Lemon Hot Spring
Lemon Hot Spring emerges at 91°F from Bureau of Land Management property in San Miguel County at 7,320 feet elevation, where federal management ensures public access to this protected thermal feature near the exclusive mountain resort community of Mountain Village.
The spring sits just 256 feet from Stella Drive on BLM land in the rugged San Juan Mountains near Telluride's alpine domain. The landscape features mixed conifer forest transitioning to subalpine vegetation at this elevation. The modest thermal temperature makes bathing feasible with minimal cooling, and the BLM location provides a public alternative to commercial resort facilities.
This BLM-managed spring provides public access to thermal soaking without resort fees. The roadside approach minimizes hiking, though the mountain elevation means seasonal snow can temporarily close access. Best visited from June through October when the high country remains accessible. Leave no trace and respect BLM regulations.
Lemon Hot Spring water circulates through bedrock beneath the Uncompahgre plateau, accumulating dissolved minerals including 760 mg/L sodium, 840 mg/L sulfate, 270 mg/L chloride, and notable iron at 890 micrograms per liter. The BLM designation balances public access with extractive-use protections, maintaining the thermal resource for public benefit while permitting responsible development.
The water at Lemon Hot Spring is neutral (pH 7.2). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
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Overview Matterhorn Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145), near the quaint town of Telluride, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery, hiking and off-road opportunities.Recreation The Galloping Goose Trail #449 can be accessed from the campground. This 8.4-mile trail leads past a restored train trestle, over two trail bridges and along segments of the historic Rio Grande Southern Railway. The trail is open to hiking, bi...
Lemon Hot Spring sits at 7,320 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 29% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Lemon 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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