Glamptuary Review - Joyful Journey Hot Springs
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN A YURT, SOAKING IN THE HEALING WATERS OF A NATURAL MINERAL SPA, HIKING THE GREAT SAND DUNES, AND A REMINDER ABOUT THE LIFE LESSON - “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER”
Soaking in natural mineral springs surrounded by the Rocky Mountains
If you’re judging the picture of Christina and me sitting in a geothermal mineral spring with the Rocky Mountains in the background - you’re probably right in the assumption that we had a fabulous time during our stay at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Resort located in Moffat, CO.
I will say that our first impressions and initial thoughts about our upcoming weekend were very different from how we felt when we left Joyful Journey.
I was reminiscing about the weekend, as I always do, on the drive home and I smiled to myself because I was reminded of two very important life lessons:
Keep an open mind
See the beauty which surrounds you
Before I get too far ahead…let me start from the beginning which places us 3 hours southwest of Denver on County Rd 17.
Joyful Journey is situated in what feels like a remote and desolate desert valley that you might find in the southwestern region of the United States. The surrounding communities on the drive in looked like they were in some state of decay. There were deserted houses with the roof caved in alongside the road, boarded up businesses, and I even saw a large tumbleweed blow across County Rd 17 as we headed south towards our intended destination. I was wondering how it was possible that a Glamptuary could be located in this area.
As we neared Joyful Journey, I saw a sign that reminded me of what you’d see in the outskirts of Las Vegas.
Keeping an open mind…we proceeded down the long dirt path towards what looked like an old motel styled with spanish abodes, with yurts in the background. The older sign, combined with the older looking buildings, told me that this property has been around for awhile.
Formerly known as the Mineral Hot Springs, this resort came into existence back in the early 1900’s. It is situated in the San Luis Valley, one of the largest high-desert valleys in the world.
Once home to the Ute Indians, this valley is also known for the Great Sand Dunes (which we’ll get to later), one of the nations largest Tibetan Buddist communities located in Crestone, CO, and a large number of UFO sightings.
UFO Watchtower located in Hooper, CO - Source - Colorado.com
What had appeared to be a sleepy valley and unassuming hot springs resort originally, started to take shape as a very curious, multi-layered, and fascinating destination.
This…is why I love exploring the world. What you see on the outside is not always what’s happening on the inside. And the healing that happens at Joyful Journey is mixture of outside stimulus, and internal transformation.
Our journey started by checking into our yurt. It was cozy, clean, and came stocked with towels and robes for our walk to the mineral spas.
It was dog approved by Kazan and Wally.
The Yurts were all situated so that there were unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
View from our yurt near sunset. Might be one of the best photos I’ve ever taken.
The more I took in the surroundings, the more I felt in sync with the land.
Native American elders and spiritual masters from the Crestone area (10 miles away from the resort) consider this area on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as one of the most sacred and energetically active places in North America. Source - Overland Discovery
Of course, the main draw to this Glamptuary is the geothermal mineral spa. There are 3 main ‘pools’ to soak in, and some support jacuzzis filled with the healing waters. There is also a dry sauna on site, a theraputic healing room for massages and other wellness treatments, and event spaces for yoga, educational classes, and probably whatever you could dream up. I managed to get into the pools right before they opened one morning to get some fresh pics at sunrise.
The waters felt so soothing and the environment was calm and peaceful. I felt a distinct elevation in my mood and it’s said that the higher concentrations of lithium in these waters are the cause. For a full list of minerals included in the Joyful Journey spas - check out this link.
The temperatures in the spas range from 98 - 108 degrees, depending on which pool you choose. I chose them all throughout our stay.
As much as I may have wanted to, we didn’t sit in the spas the entire time we were at Joyful. We did venture out to explore the surrounding area and decided to visit the Great Sand Dunes for a family hike. This is the largest collection of sand dunes in North America and what’s great is you can walk all over them - WITH YOUR DOGS!
Epic wind-whipped sands with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop
I’ve never experienced sand dunes and I always thought my first sand dune experience would be somewhere like Egypt. I definitely did NOT think it would be in Colorado. Then again, there were many things I was experiencing on this trip that were unexpected. Maybe there is some force of energy that is just different here.
When I arrived back at Joyful Journey, I decided to contemplate this at their labyrinth.
The conclusion I came to was that you should never assume anything. I believe John Adams said it best:
Admire and adore the Author of the telescopic universe, love and esteem the work, do all in your power to lessen ill, and increase good, but never assume to comprehend.
This quote is rooted in religion and despite me not being ‘religious’ by society’s definition, I certainly am spiritual. And I must say, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Resort is a very spiritual place. Of course… you need to be open to receive the energy emanating from somewhere deep in this valley. I certainly was…and am very happy I did not hold on to the initial judgement I felt at the beginning of this Glamptuary trip.
We had a wonderful time, and are looking forward to another visit to this mystic valley.
Booking: Directly on the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Website.
Nearest Major Airport: Denver International Airport.
Nearest Regional Airport: Central Colorado Regional Airport.
Drive times: 1 hour from Central Colorado Regional Airport, 3 hour drive from Downtown Denver, 3.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport.
Nearest town is Saguache, CO- 13.9 miles away (16 minute drive).
Nearest hospital -Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center - 33 miles away (38 minute drive).
Paved road access, groomed and dirt roads inside the property.
Coffee and Tea are provided in the Main Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner are served to overnight guests.
Coffee-maker, coffee, and tea are provided in yurts.
Full bathrooms are located in a semi-private communal bathhouse located 100 ft from the yurts.
Towels and bathrobes are provided.
Communal lodge open 24 hrs with a seating area, games + books for check out.
Firewood available for free on property - subject to availability.
Sauna and Mineral Springs are open from 7:30 AM - 9:50 PM daily.
Wi-Fi is available around the property.
Dog-friendly.
Family-friendly.
Open for group bookings and events.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your friends.
