The estimated 100 hot springs in the valley were first used by the Ute Indians.  The springs range from 110° to 190° and produce over 4 million gallons of hot water per day. The springs are named for the legend of an Indian maiden, Waunita, who had fallen in love with a Shoshoni warrior.  The warrior was killed in battle and the maiden wandered the valley grieving. She died a few days later and was buried in a cave. The legend holds that hot springs sprang forth from where her tears had fallen.

Originally named Tomichi (hot or boiling) Hot Springs, the lower springs were called Elgin in 1882 and had a post office and two-story log hotel with large bath for the minerals that reputedly cured rheumatism, arthritis and various other illnesses. 

The upper springs called Waunita were developed in 1879 by Colonel R.S. Moore. Waunita consisted of Hot Springs House Hotel, restaurant and post office. In 1916 Dr. Charles Gilbert from Chicago started Radium Hot Springs which became a world-famous health resort.  There were many cottages, a well-equipped sanitarium and large hotel. Guests traveled from all over the world to seek relief from gout, eczema, rheumatism and nervous diseases. The resort continued to operate until the death of Dr. Gilbert in 1927.

The resort went into a decline from which it never recovered. Successive owners have attempted various ventures including a Hollywood retreat, and a boys baseball camp. 

Today Waunita Hot Springs is operated as a private dude ranch in the beautiful valley in the shadow of volcano-formed Tomichi Dome.

From "Pitkin and Beyond"
a Pictorial History of Pitkin, Colorado
by Wayne Haines