Shaw Springs
Shaw Springs emerges at 86 degrees Fahrenheit where Rio Grande County's high plateau meets the San Juan Mountains. At 7,971 feet elevation, this short-walk spring showcases distinctive sodium-bicarbonate chemistry with pH of 8.9 and runs 43.7 degrees warmer than the frigid ambient air.
The approach winds through canyon terrain typical of Colorado's high country plateau. The landscape transitions between evergreen forest and sagebrush as you hike the 565-foot trail to the spring. The water chemistry creates an alkaline environment with unique mineral deposits, visible in the rocks around the pool.
Shaw Springs carries the name of early settlers in the Rio Grande Valley. Geological evidence indicates the water has been heated by deep geothermal circulation through ancient rock formations. The spring's high sodium and sulfate content reflects its passage through mineral-rich aquifers beneath the valley floor.
The 172-meter (565-foot) walk is straightforward but requires moderate conditioning. Access is available year-round, though snow may block routes December through March. Summer months (June-September) offer the best conditions. Bring water for the hike and be prepared for thin air at nearly 8,000 feet.
Is Shaw Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Shaw Springs is alkaline (pH 8.9).
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