Best Place to Get Hot

The Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is open year-round, tapping the geothermal springs in Chalk Creek. When the 135-degree water mixes with the icy river flow, it causes a double-barreled blast of relaxation. There are two man-made pools on the sometimes funky site that offer more tepid waters, at 85 and 105 degrees. Those who've climbed one of the Collegiate Peaks or Mt. Elbert -- or nothing at all -- will find the hot springs a welcome respite for an afternoon. Just pray that the summertime thunderstorms don't roll through: The operators close the place in case of lightning.