Brief History
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
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| Circa 1900 First Pool House |
| Circa 1840's Enjoying a Day at the Hot Springs |
| Circa 1926 First Rooms Available for Lodging |
The first inhabitants of the springs were the Ute Indians. They used the hot springs for many years.
The Ute Indians believed in the healing qualities of the waters, and referred to them as “big medicine”
and “magic waters”. The Ute Indians would bath themselves, their horses and dogs, children and women
in the water, in that order!
The Ute Indians often set their winter hunting camps beneath the natural shelter offered by the bluffs
enclosing Byers Canyon, which adjoins our property. In 1840 William Byers, for whom the canyon is
named, became the first white man to discover the hot water at our little town. Which he named the little
town Hot Sulphur Springs. William Byers recognized the economic potential of the baths and the
surrounding area. With the aid of the U.S. Cavalry and the courts, he acquired the land, somewhat
deviously, from the Ute Tribe.
The resort has been continually operational for 140 years. From the 1920’s to 1950’s this was one of
the most popular hot springs destination in the Rocky Mountain States.
In 1997, after our extensive renovation, the Ute tribal spiritual leader blessed the waters at our
opening ceremony. Almost 1,000 people attended the ceremony. The Ute Indians are welcome to use the
springs once again.
We are blessed by enjoying renewed recognition and attendance and are considered one of the
best natural hot mineral springs resorts and spas in the country.
The Ute Indians believed in the healing qualities of the waters, and referred to them as “big medicine”
and “magic waters”. The Ute Indians would bath themselves, their horses and dogs, children and women
in the water, in that order!
The Ute Indians often set their winter hunting camps beneath the natural shelter offered by the bluffs
enclosing Byers Canyon, which adjoins our property. In 1840 William Byers, for whom the canyon is
named, became the first white man to discover the hot water at our little town. Which he named the little
town Hot Sulphur Springs. William Byers recognized the economic potential of the baths and the
surrounding area. With the aid of the U.S. Cavalry and the courts, he acquired the land, somewhat
deviously, from the Ute Tribe.
The resort has been continually operational for 140 years. From the 1920’s to 1950’s this was one of
the most popular hot springs destination in the Rocky Mountain States.
In 1997, after our extensive renovation, the Ute tribal spiritual leader blessed the waters at our
opening ceremony. Almost 1,000 people attended the ceremony. The Ute Indians are welcome to use the
springs once again.
We are blessed by enjoying renewed recognition and attendance and are considered one of the
best natural hot mineral springs resorts and spas in the country.
| Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa P.O. Box 275 5609 County Road 20 Hot Sulphur Springs, CO. 80451 |
| e-mail us at: hotsulphurspgs@yahoo.com |