Merrifield Homestead Cabins and Hot Springs

## Overview Merrifield Homestead Cabins and Hot Springs is a natural hot springs destination located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, near the town of Buena Vista in Chaffee County. Situated at approximately 38.81°N, 106.23°W, the springs sit at a high-mountain elevation along the Upper Arkansas River Valley — an area renowned for its geothermal activity fed by deep fault lines running through the Sawatch Range. The Upper Arkansas Valley is one of Colorado's most geothermally active regions, home to numerous hot springs that have been used for centuries. The area's thermal waters are heated by magmatic activity deep beneath the earth's surface and rise along fractures in the bedrock. The name "Merrifield Homestead" reflects the property's roots as a historic homestead, a nod to the pioneering families who settled this rugged mountain landscape and discovered the warm waters flowing naturally from the ground. The hot springs at Merrifield Homestead have historically been valued for their naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. Visitors have reported that the water is soothing and carries the characteristic mineral signature typical of Colorado's geothermal springs. The property operates as a small, rustic retreat offering cabin accommodations alongside access to the hot springs, making it a popular getaway for those seeking a quieter, more intimate alternative to the larger commercial hot springs in the region. ## Directions 1. From Buena Vista, Colorado, head north on US-24. 2. The springs are located in the general vicinity of Nathrop/Buena Vista, in the Upper Arkansas River Valley between Buena Vista and Salida. 3. Use the GPS coordinates **38.8128, -106.2261** for precise navigation to the property. 4. Look for signage for Merrifield Homestead Cabins along the route — the property is set back from the main road in a secluded mountain setting. *Note: GPS navigation is recommended, as the property is in a rural area where turns can be easy to miss.* ## What to Expect Merrifield Homestead Cabins and Hot Springs offers a rustic, off-the-beaten-path hot springs experience in the Colorado high country. The property combines cabin lodging with natural hot spring soaking, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by mountain scenery. The setting is rural and secluded, at an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet in the Arkansas River Valley. Expect stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks and Sawatch Range. The area experiences cold winters with snow and warm, dry summers — spring and fall visits can bring variable weather, so visitors should come prepared for mountain conditions. The hot springs are naturally fed and the soaking experience is more intimate and low-key compared to larger commercial facilities in the region such as Mount Princeton Hot Springs or Cottonwood Hot Springs. The mineral content of the water is characteristic of the geothermal springs found throughout this valley. Because this is a cabin and hot springs property, visitors should check ahead for availability, hours, and any reservation requirements. The area around Buena Vista also offers excellent opportunities for hiking, rafting on the Arkansas River, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding national forest lands.