Last Saturday at 11 a.m., I was soaking nude in a geothermal cave in natural spring water kept at a skin-pinking 110 degrees. After 35 minutes in the sauna-like cave, I had a full body Swedish massage by Dianne (she was very good, ask for her!), followed by another muscle-melting soak. This is one of many spa packages available at the Indian Hot Springs, located at 203 Soda Creek Road. That’s where I started my Saturday in Idaho Springs.

Idaho Springs is a little valley town nestled next to I-70 on exits 240, 241A or 241B, which you might recognize from your drive to the ski slopes. The Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs hosted everyone from Jesse James to John Denver, and it’s only 30 minutes west of Denver. There’s also hiking at St. Mary’s Glacier and rafting down Clear Creek, biking, camping, fishing, and snowshoeing, all just minutes from DU.

Last Saturday, I left the metro area and enjoyed a day in the mountains. After my relaxing morning at the Indian Hot Springs, which you can find by following the gigantic signs with brightly painted Indian faces on them, I made my way to the western side of town. There, the entire street is lined with uniquely regional restaurants, including Beau Jo’s Pizza (http://www.beaujos.com) at 1517 Miner St. or The Buffalo Restaurant & Bar (http://buffalorestaurant.com) just a few doors down. I ate at Tommyknocker Brewery (http://www.tommyknocker.com), which is located at 1401 Miner St. and famous for their award-winning beers like Pick Axe Pale Ale and the new Imperial Nut Brown. Beer runs $4.25 a pint or $11.99 a growler, which is the perfect take-home size, so try and remember toward the end of your meal. Also good at Tommyknocker is the tomato Swiss artichoke soup for $5.95 a crock. You’ll definitely want a crock – not a cup – of this rich, cheesy goodness. I also like the burgers, which are all priced around $10. It might seem a bit pricier then Denver, but sitting a few feet from where my drink was brewed in mountain air, still pruney from the morning, it was worth it.

Idaho Springs is also the starting point for the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, which is America’s highest paved road (http://www.mountevans.com). The views are spectacular, the mountain goats plentiful, and the physical strain minimal – for people like me who can appreciate a little picturesque laziness every now and then.

So whatever draws you to the high country, remember Idaho Springs. Since George Andrew Jackson discovered gold in 1859, people have been drawn to the mountain town (http://www.historicidahosprings.com). Visitors come for the recreation, the outdoors, and because it’s different than what they did last Saturday.

Reservations for the Indian Hot Springs can be made by calling (303) 989-6666, and relaxation starts around $55. For more information on all that Clear Creek County has to offer, visit http://www.clearcreekcounty.org.