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Shaw Springs

Rio Grande County, Colorado · Near Del Norte

37.7510°N, 106.3170°W · 7,971 ft

86°F 55°F air · Good soaking weather 7,971 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (6.6 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

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Five miles or so from Del Norte, the nearest town in the record, Shaw Springs is a warm spring in Rio Grande County. The water is tepid, short of a proper soak. Its 1976 sample stands out for strongly alkaline water. There is a photo on file. Owner and access columns: blank.

Location

0 miles from Del Norte, CO

Get Directions → All springs near Del Norte →

About 0.1 mi from the road, short-walk distance. Dry country: precipitation barely reaches a foot a year and snow stays under three feet. Elevation is high valley. Del Norte is the base. Penitente Canyon Campground, seven miles off, is the camp in the record. No land unit appears, and no owner.

Best months, by the record: the winter ones. Think bathwater that has sat a while. No land owner or access status is recorded; check before you go. Penitente Canyon Campground, seven miles. The alkaline reading is from 1976. No fee is recorded, and OSM carries no label for it.

Monthly Climate

17°

Jan

22°

Feb

33°

Mar

41°

Apr

49°

May

64°

Jun

66°

Jul

64°

Aug

57°

Sep

45°

Oct

31°

Nov

19°

Dec

Annual Precip: 11.5 in Annual Snow: 34.6 in

Best Time to Visit

January Air 17°F · Water 86°F · +69° contrast

December Air 19°F · Water 86°F · +67° contrast

February Air 22°F · Water 86°F · +64° contrast

January offers 49°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

55°F

Clear WSW 41.1 mph 49% Good soaking weather

Sunday 81° Low 50° Mostly Sunny 2% precip

Spring is +5° warmer

Labor Day 79° Low 55° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 10% precip

Spring is +7° warmer

Tuesday 80° Low 54° Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 40% precip

Spring is +6° warmer

Wednesday 80° Low 54° Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 42% precip

Spring is +6° warmer

Thursday 79° Low 53° Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 29% precip

Spring is +7° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1976-04-21

The water at Shaw Springs is alkaline (pH 8.9).

pH 8.9 Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Calcium 1 mg/L

May support bone density and joint health

Magnesium 0 mg/L

Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief

Sodium 130 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 46 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 7 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Iron 20 µg/L

Iron-rich springs may support circulation

Compare with other alkaline springs →

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Glamping Hipcamp

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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Nearby Camping

Penitente Canyon Campground 6.6 mi away

Overview The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Recreation Penitente Canyon Recreation Area is a destination known for its world-class sport rock-climbing routes and its extensive singletrack trail...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

Mile-High Advisory 7,971 ft

Shaw Springs sits at 7,971 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 32% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.