In rare cases, a misadventure is so awful it becomes news, such as climber Aaron Ralston’s self-amputation in 2003 to unpin his right arm from a boulder. Yet as any search-and-rescue team can share, there are countless stories every day of ordinary people who find themselves in precarious situations while trying to enjoy time outdoors.

And they’re now being told in a variety of podcasts.

Some of these stories are inherently a lesson without the need for a teaching moment spelled out. Others might include a footnote about how to properly prepare for even the simplest outing so there can hopefully be a safe rescue, if needed, or what the reality is of being up close to wild animals.

“One of the common themes in our survival stories — that I don’t think I would have fully appreciated if we weren’t making so many of them — is that it’s almost never just one thing that goes wrong,” shared Peter Frick-Wright, host of the Outside Podcast, in an email interview. “Most people who come close to dying in the wilderness are unlucky or unprepared in two or three different ways that compound on each other to cause a crisis. You lose your firestarter AND fall in the freezing river AND you don’t have a dry set of clothes. You can overcome any two of those problems, but when all three happen you’re in trouble. It’s amazing how consistent it is.”

The Outside podcast is part of Outside Magazine, which is now based in Boulder, Colorado, and not all of its episodes involve accidents. In fact, many of the episodes are the opposite: people who have pushed themselves physically and conquered challenges in the outdoors and now they are sharing how they did it.

“Way, Way Too Close to a Whale” is an episode from earlier this year about two women who go kayaking off the coast of California to chase humpback whales. The story builds with why they went kayaking, what fears and experience they had beforehand, and the dramatic moment when they were suddenly swallowed by a whale. Lesson: Keep your distance from wildlife.

Colorado-based adventure photographer Pete McBride is also interviewed for a brief episode that highlights his startling encounter with an orca.

While many of these stories are told solely from the perspective of the individuals who experienced the near mishap, some episodes get the other side of the story from rescuers. For example, “A Bold Rescue on a Moab Cliff” is not about the BASE jumper whose chute got snagged on the cliff when he struck the rocks and was seriously injured, but the mountain biker who literally swung into action to save his life.

KZMU Community Radio in Moab has decided to take the stories from Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) for a new podcast that will debut later this year.

“The goal of this podcast is to entertain and also educate,” said Molly Marcello, news and public affairs director at KZMU. “There are so many ways to recreate here, which is one of the reasons that Moab is so special for outdoor enthusiasts. That also means there are so many ways to get into trouble.”

Upcoming episodes will highlight the many (!) broken ankles that happen on a popular hike where, despite signs warning against doing so, people jump into a small pond at the bottom of a waterfall; mountain bikers experiencing extreme dehydration on Whole Enchilada Trail; and inventive ways to self-rescue from a slot canyon using your pants.

“The stories that I’ve heard involve a mixture of tourists and locals,” Marcello said. “People can get into trouble by not being prepared or by making sketchy decisions, but accidents do also just happen. We’re hoping people will plan for the worst even if it’s a short hike.”

It’s important to note that search-and-rescue organizations like this are typically made up of volunteers and there can be costs to your rescue, depending on what resources are needed.

Wyoming Public Radio’s HumaNature podcast is recorded in Laramie, and it also has stories of people from anywhere, not just in Wyoming, who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances in the wild. Maybe you just want to hear about the guy who broke a record by pushing a peanut with his nose up Pikes Peak (the summit is 14,115 feet above sea level), but you can also listen to episodes about an experienced hunter who gets lost in the woods or more tales of people who learned the hard way that you need to keep your distance from wildlife.

If you have a wild tale to tell, you can submit it to HumaNature and possibly be featured on a future episode. Frick-Wright said that the majority of their stories come from contributors to Outside — or even just when a producer hears a good story around the campfire.

The next time you live to tell after a narrow escape in the great outdoors, consider which podcast you want to interview you about the nitty-gritty details.

