Let's start with a short and challenging snowshoe excursion in Southern Colorado and then end with a soak in the Cottonwood Hot Springs.

Enjoy the long yet scenic drive down to the Shirley Townsite on the Marshall Pass Road near Poncha Pass. Alternate moderately steep sections with flatish sections through a pine forest up to the aptly named Rainbow Trail.:) Follow the Rainbow Trail a ways, and then bushwack up a short way to the top of an unnamed rounded hilltop. Hopefully, catch stunning views of the southern Sawatch and northern Sangre de Cristo ranges from the summit.

Re-trace our route back to trailhead and then make our way back north to the Cottonwood Hot Springs (https://cottonwood-hot-springs.com/colorado/the-hot-springs/) near Buena Vista. Take an afternoon soak.

Return to Denver after a great soak that evening or stay in the area and return the next day. Choose your own adventure!