Time to take another look at Trimble Hot Springs

DURANGO, Colo. – Marketing Director Tim Richard just shakes his head. How could someone live in Durango for 15 years and not know all that Trimble Hot Springs has to offer? It’s more than just a couple of hot mineral pools.

Indeed, the facility seven miles north of Durango just off of Hwy 550 on CR 203, likely is one of the most underutilized and best kept secrets in the region. Yes, most folks have at least heard of it – it is, after all, the oldest business in the Animas Valley, dating back to 1882 when Frank Trimble built the first hotel on the site – and the sign on Hwy 550 is difficult to miss. But since Patrick McIvor and his team of motivated investors purchased the facility from Ruedi Bear in 2006, a renaissance has been taking place as Trimble evolves into a complete destination resort.

In addition to the 50-meter heated lap pool and two naturally hot mineral pools (with construction of more on the drawing board), Trimble Hot Springs houses a full-service spa, with more than 20 massage and body treatments available. A new double sauna is now in place on the grounds, and Trimble also offers a new lodging opportunity at the “Guesthouse.”

“I’m really surprised when people don’t know what’s going on at Trimble,” said Richard. “Somebody called me up to tell me the handle on the water fountain was broken, but we get a whole new sauna and nobody knows about it. But you know why? Our regular guests don’t want anybody else to know. They want to keep this their own private place.”

Thus, the best kept secret. Some concern arose when the business sold in 2006, and rumors circulated about construction of a 5-star hotel and wellness center, with facilities closed to the public. And while the hotel is still anticiated – pushed off further into the future given the current construction lending climate – General Manager Fran Dooan assures that the property will never be privatized.

“There are great plans for development, but at the same time we’ll retain the pools open to the public,” said Dooan, who comes originally from the New Hampshire ski industry. “It will always have public access. I think it will be a great mixture of the two.”

On April 20, Trimble will launch a new pass holder pricing structure, designed specifically to make use of the facility more affordable for locals. Included will be a pass holder gift card, with which, every tenth visit will be free. The family package will also be more inclusive. Regular rates will not be raised.

“We’re trying to give things to people to make it more affordable for them to come here and utilize the great hot springs,” said Richard, noting that use of the new sauna is free with admission. “They’re 8’ x 16’ and are state of the art.”

Located northwest of the main building, off of what was once the John Coltrane stage, the saunas are side-by-side and will accommodate up to eight people each. They are co-ed, but (at least at present) clothing is required.

Across the lawn, past the lap pool and mineral pools, Trimble has now opened “The Guesthouse” – a vacation rental, alternative to the traditional hotel. Attached to the Sunlight Studio (available for rental for seminars, yoga, tai chi classes, etc.), the Guesthouse has had several incarnations during its life, but is now a comfortable two-bedroom apartment, with no minimum night stay required.

“It’s a very unusual property,” said Dooan, who designed the interiors with New England coziness in mind. “It’s a lot more enjoyable than your typical motel. Plus you also get access to all we have here. And you don’t have to be in town if you don’t want to, but in 10 minutes, you’re there.”

“It can be used for many different things,” said Richard. “Right now I’m looking into the idea of combining the Guesthouse with the Studio for multi-day conferences or seminars, where the speakers could stay in the Guesthouse, or it could be combined in any number of ways.”

A lockable door connects the Studio and Guesthouse, which includes a full kitchen. The Studio’s sliding glass doors can also open onto the brick courtyard for further flexibility.

“We also want people to think of it as a ‘guest’ house for Durangoans,” said Richard, noting it is within steps of the spa. “So if they have someone coming into town on a visit and they have a small house, this is an option. You can cook your own meals, but for a little extra, you can have your own personal chef cook while you’re out. When you come back you have a gourmet meal waiting for you.”

A vehicle can be parked on the grounds, accessed through an electronically controlled gate. Richard also points out the availability of Willow Tree Kennels across the street for dog boarding, and Trimble has a certified day care provider on staff. Lacking at this point is, however, a private mineral pool exclusively for the Guesthouse.

“There was a (mineral) pool here, but it was in such disrepair so the new owners closed it,” said Dooan, pointing to a site near the Guesthouse. “The hole is still there, ready, so we can drop a new one in. And I’d like to see one in the backyard as well.”

The “backyard,” a private expanse behind the Studio and Guesthouse, is presently reserved for guests of the Starlight Room. Described by Dooan as “a hot commodity,” the room is a private retreat or romantic getaway location for couples featuring a Japanese motif and large skylight above the bed.

“We have a lot of people who have a second honeymoon here,” said Richard. “They can have massages out here on the patio – there are drop down screens, and 24-hour access to the Spa Pool. We have people who come every year, have spa treatments and spend the weekend together.”

The spa itself, which can be accessed from CR 203 without entering the resort, includes four ample treatment rooms, one of which is a double room for couples. Appointments are suggested, but Trimble offers a “spa special, which varies day-to-day. Richard explains that it is ideal for those who find it difficult to schedule in advance. They can take advantage of “last minute” bookings and the special by calling in at 9 a.m. to learn what is available.

“It just depends on what the ladies at the spa come up with,” he said. “It could be $10 off an herbal facial or a 60 minute massage, or maybe they have something new.”

For those who wish to enjoy a bit of nature, Trimble’s property includes 55 acres of forest that stretch up the mountain behind the resort. Trails exist, though at this juncture they are not maintained by the resort. However, as the evolution of Trimble into a full-service health and wellness facility continues, a formal trail runner’s loop is not out of the question.

“Patrick McIvor is a great visionary and has some great ideas that we are having fun tossing around,” said Dooan. “It’s an exciting time and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

“Trimble could be almost anything people want because my sense is that Durangoans feel an ownership of Trimble,” said Richard. “It’s potentially a community center for the Animas Valley.”

Trimble Hot Springs will be closed for annual maintenance April 13-19, and will reopen with the new pricing structure on April 20, 2009. Follow Trimble’s evolution at www.trimblehotsprings.com.

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