On Feb. 2, 2002, the Olympic flame skimmed across the steaming surface of the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool — the only time in the torch’s 45-state journey that the relay went aquatic. Now, more than two ...

Soaking in mineral baths for relaxation dates back to prehistoric times. There’s nothing quite like that floating feeling after immersing yourself in hot, then cold, then hot temperatures for hours.

It was just over a year ago when the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Forest Service destroyed the soaking tubs at Miracle Hot Springs inside the Kern River Canyon. Those who loved the warm, ...