Set off westward through Glenwood Canyon, a red rock masterpiece carved by the Colorado River. Arrive in Glenwood Springs, long revered by Ute tribes and 19th-century settlers for its curative waters. Ease into the rhythm with a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs — 16 mineral-rich pools tiered along the riverbank with mountain views.

← →

Begin with an early hike to Hanging Lake — a jade pool suspended above waterfalls, reached by a dramatic canyon trail. Back in town, reward yourself with a long soak or an aromatherapy massage, or learn about the town’s frontier history at the Hotel Colorado, once frequented by presidents and gangsters. End the day with sunset rooftop soaking and mountain air.

← →

After breakfast, walk the misty trail to Box Canyon Falls, then take the hairpin curves of the Million Dollar Highway — one of America’s most scenic roads. Later, descend into Wiesbaden’s natural vapor cave, where thermal waters collect in a dimly lit grotto. It’s a sensory journey — part ritual, part rebirth.

← →

Drive through alpine meadows and valleys, stopping for lunch in a classic roadside diner or scenic picnic. Arrive in Pagosa Springs, home to the Earth’s deepest geothermal hot spring. At The Springs Resort, flow between 25+ pools of varying temperature, many just steps from the rushing San Juan River.

← →

Rise early for a thrilling half‑day on the San Juan River. Choose white‑water rafting through canyon walls or a gentler stand‑up paddleboard trip with wildlife spotting along the banks. After lunch at a riverside café, set out on a guided forest hike to a secluded cliff‑side hot pool, your reward for the uphill trek is a private, steam‑warmed soak with sweeping mountain vistas.

← →

Enter New Mexico and transition from alpine forest to desert sagebrush. Reach Ojo Caliente, where multiple ancient mineral springs rise from ochre earth. Indigenous peoples have revered these waters for over a thousand years. Begin with a signature mud bath, then alternate between lithia, iron, soda, and arsenic pools — each said to nourish a different aspect of the body and spirit.

← →

Spend a day in quiet rhythm: walk the Ojo trails past petroglyphs etched into rock, pause at the cottonwood grove, and journal in the sun. Book a desert botanical massage or an intuitive healing session. With no rush and no noise, this is the essence of slow travel.

← →

Leave Ojo Caliente behind and arrive mid‑morning in Santa Fe. Start at the historic Plaza to soak up adobe architecture and pop into the Palace of the Governors before lunch at The Shed (red‑chile enchiladas are a must). In the afternoon, climb up to Canyon Road’s gallery district, then head out of town to Ten Thousand Waves for your first forest‑soak and a gentle stroll among the pines. Dinner is at the on‑site izakaya, where miso‑marinated seafood and small‑plate delights pair perfectly with lantern‑lit ambiance.

← →

Today, drive 1 hour northwest to Jemez Springs. Explore the Jemez Historic Site (ancient Pueblo ruins set against red cliffs) before settling into the Jemez Hot Springs Resort for a soak in river‑fed stone pools. Refuel with a riverside picnic from a local deli. Late afternoon, return to Santa Fe and treat yourself to a farewell tasting menu at Geronimo, a landmark adobe fine‑dining spot on Canyon Road.

← →

Drive the high desert plains to Albuquerque. If time allows, visit the Pueblo Cultural Center or take in the sweeping views from the Sandia Peak Tramway before heading to the airport — relaxed, restored, and reconnected.

← →