Some days on a road trip are about movement.
Others are about slowing down enough to feel where you are.
Day 6 was a little bit of both — a morning of packing and transition, followed by warm mineral waters, quiet moments of courage, and a peaceful arrival in the mountains of Durango.
An Early Morning of Packing & Preparation
The day started earlier than most. I woke up before the rest of the family, the room still quiet, winter light barely touching the edges of the curtains. This was one of those mornings where the road ahead felt long, and preparation mattered.
I carefully reorganized our bags — moving things from one suitcase to another, making sure everything was packed neatly and nothing was forgotten. Traveling with a toddler teaches you this rhythm quickly: the calmer the packing, the smoother the day.
Soon after, I woke my husband, and slowly the room came to life. Our toddler woke up cheerful, stretching and talking in her own excited way, already sensing another adventure was waiting.
We got ready, layered up, and headed down for breakfast — simple, warm, and unhurried.
The Drive to Pagosa Springs
The drive from Alamosa to Pagosa Springs felt peaceful and scenic. Mountains slowly rose around us, their peaks dusted with snow, while the road curved gently through open landscapes.
Our toddler watched quietly from her car seat, pointing occasionally at trees, mountains, and patches of snow. There’s something about mountain drives that naturally slows you down — even conversation feels softer.
By late morning, steam began rising in the distance, signaling our arrival.
Soaking in Pagosa Springs — Warmth in Winter
Pagosa Springs greeted us with crisp air and the unmistakable scent of sulfur — earthy, strong, and a little surprising at first.
We spent nearly three hours at The Springs Resort, moving slowly from pool to pool. Each one had its own name and personality, with temperatures ranging from 104°F to 107°F. Warm mineral water wrapped around us while cold winter air brushed our faces — a contrast that felt deeply calming.
We took turns holding our toddler, easing her into the warmth gently. She relaxed quickly, leaning against us, watching steam rise into the air. There was no rush. No schedule. Just warmth, stillness, and the sound of water.
📸 Photo Caption:
“Steam rising from hot springs — warmth against winter air.”
A Moment of Courage — Cold Plunge
At noon, something unexpected happened.
A wellness trainer gathered a small group for a cold plunge. The water looked impossibly cold, especially after soaking in hot pools for hours. I hesitated — but curiosity and courage won.
I stepped in.
The cold hit like a wave, stealing my breath and making every nerve come alive. For a few seconds, all I could do was focus on breathing — slow, steady, present. Then, as I stepped out, warmth rushed back in, and the trainer smiled, handing me a warrior bracelet — a small but powerful reminder of courage.
A moment later, my husband took his turn. He stepped into the icy water with quiet determination, eyes closed, breath controlled. When he emerged, we looked at each other and laughed — that kind of deep, relieved laughter that comes after doing something hard together.
Side by side, we did it — shivering, smiling, and stronger for it.
📸 Photo Caption:
“Cold plunge moment — courage, breath, and a warrior bracelet.”
Lunch, Rest & Simple Joys
After the plunge, we headed to the resort restaurant and ordered nachos and fries for our toddler. The fries were especially good — crispy, warm, and exactly what she wanted after the pools.
She sat happily, munching away, cheeks still pink from the warm water and cold air. We rested a bit longer, took photos, and let the experience sink in.
Eventually, we showered, changed, and said goodbye to Pagosa Springs — feeling lighter, calmer, and quietly refreshed.
The Mountain Drive to Durango
The drive to Durango was short but beautiful. Mountain roads curved gently, snow appearing more frequently along the sides. The light softened as afternoon settled in.
We arrived at our hotel around 4 PM. After checking in, the room felt instantly comforting — warm, quiet, and welcoming after a full day of water and travel.
Our toddler relaxed immediately, playing softly while we unpacked just enough to feel settled.
A Simple Dinner Back in the Room
After unpacking and settling in, hunger quietly returned — the gentle, familiar kind that comes after a long, full day.
We didn’t feel like going out again. Instead, we warmed up egg fried rice using what we had brought along. The smell filled the room instantly, turning the hotel space into something that felt almost like home.
Our toddler sat cozily on the bed while I fed her dinner, spoon by spoon. She opened her mouth eagerly, eyes bright, laughing between bites — completely at ease. There was something deeply comforting about that moment: slowing down, sharing a simple meal, and watching her enjoy it after a day full of new experiences.
No restaurants. No noise. Just us, warm food, and the quiet calm that comes when everyone finally slows down.
That quiet dinner became the perfect transition into rest. Pajamas came on, lights dimmed, and the day gently folded itself into memory.
📸 Photo Caption:
“Egg fried rice dinner — simple food, full hearts after a long day.”
A Gentle End to a Full Day
That evening didn’t need much. No big plans. No rushing.
We let the day end naturally — tired bodies, relaxed minds, and a toddler who had experienced something completely new. From hot water to cold plunge, from mountain roads to quiet hotel rooms, Day 6 unfolded slowly and intentionally.
✨ Travel Tips for Families
- Visit Pagosa Springs midday for a relaxed experience
- Ease toddlers slowly into warm pools
- Expect a sulfur smell — it’s normal
- Cold plunges are optional but empowering
✨ Why Pagosa Springs Is Special
Pagosa Springs isn’t just about hot water — it’s about contrast. Cold and warm. Stillness and movement. Rest and courage. It’s a place that invites you to pause and listen to your body.
✨ Closing Reflection
Day 6 reminded us that travel isn’t always about seeing more — sometimes it’s about feeling more. Warm water on tired muscles. Cold water waking the senses. A quiet drive through the mountains. A child learning new sensations safely, wrapped in love.
As we drifted into sleep that night in Durango, we felt deeply grateful — for the road, for the pause, and for the way this journey continued to unfold exactly as it needed to.
Tomorrow, new landscapes awaited.
But tonight, we rested.