Although none of these entities currently offer a package with a train trip and a hot springs soak, you can choose your own adventure and try out multiple hot springs with one train ride or something else. Not all of these hot springs offer overnight lodging, so plan accordingly if you are staying near the train or at the springs.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

This railroad is owned by Colorado and New Mexico since the tracks loop across the state lines multiple times, bringing tourists to both Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo. The Cumbres & Toltec was constructed in 1880 to serve silver mining needs in the area as a narrow gauge track. In 1970, it was purchased by the two states and in 1971 became a tourist train that allows riders to see natural areas that aren’t visible from roads or trails.

There are different rides available: a dinner train, a geology train, a Fourth of July train, plus daily excursions that let you choose from a partial or full train ride. Near Cumbres Pass, the tracks intersect with the Continental Divide Trail, where hikers can hop on and shave 14 miles of trail off their journey. (The cost is $30.)

As you ride the train, you’ll see the classic steam rise from the engine as the train puffs along the tracks and through the mountains — and hear the whistle from time to time.

Pagosa Springs

While the towns of Chama and Antonito are charming and ready for train tourists, you might consider a relatively short drive to either Pagosa Springs in Colorado or Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico. Pagosa Springs is less than a one-hour drive from Chama or about 1 1/2 hours from Antonito. The Springs Resort, which is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, is currently expanding its lodging options and the number of pools for soaking. You’ll see steam rising off the pools and the San Juan River where the warmer water meets the colder mountain runoff.

Ojo Caliente is a 90-minute drive from Chama and an hour from Antonito, and you can choose between communal hot springs or reserve a private tub for soaking. These natural springs are known as being one of the few places where you can bathe in sulfur-free waters rich in iron, soda, lithia and arsenic.

Durango & Silverton Railroad

Once upon a time, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad connected to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, but those tracks that met in the middle are long gone and these are now two distinct experiences. Both of these trains have been used in countless movies, including Kevin Costner’s new Western saga, “Horizon,” which uses the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in a brief scene.

The train from Durango to Silverton was completed in 1882 and was always intended to be a scenic ride, as well as provide a way to haul mining riches. When the mines went bust, the little train ride faltered, but was later saved by private investment and determined locals. This train runs year-round, not just in the summer, with a variety of rides available depending on how much time you have, what you want to see, and the season. This train also provides wilderness access, via advanced booking or flagging down the engineer by “waving your hands horizontally between your knees,” according to durangotrain.com. The backpack fee is $15-$35, and details are available on where you can be dropped off for camping in the San Juan National Forest or Weminuche Wilderness on the website.

There are one-way or roundtrip rides from Durango to Silverton, or the Cascade Canyon Express, which goes halfway to Silverton.

The Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

The resort is just 8 miles from downtown Durango and has the world’s first oxygen-infused hot springs. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, this place has had a major upgrade: There are now 32 pools to sample — some adult-only, the majority family-friendly — that make each tub a totally one-of-a-kind experience. Check its schedule for live music so you can soak, sip and listen to tunes here.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

This is the closest option to Denver to ride a historic steam engine. This narrow gauge track is owned by History Colorado and was established in 1879. With open-air cars, riders can take in the mountain scenery during the 90-minute train trip. It’s an option to add a mine tour and gold panning during the trip too.

Indian Hot Springs

Although the train does not go to Idaho Springs, it’s a 15-minute drive from Georgetown to the Indian Hot Springs, where a large steamy pool awaits surrounded by a recreation of a jungle. There are also private outdoor tubs, and caves for soaking inside.

(Note: We are aware that while there are other historic Colorado train rides near hot springs — notably the Royal Gorge Route Railroad out of Canon City near the Desert Reef hot springs in Florence, or the Rocky Mountaineer that stops in Glenwood Springs — they are not steam engine trains so don’t quite fit the theme of riding a steam-powered train and soaking in a steaming hot natural pool.)

“Colorado has too many beautiful spots for snowmobiling,” said Ed Calhoun, president of the Colorado Snowmobile Association, a nonprofit that supports safety and conservation for snowmobile activity. Snowmobiling has been steadily growing in popularity in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife issues snowmobile registrations and shows that 29,505 machines were licensed in 2022, up from 24,789 in 2020.

