Dave Webb
July, 2024
(I revisited this area in October 2024 and had a great time. (See my trip report.)
Western Colorado offers some of the best hot springs in the western US. Some are famous developed resorts and some are remote, undeveloped, backcountry spots. I have been to some and plan to visit more this fall.
One of the best times to explore here is in late September through early October when fall colors are peaking. This is mountain country and many springs are located at high elevations. The colors can be spectacular when the aspen forests turn yellow/orange. I plan to drive the Million Dollar Highway and visit springs in the Ouray and Pagosa areas.
Developed hot spring resorts in this area are very nice if you want to be spoiled. I prefer springs that are less developed, more natural, and more remote. Orvis is my favorite, of those I’ve visited to date. It has been developed tastefully and gives a natural, relaxed feeling. The pools are very nice and the water is enchanting. I have not yet been to Strawberry Park but I expect it will offer a similar vibe, based on what I've heard.
I’d really like to backpack into Rainbow Hot Springs near Pagosa. It is remote and primitive, so it sounds like my style. I'm working to find someone to accompany me on that adventure.
Western Colorado’s Best Hot Springs
Below is our list of western Colorado hot springs that are work visiting, listed from north to south. There are certainly others in the area that are small or don’t have a nice soaking pool. These are the ones we’ve found that are worth visiting. If you know of others please share that info with us.
Steamboat Springs Area
Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more natural setting in the mountains about 15 minutes from downtown. Several hot pools of varying temperatures are fed by natural hot springs. Stone masonry makes each pool unique and fits into the rugged natural environment. Clothing is optional after dark. Minors are not permitted in the pools after sundown. A four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires is needed to drive to the hot springs between Nov 1 and May 1. A shuttle is available to bring people from Steamboat Springs. Lodging is available at the springs. The springs are open year-round, 10 am to 10 pm (10 am to midnight Fri and Sat).
Old Town Hot Springs is a developed attraction in the downtown area. It offers soaking and swimming pools fed by natural hot springs, waterslides, and a climbing wall. Old Town is family-friendly. All pools are concrete. Lodging and dining are available nearby.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort boasts what it claims to be the world’s largest hot springs pool, along with several other smaller pools and play areas. The concrete pools include a lap lane and a diving area. The resort bills itself as a great spot for the entire family and offers lodging, dining, and spa services.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers 32 unique pools terraced along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. 16 pools use natural mineral water, one is a cold plunge pool, and 11 use special mineral formulas intended to replicate famous hot springs from around the world. Other pools offer jetted water and one incorporates a waterfall. Dining is available on-site and in the adjacent town.
Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves claims to have the only “natural” vapor cave in North America. Natural hot water (125 F) runs through the caves creating steam and an environment used for relaxation and is thought to have natural healing properties. Full spa services are available.
South Canyon Hot Springs is a remote, natural, hot spring in the Glenwood area. It is sometimes known as Hippy Hot Springs. It is a short (2-minute) hike from a parking area along Hwy 134. Usually, two pools are available, one large and one smaller, but the smaller may dry up in dry years. The pools are clothing optional.
Carbondale
Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs offers three pools with naturally hot mineral water. The pools are nice and are designed to fit into the natural landscape found in the Crystal River Valley. The big pool is fed by a three-foot waterfall. Lodging options at the ranch include log cabins, sheep wagons, and a tiny home. Lodging guests enjoy round-the-clock access to the hot pools. Day visitors can choose a four-hour morning or afternoon time slot. The pools are closed on Wednesdays for cleaning. The ranch is family friendly and clothing is required.
Penny Hot Springs is an undeveloped site along the Crystal River just south of Avalanche Ranch. It is accessible by car. A port-a-potty bathroom is provided but there are no other facilities. Camping is not allowed. The pools are nice but small and can be crowded on weekends. During spring, runoff may inundate the pools.
