Exploring the Rocky Mountain Hot Springs

Experiencing natural wonders like the Rocky Mountain hot springs, geysers, mud pots and paint pots have made their way onto the bucket lists of RVers and adventurers everywhere. And if you are as lucky us, this dream is accessible by road at any time of the year. Here are some highlights from our journey through the Rocky Mountain hot springs and why we think they are so popular.

Banff Upper Hot Springs Spa

During a visit from my 75-year-old mother, we hopped in our RV and began our tour of Canada. As a surprise for her, we reserved a soak in the mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs Spa. For my mother, this soothing experience of sitting in an open-air pool with the Canadian Rockies soaring above her was a childhood dream come true. From the unique experience of the mineral water to the stunning views, our bodies, minds and souls felt soothed.

After our soak we visited the spa’s terrace café where you can take in the view and enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

Yellowstone National Park

You don’t see Yellowstone, you experience it. We explored Yellowstone National Park and it was an experience we will not forget. In this pristine wilderness, nature shows its power with waterfalls, bison, hot springs and breathtaking geysers like Old Faithful.

Photo Credit: Malcolm Callister

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is a geyser that erupts with a sudden urgency 20 times a day, with a typical eruption reaching 130 feet (40 m) high and lasting about 5-minutes. At the cone-shaped vent, the water is 203ºF (95.6ºC).

Photo Credit: Malcolm Callister

As you wait expectantly, the ground vibrates beneath your shoes and you begin to hear popping, gurgling and hissing sounds. When the vibration intensifies, it is almost like waiting for an underground train; you can feel it, you can listen to it, but you can’t see it until it rounds the last bend.

Photo Credit: Malcolm Callister

We had felt and heard all the warning signs, but when it burst with a roar, a spray of water and steam into the air, we were in awe and joined the applause from other spectators. In the moment, even though we knew it was a natural phenomenon and not a manufactured spectacle deserving of praise, our first instinct was to show appreciation for this visible demonstration of geothermal power.

Sam’s Family Spa

Sam Weinberg was a hard-working construction contractor from Santa Monica who spent his free time RVing through the USA, Canada, and Mexico with his wife and daughters. Through his travels, Sam learned how daily soaks in the warm water of a hot spring can improve general happiness. The Romans built hot baths for their generals to recuperate after a day of waging war. Likewise, the Japanese macaque monkeys have discovered the stress relief of a regular early morning soak in a natural hot spring in Jigokudani Monkey Park.

As an avid RVer, Sam saw the benefit of a hot soak pool for other RVers on the road and his dream of opening an artificial oasis with an RV campground was born.

Photo Credit: Sam’s Family Spa, RV Resort & Motel

Now, visitors can park their rig in one of the spacious, full hookup sites at Sam’s Family Spa and head for the warm waters of their outdoor oasis. To provide an inner feeling of peace and wellbeing, the oasis is surrounded by palm tree gardens, tranquil boardwalks, and soothing sounds from artificial waterfalls and birds singing in the trees.

Photo Credit: Sam’s Family Spa, RV Resort & Motel

Why are Hot Springs so Popular?

From the onlookers watching Old Faithful erupt and responding with spontaneous applause to the Japanese macaque monkeys taking pleasure in their newly discovered hot springs, there seems to be an emotional experience for people and animals alike.

It’s an unforgettable experience, so if the opportunity presents itself, take it and soak it all in!