The CSA is composed of 36 clubs. Its members groom about 3,000 miles of trails which also are used for Nordic skiing, dog sledding, snow biking and other winter fun. The CSA website has details on current conditions, where to take safety lessons, and the ins and outs of buying a permit.

Here’s an introductory look at this winter activity in Colorado.

Snowmobile tours with something extra

Why not make the most of a snowmobile day and do more than just ride? T-Lazy-Z Ranch in Aspen offers the Klondike Lunch Tour and the Majestic Lunch Tour. The Klondike tour follows a groomed trail in the White River National Forest to the Klondike cabin where a gourmet lunch awaits. (OK, the lunch features cheeseburgers, but they’re really good ones!) Kids as young as 4 can ride. Snowmobile drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Although Independence Pass is closed to road traffic in winter, the Majestic Tour leads you to the town of Independence near the Continental Divide. The Lost Man Cabin welcomes you with a lunch and spectacular views. This ride is best for those with some experience riding. Riders must be at least 7.

You can combine a nice hot springs soak with your snowmobiling adventure at Mount Princeton Hot Springs near Salida. The concierge at Mount Princeton can arrange a guided snowmobile tour with a local operator. Upon your return, slide into the warm waters for a soothing soak.

Steamboat Snowmobile Tours offers First Tracks tours on Rabbit Ears Pass, which can be a real treat on a powder day. It also offers four-hour Backcountry Adventure tours that take riders to the Continental Divide and include lunch. White Mountain Snowmobile Tours in Leadville combines snowmobiling with ziplining. The day starts with ziplining, then it’s time for lunch in town. You’ll round out the day with an afternoon of snowmobiling. Keep in mind that Leadville is 10,158 feet above sea level and you’ll be riding higher than that during this day of adventure.

Rent and go

Many companies rent snowmobiles, so you can explore Colorado’s winter wonderland on your own even if you don’t own a snow machine. This also means you are in charge of your own safety, so keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Call ahead and ask what gear is included with your rental. Snowsuit or bib? Heated handlebars? Goggles? Gloves? If they’re not included, arrange to rent or buy them for your trip.

2. Take an avalanche safety course. Carry necessary gear, including a snow shovel, and know how to complete a rescue. Avalanche risk varies from day to day. It’s up to you to research current conditions. You should set out with an alternative plan in mind in case you venture into an area where the avalanche risk appears too great.

3. Bring water and sunscreen.

4. Have reliable communication, which probably means something other than a cellphone.

Don’t put yourself, your trip mates and rescue teams at risk. Most rescue teams include many volunteers. They risk their own safety when they attempt to save people who are stuck or lost.

“Some people want to go to the expert areas right off,” Calhoun said. “Normally that’s when you get in a problem with this stuff, and avalanches are the Number One danger for snowmobiling.”

Popular spots for snowmobilers include Leadville, Grand Lake, Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area and Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs.

Grand Lake is considered Colorado’s snowmobiling capital and features more than 300 miles of trails for every level of snowmobiler. There are another 700 miles of trails in surrounding Grand County. Snow machines are allowed in only a small area of Rocky Mountain National Park, but the region’s trails offer views of the park’s famous peaks and grandeur. It’s legal to ride a snowmobile in Grand Lake, provided the streets have enough packed snow.

There are numerous outfitters to rent from in Grand Lake, and some lodges have snowmobiles available for rent.

The Rabbit Ears Pass area offers trails across meadows and through snow-covered trees as you ride up and over the mountainous terrain.

“I live in Steamboat,” Calhoun said. “People come here to ski, and they ski like crazy at high altitude, and then have to rest for a day or two. During that time, they can go snowmobiling with their families.”

As with all winter sports, research conditions before you set out, wear appropriate gear, and always tell someone reliable where you are going and when you plan to return.

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When I headed to Tucson for a winter weekend of milder temperatures in January, my expectation was to have Southwestern experiences similar to those I’ve had when in New Mexico or southern Colorado or even Phoenix. Instead, what I found was a city with its own identity that might just require a return visit to truly appreciate all that it has to offer.

