Winter is the perfect time to explore the best hot springs in Colorado! With many resorts open year-round, you can enjoy the warmth and relaxation of natural hot springs no matter the season. As a Colorado local, I can attest to the joy of soaking in mineral-rich waters amidst the winter chill. In this video, you’ll discover five of the top hot springs in Colorado, including my personal favorites. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a family-friendly resort, Colorado offers the best hot springs to embrace and rejuvenate your soul. So, take a day trip or plan a weekend getaway to immerse yourself in the soothing waters and leave all your stress behind.
One of the featured hot springs is Mount Princeton Hot Springs, situated in Nathrop, Colorado, between Buena Vista and Salida. This vast 70-acre resort offers family-friendly amenities and provides breathtaking views of Mount Princeton and Collegiate Peaks. The hot spring water, known for its odorless quality, offers a relaxing experience without the typical sulfuric smell. With various pools, including a seasonal soaking pool, exercise pool, and infinity pool, as well as private hot springs for rent, Mount Princeton Hot Springs caters to all preferences. Moreover, you can also enjoy creekside soaking in Chalk Creek, where the 140-degree spring water mixes with the creek bed. With day passes, overnight rates, and luxury accommodations, this hot spring is a must-visit in Colorado’s natural wonders.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Location and Description
Mount Princeton Hot Springs is located in Nathrop, Colorado, between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. It is a spacious 70-acre resort that sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet, offering breathtaking views of Mount Princeton and the Collegiate Peaks. The hot springs water is nestled next to Chalk Creek Canyon, providing a picturesque and tranquil setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Facilities and Amenities
As one of the largest and most popular hot spring resorts in the state, Mount Princeton Hot Springs offers a wide range of facilities and amenities. The resort features a soaking pool, which is kept at a comfortable temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The historic bath house is located next to the soaking pool and provides a rustic and charming experience for visitors.
In addition to the soaking pool, the resort also offers an exercise pool, an infinity pool, and a seasonal water slide. These facilities provide options for both leisurely relaxation and active enjoyment. Furthermore, the resort has private hot springs available for rent, allowing guests to enjoy a more intimate and secluded soaking experience.
For dining options, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is surrounded by world-class restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Visitors can indulge in delicious meals and snacks, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying experience during their stay. The resort also offers luxury accommodations for the whole family, providing a comfortable and convenient retreat for guests.
Creekside Soaking
One of the most unique features of Mount Princeton Hot Springs is the opportunity for creekside soaking. Visitors can venture into Chalk Creek, where the natural hot springs water mixes with the 140-degree spring water flowing from the creek bed. This creates a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing guests to soak in the hot springs while surrounded by the soothing sounds of the creek and the beauty of nature.
Day passes and overnight rates are available, providing flexibility for visitors to tailor their experience according to their preferences. Overnight stays at the resort include two free days of soaking in the hot springs, along with access to the Creekside area. Additionally, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is located near the Saint Elmo ghost town, offering an opportunity for historical exploration and adventure.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Location and Description
Glenwood Hot Springs is located in the city of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Situated at an elevation of 5,700 feet, it is known as the world’s largest natural hot springs. The sheer size of the hot spring makes it a prominent landmark as visitors approach the town. The mineral pool at Glenwood Hot Springs emits a distinct and noticeable scent, a testament to the concentrated minerals present in the water.
Facilities and Amenities
The main attraction at Glenwood Hot Springs is the massive mineral pool, which is kept at a pleasant temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The pool offers ample space for swimming, doing laps, and enjoying various water activities. Additionally, the resort features a therapy pool that is significantly warmer, reaching an average temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This pool is ideal for those seeking relaxation and relief for sore muscles.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is conveniently located across from the Hot Springs Lodge, which offers 107 rooms for guests. A stay at the lodge includes unlimited access to the pool, free parking, and a daily hot breakfast. This combination of comfort and convenience makes it an ideal getaway destination for both couples and families. Moreover, the resort is within walking distance of downtown, allowing visitors to explore the town’s vibrant shopping and dining scene.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Location and Description
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is situated approximately seven miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This secluded hot spring destination is known for its rustic charm and natural beauty. The pools at Strawberry Park are open year-round from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Access and Reservation
Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. To access the hot springs from November 1st to May 1st, four-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires are required, adding an element of adventure to the journey. Once visitors arrive, they are greeted with rock-lined pools and stone pathways that blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, pool reservations must be made approximately 30 days in advance. It is important to note that only cash is accepted as payment at Strawberry Park. However, reservations can be conveniently booked online via the resort’s website. Overnight guests have access to the pools and showers from sunrise to sunset, while individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed in the hot springs after dark.
Unplugged and Rustic Experience
Strawberry Park Hot Springs prides itself on offering an unplugged and authentically rugged experience. With limited cell service and a focus on reconnecting with nature, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the tranquility of this secluded oasis. The absence of modern distractions allows guests to unwind and find solace in the natural hot spring waters, creating a truly rejuvenating experience.
The Springs Resort and Spa
Location and Description
The Springs Resort and Spa is located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, at an elevation of 7,100 feet. Known for its healing mineral springs, this resort offers a gorgeous destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Referred to simply as Pagosa Hot Springs, it is a popular choice for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of mineral springs.
Mother Spring and Individual Pools
One of the key highlights of The Springs Resort and Spa is the Mother Spring, which is the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. This remarkable spring feeds 25 individual hot spring pools, each containing a unique blend of 13 different minerals. Visitors can enjoy the healing properties of these natural mineral springs while soaking in the tranquility of the resort.
Each of the 25 pools at The Springs Resort and Spa is distinct in terms of size, location, and temperature. For example, the aptly named Lobster Pot is the warmest pool, reaching a temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit. The range of pool options ensures that guests can find their preferred soaking experience, tailored to their personal preferences and comfort.
Guest Access and Amenities
The pools at The Springs Resort and Spa are open year-round from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, providing ample time for guests to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral springs. Whether visitors choose to purchase day passes, reserve passes in advance, or opt for a hotel stay, they can access and enjoy the pools as part of their experience at the resort.
Guests who book a room or suite at The Springs Resort and Spa are afforded 24-hour access to the pools, ensuring a truly relaxing and rejuvenating stay. In addition to the pools, guests can also enjoy VIP access to the adult-only Relaxation Terrace, providing a serene environment to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life.
Ouray Hot Springs
Location and Description
Ouray Hot Springs is nestled among the San Juan Mountains in the “Switzerland of America.” This picturesque hot spring sits at an elevation of 7,800 feet and offers a variety of pools and amenities. Open year-round, Ouray Hot Springs provides a perfect soaking spa destination for the whole family.
Facilities and Amenities
A visit to Ouray Hot Springs offers an array of facilities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The outdoor hot spring features two water slides, an adult-only area, an activity pool with a challenge and climbing wall, and an eight-lane lap pool. These different pools cater to varying preferences and interests, ensuring that all guests have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
The water temperatures at Ouray Hot Springs range from 78 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the location within the pools. This diversity in temperatures allows visitors to choose their preferred level of warmth and relaxation. Furthermore, the admission fee provides guests with a full day of unlimited entries and re-entries, ensuring ample time to fully immerse themselves in the soothing waters.
Children under the age of four are granted free admission, making Ouray Hot Springs a family-friendly destination. The resort strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, ensuring that everyone can partake in the enjoyment and benefits of the hot springs.