Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado
As the County Seat for Grand County since 1888, Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado has played an important role in the history of this portion of western Colorado. Originally called Saratoga West and Warm Springs, the towns name was changed in 1863 to better reflect it’s most well known attribute, the hot springs. Established in 1860, Hot Sulphur Springs is the oldest town in Grand County.
More Hot Sulphur Springs Town Facts
| Region: Northwest | County: Grand | |
| Latitude: 40.073318 | Longitude: -106.101470 | Elevation: 7,680ft. ( 2,341 m) |
Ute and Arapaho Indian hunting parties were some of the first to enjoy the hot springs. They referred to this segment of Colorado as “Big Medicine”. The hunting parties and other members of the tribes traveled long distances to benefit from the healing waters that existed here. The men, women, children, horses and dogs all bathed in the ‘magic waters”. The Ute regularly set up their winter hunting camps near the springs.
The first white man to discover the springs was William Newton Byers, founder of the Rocky Mountain News. He came across the area in 1840 and immediately envisioned the financial potential of the springs. With the assistance of the U.S. Cavalry and the local courts, Byers was able to purchase the whole town site from the Ute Tribe in 1864. His vision to turn the whole locality into a spa and resort would now come to pass! He paid for a complete survey of the area and to have the town plot established. Byers was personally responsible for naming the streets of the town. The original Byers family cabin, located on 204 Byers Avenue, still exists today. In addition, the beautiful Colorado River canyon on the west end of town was also named for him, Byers Canyon.
Being located close to Kremmling, Granby and Winter Park Colorado provides visitors to Hot Sulphur a wide variety of things to see and do in every season! Hiking and biking opportunities abound in the area. Fish the Gold Medal waters of the Colorado River in and around Byers Canyon. There are many attractions to visit, all within a short distance of Hot Sulphur Springs. Skiers, there are 2 ski areas just down the road and an additional 6 ski areas under 2 hours away. Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you and your family pleasantly entertained!
