A Quick History of Old Town Hot Springs
Hot Springs Beginnings
Like many hot springs in Colorado, Ute tribes were the first to use the geothermal mineral waters. When homesteader and town father James Crawford arrived in the 1890s, he built the first bathhouse on the site.
Pulling Together to Save the Springs
That original bathhouse had a long life, but in 1968 it was condemned and the property nearly succumbed to bankruptcy. A tight-knit community, Steamboat residents pulled together and saved the hot springs from dereliction.
Community-Driven Hot Springs
Neither privately owned nor supported by tax dollars, Old Town Hot Springs is Steamboats Springs’ first independent non-profit, dating back to 1935. The facility is also a community recreation center and serves as the only public pool in rural Routt County.
Major Renovations
In 2007, Old Town Hot Springs added two 225-foot waterslides and a 3,000 sq. ft. activity pool. In 2019, another major renovation that is still ongoing saw the completion of a 15,000 sq. ft. building with expanded fitness facilities, community and kitchen space, as well as a climbing wall. Ultimately, the massive $10 million project will include the expansion of the lap lanes and kiddie pool areas.