Wild Horse Warm Springs

Unlike most rivers that are fed by rainwater or melting snow, almost all the water that flows into the Wild Horse River comes from springs. One of these springs produces warm water that flows over a tufa bench and cascades into the river. Another spring, much larger than the first, gushes cold water from the base of the tufa. In fact, the combined flow of warm and cold water is equal to that of the Wild Horse River itself during low water season.

The cold springs, with a temperature of 12.5°C (55°F), rise from various sources in the meadows and join to form a single cool creek. The largest of these cold springs emerges from tufa and moss about 100 meters (330 feet) away from the tufa bench, while a small one can be found on the west bank of the creek. Meanwhile, warmer water flows from at least six vents on the tufa bench and can be felt for at least 50 meters (160 feet) above it. The water is crystal clear, odorless, and tasteless, with a maximum recorded temperature of 28.5°C (83°F). Its main dissolved constituents are sulphate and calcium.

At the top of the tufa bench lies a waist-deep soaking pool that measures approximately 2 meters by 3 meters (6 feet by 10 feet). Here, you can bask in the warmth and feel the bubbles from the gas that rises from the slightly murky bottom. Although the water is a bit too cool for a long soak, it's still a refreshing treat, especially on a hot summer day.