You’ll need a rental car — consider a four-wheel-drive model — to explore Tucson’s environs properly. While Tucson is not nearly as large as Phoenix (Tucson’s population is close to 550,000 compared to Phoenix’s more than 1.6 million), you’ll be leaving the downtown area to go to at least one national park, a Native American reservation, a ski resort or a scientific research facility.

Note: While this is not a comprehensive list of all sites to visit in Tucson, these are the ones I found that were things that can only be done while in this city.

The El Tiradito Wishing Shrine is considered the only shrine for a sinner, according to local lore. Tucson is Arizona’s oldest city being incorporated in 1877, and in its infancy was home to many farms and ranches. The legend is that it was around this time that Juan Oliveras, a young married ranch hand, had an affair with his mother-in-law, who was the wife of a prominent local sheep rancher. Juan was murdered by his enraged father-in-law, and the shrine was erected on that spot. Although the shrine is not officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church, it did get registered on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, which saved further destruction of its surrounding historic neighborhood, Barrio Viejo.

Tucson’s Barrio Viejo is what’s left of the city’s original neighborhood. This historic residential and commercial district that dates back to the late 1800s was largely bulldozed in the 1970s to develop the nearby Tucson Convention Center, but many blocks were saved and are worth exploring. On my visit here, I was expecting something like the plazas of Santa Fe or Taos in New Mexico, but was delighted to find something much different and particular to this city. I do recommend signing up for or downloading a walking guide or having specific points of interest as destinations. Some suggestions include the Coronet Café (historic home turned into three dining environments), Etherton Gallery (photography collectors), Carly Quinn Designs (original tile art), and enjoy the sights of the colorful stucco homes that line the streets.

UNESCO — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — has named Tucson a Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition — one of only two in the United States — is due to the influences of Mexican and Native American ingredients and dishes in today’s modern cuisine. I confess that I expected typical Tex-Mex fare but even at El Charro Café, which bills itself as the country’s oldest Mexican restaurant, I dined on unexpected preparations of classics. For example, the enchiladas sonorenses are two ground corn masa cakes smothered in red chile and green olives. At Tito and Pep, the menu’s focus is mesquite-fired cuisine, including Sea of Cortez delicacies (though land-locked, Tucson is relatively near the Sea of Cortez). Mesquite grows native here and is liberally used in kitchens to enhance flavors. Although not haute cuisine, you may want to try a Sonoran dog, which hails from Hermosillo, Mexico. I stopped at Ruiz Hot Dogs “Los Chipilones” on a dusty busy corner where a food truck includes indoor shaded diner-style seating for customers to nosh on a hot dog with pinto beans, onions, salsa, mayonnaise, mustard and other optional toppings. Other highlights included green chile garganelli bolognese at Zio Peppe, fresh agua frescas and award-winning tacos at Seis Kitchen, and dining outside in a charming courtyard at Coronet in Barrio Viejo. When planning your breakfast, lunch or dinner, look for those ingredients that are in season and grown here.

The southernmost ski resort in the country is atop Mount Lemmon, which transports visitors from the city’s elevation of 2,389 feet above sea level to 9,171 feet high where snow falls in winter. When there’s enough snow, you can ski and snowboard here, and when the snow is not falling you can enjoy the view from the Sky Ride. Visiting here is tricky so do your research — the Sky Ride is not available to sightseers when the runs are open to skiers; the road up is limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles when there is snow; the resort is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; there are no online ticket sales. The good news — it’s a bargain with $15 lift tickets! The drive up starts with cactus and ends in an alpine forest.

The saguaro cactus only grows in the Sonoran Desert, which stretches from northern Mexico to parts of California and Arizona. Saguaro National Park is the only national park dedicated to protecting these large cacti and it’s right on the edge of Tucson. Aim for the park’s west side with abundant trails, scenic byways and forests of cactus covering the Rincon Mountains. There is also a smaller Saguaro National Park on the east side of town, and this includes an 8-mile scenic drive where you can pull off for hikes among the cacti and mesquite — I saw two wild coyotes taking a stroll near a trail here! If you’re still craving more cactus viewing and have time to make a 2.5-hour drive from Tucson, plan to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the Mexican border when you can see these cacti in their native habitat — the only place in the U.S. where they grow in the wild.

