For my mother’s birthday, I took a day off time from my job to spend the day with her and my dad.
One of my mom and my dad’s favorite places to go and relax is at a hot spring just 22 miles outside of Poncha Springs.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa boast not only an incredible hot spring experience, they are surrounded by miles and miles of nature, all of which help create this magnificent setting for relaxation.
Keep reading to learn more about this unique hot spring.
Where Is Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa?
Joyful Journey Hot Spring Spa is a delightful little 3-pool hot spring that sits not far from the base of the Sangre de Cristos in Moffat, Colorado. If you travel just a little bit past this tiny oasis, you’ll even hit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
The location is absolutely stunning. Each pool is covered with a canopy to provide shade but also gives you panoramic views of the beauties of the San Luis Valley. In the winter, they cover the sides to keep them a bit warmer.
Depending on what time of year you go, you might still catch sight of the sow-topped Sangre de Cristo mountains.
If you’re wondering what you can expect from Joyful Journey hot spring spa, continue reading to learn how you can prepare for your trip, whether your destination is purposeful or you’re just driving through.
About the Pools
Photo Credit: Joyful Journey
There are three main pools to choose from onsite filled with a variety of minerals that are beneficial to the body’s overall health.
Lucky for you, the hot springs are not treated with chlorine or other chemicals commonly used in pools. Rather, the pools are drained and cleaned each evening and you’ll discover they offer a wealth of health benefits.
Some minerals you find in these pools are:
- Arsenic
- Boron
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Fluoride
- Iron
- Lithium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Nitrogen
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Silica
- Sodium
- Sulphur
- Zinc
Each pool sits at different temperatures. The ‘coldest’ pool will be a 98-degree temperature. The second warmest pool, or the tower pool, comes in at 104 degrees. The hottest pool comes in around 108 degrees, a perfect pool for those with joint pain and arthritis.
To see their full list of minerals, go here.
Luxury Accommodations
Photo Credit: Joyful Journey
Onsite, there are beautiful lodges that promise private bathrooms, decks with an incredible view, and Aspen furniture giving you the comfort of resorts.
Some of your lodging options include:
- The Lodge: hotel-style rooms
- The Casita: private two-bedroom house
- Yurts: fully furnished and heated
- Tipis: and authentic camping experience
If you want to get the live-off-grid feeling, Joyful Journey offers tipis and yurts to stay in while you enjoy the hot spring. The yurts are fully-furnished and heated, while the tipis provide cots and mats for your comfort.
Along with these, there are also RV and campsites for those who prefer camping life. Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa provides a variety of lodging to accommodate any and all who choose to soak in their pools.
See the lodging accommodations or reserve a room here.
Joyful Journey Pool Prices
Photo Credit: Joyful Journey
In comparison to a lot of other hot springs pools, Joyful Journey is relatively inexpensive. You can enjoy the three pools for the whole day and get incredible pricing on your day pass. Pricing is as follows:
- Adults: $18
- Children ages 5-14: $15
- Seniors 65 and over: $15
- Annual Pass: Call for Pricing
- Suit or Towel Rental: $2, Robe Rental — $3
Should you choose to go on your birthday, you get your day pass to the pool for free. All the more reason to visit on your birthday.
Joyful Journey Spa Services
To bring the relaxation full circle, Joyful Journey hot spring also offers a variety of spa services. They have regular spa specials and packages depending on the type of relaxation you’re looking for.
The offer massages, reflexology, and in-room massage for people staying with Joyful Journey. Massage therapies start at $115 and go up depending on the length of the spa treatments.
To plan your relaxation, go to their spa menu.
Activities and Events
Joyful Journey hot spring spa is also a great place for a conference, yoga retreat, family reunion, wedding, and a bunch more. Their facilities can accommodate up to 100 people in a theater style setting, making this a perfect place for a small conference or a small wedding.
And as if they didn’t already have so much to offer, Joyful Journey hot spring spa also generates events and activities for guests to enjoy when they come to visit.
Some events you might encounter:
- Yoga
- New Moon Circle
- Summer Solstice
- $12 Tuesdays
- Chakradance Retreat
Experience yoga from visiting instructors, healing sessions, dancing, hiking and more. Whatever it may be, this will be the relaxing retreat you’ve been looking for.
To learn more, visit their retreat and activities pages.
The Grow Dome
Photo Credit: Joyful Journey
Although I didn’t actually go in to see the grow dome, I hear it is truly wonderful inside and rejuvenating to walk through. If you have the chance, and if it is open, take a stroll through and connect with nature.
To see what the grow dome looks like inside, catch the video below!