Ridgeway
Orvis Hot Springs is one of the nicer developed hot springs in the region. It offers 10 unique pools that are tastefully landscaped and fit into the natural environment at the foot of the San Juan Mountains. The pools feature rock walls and clean gravel bottoms and are filled with uncirculated naturally hot mineral water. The resort is clothing optional and that includes the pools, lawns, and gardens. Limited lodging options are available including six rooms and a campground. Lodging and camping guests get 24-hour access to the hot pools. For day visitors the pools are open from 9 am to 9 pm. Massage services are available.
Ouray
Ouray Hot Springs Pool is a pool complex fed by natural sulfur-free hot mineral water. The complex offers a large concrete swimming pool plus volleyball, rock climbing, and water slides. There is an adults-only area for relaxing soaking. The complex is open year-round. It is located on the edge of town near great lodging and restaurants.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging is located in town and offers a large outdoor pool plus a vapor cave available to lodging guests and the general public with no reservations required. A smaller secluded private pool, the Lorelei, is available by reservation. All pools are fed by natural hot springs with no water re-circulation. If you are looking for an intimate soaking experience, the Lorelei is a good choice.
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs offers hotel-style lodging plus seven red cedar tubs filled with naturally hot mineral water. The tubs are quite nice. The lodge is located on the edge of town near the mouth of a famous box canyon along the Uncompahgre River. A large, majestic waterfall is just upstream.
Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs offers nine pools and tubs heated by natural geothermal activity. All are available to lodge guests and to the public. The lodge is family-friendly and also offers spa services.
Telluride
Dunton Hot Springs is an exclusive resort built from a restored ghost town. It offers five pools with water ranging from 85 F to 106 F. Soak under the stars or inside restored structures. Dunton facilities are available for special events – the entire town can be rented, if you so desire.
Durango
Pinkerton Hot Spring is located along the Million Dollar Highway north of Durango. Warm water bubbles up through rocks to create a colorful dome. The water trickles down the sides of the dome and creates small pools. None are deep or suitable for soaking but it is scenic and some families enjoy splashing around.
Durango Hot Springs is a large resort and spa located in the mountains north of Durango. It offers 19 family-friendly hot pools and 13 for adults only, plus two cold pools and a resort-style swimming pool. It claims to be the only resort to infuse nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles into naturally hot mineral water. The resort is in the process of building lodging units.
Pagosa
Rainbow Hot Springs offers two primitive, undeveloped pools in a mountain wilderness setting. It is accessible via a moderately challenging 10-mile (round trip) hike near Pagosa Springs. You will gain about 1000 ft elevation as you hike, reaching an altitude of about 9000 ft. This is a popular area for day hikes and backpack trips, so you will probably see others along the trail and at the pools. The area gets considerable snow so it is most accessible from June through September. Excellent campsites are available in the area. With its remote location, expect to see people soaking nude.
The Springs Resort offers 25 different pools fed by what it calls the “Mother Spring,” which is reportedly the world’s deepest hot spring. Lodging and spa services are available. Lodging guests get 24-hour access to the resort’s pools. The resort is located in town and is on the banks of the San Juan River.
Overlook Hot Springs Spa offers a variety of hot pools along with massage services. It is located right in Pagosa Springs and boasts 100% natural hot mineral water. It features rooftop tubs that offer views of the town, the San Juan River, and the nearby mountains. It also has indoor and courtyard tubs and a cold plunge.
Healing Water Resort & Spa offers hot pools, lodging, and spa services. The pools are open to the public year-round, no reservations required. Soaking options include an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and separate men's and women's indoor hot baths. Lodging guests have free access to the pools.
Hippy Dip Hot Springs is a free pool that is fed by naturally hot mineral water from the nearby Springs Resort. Rock walls have been built to create the pool along the bank of the San Juan River. It is located right in town, on Hot Springs Blvd, next to a bridge. The temperature and size vary according to runoff in the river. Swimsuits are recommended because of its public location. Some locals have referred to the pool as the bathtub for homeless people. Reservations are not required for soaking but are for massage.