The Tohono O’odham Nation’s reservation land is southwest of the city of Tucson, and here you will find the San Xavier del Bac Mission. It’s not clear if this is the only restored mission on a reservation, but it could be one of the best restored ones. What’s unusual here is that the building is of European design. The church is open to visitors unless there is a service in process. This National Historic Landmark is credited with being the oldest intact European structure in the state — it was completed in 1797. The details in the carved and painted ceilings, along with unusual statuary, are worth a lingering stop here.

Spa-goers in Tucson will find a few treatments that are only offered here. I tried the flower ritual at Hiapsi Spa at Casino del Sol, which starts with burning copal, a local tree sap, to rid the environment of negative energies. Locally harvested sage and other herbs are distilled for use in the relaxing body treatment.

You can learn about Earth, also called Biosphere 1, by visiting Biosphere 2 just north of Tucson. Back in the early 1990s, there were two “missions” to Biosphere 2, which involved various experts committing to life inside these buildings for an extended time, where they had to grow and process all of their own food, maintain an Earth-like environment, and all just get along with one another. Today, you can take both self-guided and guided tours of the campus learning what did and didn’t work and how the space is used today. I highly recommend planning for the “add-on” or guided tours (you will see the buildings’ “lungs” through a series of tunnels, for example), but either way you will learn a lot about things like condensation and how much oxygen plants need. I left here with a renewed appreciation for keeping Biosphere 1 in working order because a replacement is not appealing.

Don’t just watch the sunrise in Tucson; honor this momentous daily occurrence with a ceremony. At the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, you get an excellent view of downtown Tucson and access to an exclusive Mitakuye Oyasin Morning Ritual on the terrace. You’ll join your fellow guests around a fire pit where you will be given supplies to make a sage prayer tie and then participate in an eagle feather blessing. It’s a lovely way to start the day in community and watch the desert come to life.

All of this talk of gastronomy made me curious to learn more about the history of the food grown here, so I stopped by the Mission Garden. While my visit was casual, you can sign up for guided tours, tasting history (sample the oranges and lemons that grow here), or learn about O’odham agriculture. This is not a botanic garden or a community garden that you might typically visit, and it’s hard to classify as there are many layers to the history of this site and how it fits in to the modern culture. Put it this way: when contestants of Top Chef found themselves at Mission Garden with the task of making a meal from the food growing on-site, they could literally pick figs, quince, oranges, lemons, zucchini and more. This is a living museum to local food.

“We’ve really seen the all-inclusive wilderness properties be a big hit for solo travelers, particularly those that are newer to the outdoors,” said Krista Heinicke, director of public relations at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. “You have the comfort of Broadmoor lodging and its pampering staff, but can step outside of your comfort zone with new activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and more with this built-in communal nature to the experience so you can engage with others if you desire — or stay solo with a book on the porch.”

The growth in solo travel has been attributed to a post-pandemic desire to get out and see the world without waiting for the perfect mate to hit the road. Some experts saw the trend start before 2020, but either way it continues to increase for both men and women — though primarily women.

MMGY Global, an integrated marketing company that specializes in travel, stated in 2022 that, “In the growing trend of solo travel, 1 in 4 Americans plans to take a trip alone in the next six months.”

There are many Facebook groups for women solo travelers to share tips, some divided by age or the chance to join in planned group travel together. There are also travel planners who specialize in creating solo travel itineraries for women who are concerned about the safety of traveling alone in certain parts of the world.

While tour groups are one way to get out and explore in the comfort and safety of a group, resorts like the Broadmoor are offering more and more opportunities for individuals that don’t have to be solitary for the entire trip.

This summer in northern New Mexico, the Taos Ski Valley’s Blake Hotel began their new Elevated Experiences with three themes: Adventure, culture or wellness. Guests select their preferred theme, complete with curated activities with up to 12 other people, for a three-day-and-night stay.

