Dunton Hot Spring
Dunton Hot Spring is a soaking-temperature spring the record files under San Miguel County, Colorado, about seventeen miles from Mountain Village, though Wikipedia places it in Dolores County in the San Juan Mountains, between Cortez and Telluride. Hot enough for a long soak, by the reading on file. The file says nothing on access, and nothing on ownership. Wikipedia notes a cluster of log buildings called Dunton a few hundred feet from the springs.
The walk in runs about a fifth of a mile, off a nameless road. High country, near nine thousand feet. Winter buries the place, better than eleven feet of snow and heavy precipitation overall. The yearly average sits below forty. Nothing is given for land unit or designation.
On paper the best time is deep winter, December through February. A short walk in. Cayton Campground is around six miles away on the record. Fee unrecorded. The 1976 sample showed slightly acidic water with iron. Nobody has filled on record, and the log buildings Wikipedia mentions suggest a settlement right beside it, so confirm before you arrive.
Wikipedia describes Dunton Hot Springs as a geothermal mineral spring in the San Juan Mountains of Dolores County, roughly thirty-five miles northeast of Cortez and twenty-five southwest of Telluride. The unincorporated community of Dunton, a group of log buildings on the West Fork of the Dolores River, stands a few hundred feet northwest of the springs. The USGS record includes a 1976 sample.
The water at Dunton Hot Spring is slightly acidic (pH 6.4). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
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Overview Cayton Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145) and the Dolores River. Visitors enjoy the area for its great fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities.Recreation The Dolores River is a popular fishing destination that can often be crowded on summer weekends. Anglers will find rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. The area boasts some excellent trails. The Colorado Trail follows the ridge across Bolam Pass. The Lizard Head and Cross Mountain Trails...
At 8,850 feet, Dunton Hot Spring is in high-altitude territory where the air is noticeably thinner. Soaking in hot water accelerates dehydration and can amplify altitude effects like headache and fatigue. UV radiation is roughly 35% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.
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Dunton Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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