Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs, city, seat (1891) of Archuleta county, south-central Colorado, U.S. Located near large mineral springs, the town site was established in 1874 after control of the area was wrested from the Ute people (in whose language pagosa means “healing water”). Pagosa Springs originally served as a supply centre and railhead for mining camps in the nearby San Juan Mountains. Connected by highways to northern New Mexico and Colorado communities on both sides of the Continental Divide, which passes nearby, the city grew as a retirement community and vacation spot in the 1970s. The Wolf Creek Ski Area is nearby, as are sections of the San Juan and Rio Grande national forests. Inc. 1891. Pop. (2000) 1,591; (2010) 1,727.