Waunita Hot Springs

Located high up in the Colorado Rockies and surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest land and summer pasture is the Waunita Hot Springs. It is estimated that there are nearly one hundred hot springs in the valley that today are used to heat a 35' x 90' swimming pool and spa pools, and the facilities of two lodges including a large shop, part of a barn, a recreation room, two homes and a chicken house.

First used by the Ute Indians, the Waunita Hot Springs produce over four million gallons of hot water each day with temperatures that range from 110 degrees to 190 degrees. The springs are named after the legend of an Indian maiden, Waunita, who was in love with a Shoshoni warrior. The Shoshoni warrior was killed in battle and Waunita wandered throughout the valley grieving. Every place her tears feel to the ground a spring arose.

At one point in history, the springs were called Tomichi Hot Springs and in 1882, the lower most springs were called Elgin. A post office and a two-story log hotel were built that had a large bath for soaking away arthritis, rheumatism and other maladies.

The upper most springs were developed in 1879 by Colonel R.S. Moore and then named Waunita. Colonel Moore constructed the Hot Springs House Hotel, a restaurant and a post office. In 1916, the area became the home to Radium Hot Springs – a world-renowned health resort. Dr. Charles Gilbert ran the sanitarium and large hotel until his death in 1927. Today a private dude ranch is operated at Waunita Hot Springs.

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