"The waters of Pagosa are without doubt the most wonderful and beneficial in medicinal effects that have ever been discovered."
This quote comes from the 1860s, when U.S. Army physicians officially studied the natural hot mineral springs of Pagosa. Their findings confirmed the long-held belief of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (who originally called the springs "Paqhosa," meaning "healing waters") that these springs possessed remarkable healing properties. This scientific endorsement helped solidify Pagosa Springs' reputation as a therapeutic destination.