Hot Springs in West Texas
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During my adventures to onsen (hot springs) across Japan, one of the most common questions posed to me was “do you have hot springs in America?”
I must admit I had to give it some thought. Â Other than Palm Springs in california and some mineral springs which are undoubtedly scattered across the Rockies and Sierra Range, I had no idea.Â
Imagine my surprise at discovering hot springs right in my own backyard, that being 500 miles away in west, west Texas:
Chinati Hot Springs, a stone’s throw from the Mexican border, offers private and community baths in the serene mountains near Big Bend National Park. Â I will be staying there friday night and interviewing the owner.
In Big Bend National Park itself, there is a hot spring village near the Rio Grande River.
I’ll be checking out the remote towns of Marfa, Alpine, Eagle Pass, and Terlingua… incredible that all of them are home to Couchsurfers. Â Wish me luck. Â Will report on the experience when I return.
Anyone at Matador interested in an article comparing Japanese volcanic hot springs with Texas mineral ones?
3 responses to Hot Springs in West Texas
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Vivece Bjoerndalen
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juliane
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Tom Shuttleworth
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Brooke Hutchison
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Jon Brandt
Turner Wright said on December 6, 2008
I’m headed there tomorrow, but I’ve heard they don’t allow you to cross anymore… curses.
Hal Amen said on December 5, 2008
Big Bend is amazing, isn’t it? I’ve been several times, and my parents actually took their honeymoon there.
There used to be this anachronistic little Mexican village just across the river– maybe near Terlingua, I can’t remember–that you could rent burros and ride to. I think it has disappeared since 9-11 put the damper on unofficial border crossings like that, but might be worth asking about if you have extra time there.
Julie Schwietert Collazo said on December 5, 2008
I think that would be a fantastic article, Turner.
And I LOVE Terlingua; I did a desert geology course at Big Bend when I was in college and we pit stopped in Terlingua. Cool little place.