SAGUACHE COUNTY — As a frequent hiker in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, one of my favorite places to visit after a long and hard day on the trail is the View Pool at the Joyful Journey Hot Springs and Spa. Nestled near the natural beauty of the mountains, this spa is a unique oasis of tranquility, located on Highway 17, about 50 miles north of Alamosa. 

The pool is named for the spectacular panoramic views of the mountains one can enjoy from the pool and luxuriate in the healing powers of the water. 

On a recent visit, the naturally fed spring pools offered the spa visitors a sanctuary of thermal waters between 98 and 109.1 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Located on a 40-acre parcel of a 500-acre tract, the spa is a sanctuary from our busy lives. There are several pools with varying degrees of heat. The soaking area also has signs that gently remind soakers to speak softly so all can experience the abiding tranquility.  

Joyful Journey was founded by Elaine Blumenhein who said during a Y on Earth podcast, she had moved to the area in 1999 after receiving messages, "From spirit and the divine that I needed to come down and bring feminine energy and wisdom to the waters.” 

"Joyful Journey is a sanctuary, a community, and a retreat, where people from all walks of life come to experience its soothing waters – to heal and find peace from the stress of their daily lives. As owner/guardian of these sacred waters since 1999, my intent is to allow our mineral hot springs' healing water and therapies to awaken the hearts and uplift the spirits of all who come so that they might experience the amazing benefits these waters provide," is how Blumenhein articulates the mission of the spa. 

She added the waters are "for the benefit and healing of others." 

In an interview with Theo Boudreaux, general manager at the spa, he continued that narrative, "Joyful Journey is a place where the healing waters flow. The vision has always been and is my goal is to make this a healing area and open the doors to all, including group leaders." 

He said the spa has group bookings thought 2025 and into 2026. The growth of Joyful Journey has been dramatic, in 2014 when Boudreaux came on board there were 14 employees and now there are 40. “With our employees we make sure treat everybody with the healing idea and healing properties.” 

Today the spa includes a hotel, yurts, and a campground for overnight stays, a greenhouse used to supply the restaurant, and a conference center. Many groups use the conference center, including the ever-popular SLV Seed Exchange to be held on April 12. Many of the groups return every year and include the Saguache Quilters Group, Dances of Universal Peace and one comprised of EMS first responder workers who have experienced PTSD and other trauma.  

"We are grateful for all the energy the groups bring to Joyful Journey, and we want that energy to be used by anybody who comes to the property,” said Boudreaux. 

The pools at Joyful Journey are fed by natural travertine springs, with temperatures ranging between 120 and 145 degrees. These natural waters, rich in minerals such as boron, calcium, chloride, fluoride, iron, lithium, magnesium, and manganese, are then supplied to the pools at a comfortable 98 to 109 degrees, providing a truly therapeutic experience. 

The spa offers many retreats, such as this Wellness Adventure on Feb. 21-23, that the spa describes as, “designed to enhance your wellness goals and push you out of your comfort zone, you will experience a transcending sense of self with elevated vibrations. Find your center with guided meditation that helps you reconnect and cultivate a sense of calm. 

“Experience the healing vibrations of sound baths, harmonizing your energy and promoting deep relaxation on a cellular level. Challenge yourself with an adventure that will ensure moments of overcoming doubt to persevere into a stronger mental, emotional, and physical state. There will be physical activity, relaxation, and connecting on a deeper level with yourself and with your community all in one weekend. Become inspired and reborn as you take in the panoramic views of nature and fan the fire in your soul.” 

The Wellness Adventure is just one of many retreats, others include an Amore Retreat, Yoga Retreat, Spring Awakening, and a Spiritual Couple's Healing Retreat. 

Joyful Journey is open seven days a week for day guests at 9:30 a.m. The daily breakfast menu is available from 7 to 10 a.m. Dinner for day guests is available Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; reservations are required. 

For more information, visit www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com or call 719-256-4328.