“Every guest, whether in a group or solo, receives pre-trip concierge communications to customize an itinerary that’s perfect for each traveler’s needs and desires,” said Aaron Gulley, program developer of The Blake Elevated Experiences. “These weekends are extremely inviting for solo travelers since the group dynamics of travelers bonding over activities together makes for a welcoming and social environment.”

For example, Elevated Experiences guests are invited to select between their choice of massages and facials during the Wellness Experience ahead of time.

During my own time at The Blake, I was solo for the first day and night before my husband arrived, and this gave me a chance to get to know the two other couples also participating in the Wellness Experience. We discovered that we all wanted a little Adventure Experience mixed in to our weekend, so we added a hike together during what would have been separate down time on our own. During dinner each evening, we had a chance to get to know one another and discuss our reflections on the day’s activities — which sometimes meant changing up our plan as we collectively realized we’d rather hike than repeat meditation.

I had the option to join our Wellness Experience group for dinner and breakfast, and we shared picnic lunches during a wilderness walk outing and after a scenic chairlift ride up the ski mountain. In other words, there were choices to carve out more alone time for myself or stick with the group. One day, I decided to hustle back from a group hike so I could catch some of the Taos School of Music’s summer school performances on my own. The others took this opportunity to do what they preferred at this time.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, just outside of Steamboat Springs, calls out solo travelers on their website to let them know how they will accommodate them.

“All of our activities are set up so nothing is private and it’s all semi-personalized,” said Devyn Cordes, sales and marketing director for Vista Verde. “We ask our guests what they want to do and then, for a few more specifics to properly group them. For example, let’s say that a guest wants to hike. We then ask them, ‘What kind of a hike? Something rigorous, scenic, moderate?’ From here we group guests together based of similar goals. So, singles are mixed in with couples.”

Vista Verde Guest Ranch only allows six people per guide or wrangler during activities.

“This is a fantastic place to travel as a solo traveler because it’s so social and dining and activities are not private,” Cordes added.

Gulley at The Blake in Taos Ski Valley noted that they have seen couples, siblings and solo travelers so far. “The Blake Elevated Experiences are a great option for singles because the group dynamic of each channel makes the weekend social and convivial even for those traveling on their own,” he said.

With more people getting inspired to travel — in part thanks to social media and also the ability to work remotely — the numbers will likely be growing for these types of integrated solo experiences. The travel search engine Kayak reported that searches for single traveler flights are up 36% in 2023 over 2022 and Skyscanner, a similar site to Kayak, reported that 54% of travelers were considered a solo trip in 2023.

At the Broadmoor, guests can choose to stay solo or opt in for some of the group time. Heinicke hosts the resort’s annual women’s fly-fishing weekend and observes how the solo travelers in the mix join in the conversation and merriment, while also getting some solitude on the water.

“Guests can come together over meals and happy hours, and at Cloud Camp in particular, you have a chance to join for Cooking Club in the kitchen with chef and other guests,” said Heinicke. “You can’t help but come away with some new friends!”

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In fact, the Global Wellness Institute noted in its 2023 Hot Springs Trends report that, “The benefits of hot-cold contrast bathing have been widely recognized and is now almost universal in hot springs across the globe.”

Jim Mikula, senior vice president for WorldSprings, the company behind Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, says the institute “led the charge” by promoting hot springs and cold plunges — also referred to as contrast bathing — starting 20 years ago.

But “in the last four years it’s become really popular,” he said. “You feel refreshed, have more energy, and can almost see better when you go from the hot water to the cold.”

The institute explains the benefits this way: “Guests are seeking active ways to boost their immune system, reduce inflammation and find relief from pain: The combination of heat (in the form of bathing and saunas) and cold (in the form of cold plunges, ice showers and ice caves) provides an evidence-based way to achieve it.”

Others credit Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete who has promoted “cold body therapy,” such as ice baths and cold showers, for the recent popularity of getting very chilly. He has written books about being “The Iceman” and features tutorial videos on his website.

