Ouray area springs

[Kim_S]

I extracted this excerpt from a recent article in the Ouray News

"There is an ordinance against public nudity in Ouray, as skinny-dippers who haunt the wild hot springs up Canyon Creek are frequently reminded."

Anyone know anything about these "wild" hot springs up Canyon Creek?

[mikel g]

Canyon Creek tumbles out of Box Canyon, at the SW corner of town. To be 'in Ouray', I'd guess any wild spring would be below this point. That is to say, just at the edge of town.
I will do a little Googling now.
- Ominous:

Because of its stunning scenery, Ouray is known as “the Switzerland of America”. The majority of hot springs in the area are highly mineralized and radioactive although there are some good springs in town.

From Colorado's Hot Springs, by Deborah Frazier, a review of the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs indicates a lot of hot water (155*) filling several hot tubs, heating the building, etc. Perhaps there's some runoff available at creekside.
(via google.books)[/quote]

[Kim_S]

That's a good start Mikel! Anyone else know if there are any hot springs up Canyon Creek?

[Jeff Allen]

I have heard stories, but that is all.

I just e-mailed a few people I know and will see what they say..

[Kim_S]

I was just curious when they said there were "wild" hot springs up Canyon Creek because I didn't see anything on the topos (but as we all know that doesn't mean they are not there.....)

[carolinaspringer]

I've hiked up canyon creek and did not see any hot springs, but that may have been because I had just arrived at high altitudes from sea level. Breathing while hiking was all I was capable of, so I am probably not a reliable witness.

[Jeff Allen]

So far nothing.

This may call for an inspection when summer gets here..

And speaking of inspections, the inspection van has been down with a leaking radiator. I replaced it and fired it up last night as the freezing rain began to fall. Everything appeared to be fine for about 30 minutes, then I noticed a line leak on the oil cooler. No big deal just retighten it up. Next I heard water running under the van. When I looked antifreeze was pouring out the bottom of the engine & the block heater was hanging down by the wires across the tie rods. So when the freezing rain, followed by snow and temps in the single digits subsides by this week end I'll crawl under the van and see if I can replace it. The bad thing is this thing is outside and not in the garage. The good thing is that it let go at home instead of out on the road...

[Kim_S]

I wish I knew some Ouray locals- they would know about the springs. Like Jeff says, an inspection may be in order eventually....

[Slackbaron]

Here is a Ouray local article about some mainly underwater springs called "the Minions":


http://www.ouraynews.com/Articles-i-200 ... rings.html

[Kim_S]

Slackbaron, thanks so much- that is excellent information and essentially answers my question.

[Jeff Allen]

I believe I will see what hot springs are there when I get out there...

[pinkcone]

Sorry for this late reply.

According to the Colorado Hot Springs Guide (by Rick Cahill, 1983), the springs are reached by turning west onto Third Avenue. "Follow the signs on the gravel road past the Box Canyon Motel until you come to a small parking area. From here there are a number of trails leading to Box Canyon Park, where you will find many springs seeping up along the bank of the creek". On his map, he shows the springs near the confluence of Canyon Creek and the Uncompahgre River.

Cahill goes on to say that there are three groups of springs, which are estimated to contain over 100 individual springs. He shows a picture of one spring in his book. I've never tried to find them. Orvis and the City of Ouray's big hot spring pool has always got my attention instead.

I do know someone that is a long-time resident of Ouray, so if need be I could probably get a bit more recent information.

-- Will

[Kim_S]

Will, thanks for that even more detailed information. I'm thinking those are the springs that were discussed in the Ouray News link from my first post in this topic.

[Kim_S]

Maybe they'll break the pipe and we will all have a new natural hot spring

http://www.telluridewatch.com/pages/ful ... eft_column

[Kim_S]

A short "avian interest" story!

http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11659015