Hi Travelers,
Have you ever wondered what nudists do when the weather turns crisp in the fall? Well, if they don’t happen to live in the sunbelt region of the U.S., they turn up the temperature at home or don some clothes. Remember, one naturist mantra is: “nude when possible, clothed when practical.”
When it’s too chilly to enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking and tennis in the buff, for entertainment many nudists will rent out entire venues for private parties like bowling alleys, escape rooms, paint ball arenas, and such.
But one really popular activity nudists enjoy in the autumn and winter months is to visit hot springs that are sanctioned for nude soaking. The rejuvenating and curative powers of natural hot springs is unmistakable. For centuries people of all cultures have flocked to natural hot springs to bathe in the healing waters. Often referred to in bygone days as “taking the waters” either in a soak or by imbibing.
Health benefits touted from visiting hot springs range from promoting restful sleep to absorption of trace minerals, enhancing circulation and pain relief from such ailments as arthritis.
So where to go if you want to soak up all that natural mineral springs goodness without the hindrance of clothing? Here are a few recommendations of sanctioned clothes-free hot springs from members of the American Association for Nude Recreation.
- In the Pacific Northwest check out Breitenbush Hot Springs where the thermal mineral pool temps range from 100-110F. One can visit for a day or book overnight accommodations for a personal retreat. There are also special weekend events. Located in Breitenbush, OR in proximity to the Willamette National Forest, it’s a 2 ½ hour drive southeast of Portland. Breitenbush.com
- Trego Hot Springs, north of Reno, NV, is located in the southern Black Rock Desert. It stands out for offering all-natural mud baths created by the sediment in the bottom of the spring.
- On the Arizona side of the Colorado River (and an easy trip from Las Vegas) you’ll find the mineral-rich Arizona Hot Spring (also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs) amid vertical slot canyon walls. Evenings are best for soaking au natural as many families visit during the day. Located near Hoover Dam in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Drive 32 miles west of Denver, CO and you’ll find Indian Hot Springs. There are multiple soaking options here, but only in the caves can you be sans bathing suit. There are two caves for adults, and one each are men only and women only. INdianhotsprings.com.
- In Thermopolis, WY you’ll find the “Equality State’s” only clothing-optional hot spring. Hot Springs State Park, in the north-central region along the Bighorn River, offers springs that were generously donated to the state by the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes on the condition the springs are open to the public with no fees.
The United States is graced with thousands of natural hot springs, many remain in the wild, while others are incorporated into resorts and parks. Check out the one’s near or far from home for a great boost and lowered stress levels.
Naturally yours,