Jumping into freezing cold water for a swim or soak goes back many years in Nordic cultures, but what started as a trend in the U.S. only recently seems to be here to stay with more people willing to take the, er, plunge and get the health benefits with consistent exposure to the cold.

“I’ve been fortunate that early in my career I participated in a sweat lodge and we could get out right in a stream with the water about 40 degrees,” Mikula recalled. “This is similar to the contrast bathing. When you’re in the hot water of about 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, your blood is rushing to your skin to help cool you down, then when you get into the cold plunge, your blood reverses to protect your organs and this helps your parasympathetic nervous system so you feel comfortable, at ease, and relaxed.”

Denver Sports Recovery offers even more extreme versions called cryotherapy: for less than three minutes, someone in only underwear immerses all of their body except their head into a chamber with nitrogen set at 240 degrees below zero; professional athlete-style contrast therapy going from a 52-degree cold water tub to a 104-degree hot water tub; right after exiting, about 10 minutes in the heated dry sauna, a dip in the cold plunge with water that is 38 degrees Fahrenheit for four minutes and back and forth.

“It’s the bio-hacking world where we try to better ourselves,” said Shawn Caldwell, owner of Denver Sports Recovery. “If you shock the body into survival mode, it tricks your system, and it’s a little bit of a mental exercise.”

Caldwell does caution people to check with their doctors before engaging in any cold water therapy, and notes that he has seen people faint from attempting these extreme transitions.

“Cold plunges can affect multiple body systems by mimicking hypothermia,” said Jake Murphy, a recovery specialist at Denver Sports Recovery. “The benefits come from your body’s response to stay alive.”

In addition to the recovery center environment, anyone can attempt a freezing cold shower at home, and there are many places in Colorado to try a cold plunge for fun.

There are meetup groups that get together monthly for a natural dip in Boulder Creek or Clear Creek. These groups meet year-round, so precautions should be taken in winter for icy conditions and in the spring and summer for high water flows that can be dangerous.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs added a cold plunge pool to its new Upriver World Experience, which opened in June. Upriver includes several pool experiences situated alongside the Colorado River that are inspired by famous hot springs around the world such as Japan and Iceland.

“We are blown away by how popular it is,” Aaron McCallister, general manager of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, said of the cold plunge. “Once they experience it, the shock is something else! Then they become kind of addicted to it and you see people cheering each other on and it becomes a fun environment.”

Despite its small size, this is not a kiddie pool; Upriver is for guests who are 21 years old and up with a recommended time limit of 30 seconds to two minutes while moving about.

“Our biggest learning was that you don’t just go right back into the pool,” McCallister said. “Allow your body to bring your temperature back up, then get into the hot springs pools again.”

Mount Princeton Hot Springs outside of Buena Vista, Colorado, also has a cold plunge pool in its Relaxation Pool area, which is reserved for guests who are ages 16 and up. The big pool in this area is kept at about 90 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, with nearby Cascading Pools at a nearly scorching 100 to 107 degrees, which might inspire that cold dip. Visitors can also walk down to natural pools in Chalk Creek where the designated spots can range from 32 to 120 degrees, so a cold plunge can just be a matter of where you step in this natural environment.

The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs offers a Warrior Plunge, a guided experience to cool off in the San Juan River that flows alongside the resort’s 25 terraced hot springs pools. The river temperature will vary, but will be decidedly freezing cold — especially when compared to the 100-ish-degree temperatures of the pools.

The Dryland Fitness studio in Breckenridge’s Gravity Haus includes indoor hot and cold tubs as well as a dry sauna that are available year-round for this type of full body experience.

Many spas in Colorado — Red Rocks Spa in Denver, Soak Wellness Spa in Montrose, Camino in Colorado Springs, and others — offer a cold plunge experience with more traditional massage and body care services now.

“Right now, it’s kind of trendy and popular,” Mikula said of taking a cold plunge. “It’s still a really good wellness practice that anyone can do at home. The difference in doing it at Iron Mountain Hot Springs is that you’re looking at Red Mountain, sitting by the Colorado River, and it’s another treat for your senses, like forest bathing.”

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