that are hosted by three privately-owned soaking locations within town. The water from the "Mother" spring is approximately 144 °F (62 °C).
Recreation
Other recreational activities in the area include downhill and cross country skiing at nearby Wolf Creek ski area and snowmobiling in the surrounding National Forest. Summertime activities include fishing, hiking, and rafting. The area is also a popular destination for hunters, who harvest elk, deer, and other game animals.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Pagosa Springs, Colorado", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
