While some consider summer to be the prime time for soaking in Colorado’s hot springs, it’s really a year-round activity.
There’s something special about submerging aching muscles in naturally heated, mineral-rich water when the temperature outside is below freezing or, better yet, it’s snowing. Here we present a list of Colorado hot springs that are worth checking out, even in the colder months.
4UR Guest Ranch
Outside of Wagon Wheel Gap, northwest of South Fork, registered guests only, fishermen welcome.
719-658-2202
Antero Hot Spring Cabins
South of Buena Vista, near the Mount Princeton Hot Springs, featuring cabins with quaint charm and private pools.
16120 CR 162, Nathrop
719-539-8204
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs
Outdoor tubs built into the landings of a redwood deck that climbs the canyon.
45 3rd Ave., Ouray
970-325-4981
Cement Creek Ranch
Near Crested Butte. Take Cement Creek Road east from Highway 135.
970-349-6512
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
You may not want to bathe in the same waters as the alligators, but still very cool.
9162 CR 9, North Mosca
719-378-2612
Conundrum Hot Springs
A nine-mile hike into Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area near Aspen.
970-925-3445 (White River National Forest)
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa
A funky roadside respite on your way back from adventures in the Collegiate Peaks.
18999 CR 306, Buena Vista
719-395-6434
www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com
Dakota Hot Springs
East of Cañon City, this is a laid-back, comfortable soaking opportunity not far from Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
1 Malibu Blvd., Penrose
719-372-9250
Desert Reef Hot Spring
A hidden gem in Royal Gorge country featuring views of the Wet Mountains.
1194 CR 110, Florence
719-784-6134
Dunton Hot Springs
Historic, restored, ghost-town getaway southwest of Telluride.
52068 West Fork Road, Dolores
970-882-4800
Eldorado Swimming Pool
Nice and close to Boulder, this place has character, history and the canyon next door.
294 Artesian Dr., Eldorado Springs
303-499-9640
Glenwood Hot Springs
The big daddy of them all, featuring a huge pool, water slides and all the amenities.
401 N. River St., Glenwood Springs
970-947-2955
Healing Waters Resort and Spa
Family-owned establishment that is neat and clean with a 1950s simplicity.
317 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs
970-264-5910
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa
Great variety, with about 20 different pools and tubs of various water temps to choose from.
5609 CR 20, Hot Sulphur Springs
970-725-3306
Indian Hot Springs Spa and Lodge
One of the closest commercial hot springs, if you are coming from Denver.
302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs
303-989-6666
Joyful Journey Mineral Hot Springs and Spa
A bit classier and more developed than its neighbor, Valley View.
28640 CR 58EE, Moffat
719-256-4328
www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
The
best of both worlds: developed swimming pools and hotel facilities, as
well as pools by the river.
15870 CR 162, Nathrop
719-395-2447
Old Town Hot Springs
A
family-friendly spot with something for everyone, from rock-lined pools
to water slides.
136 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs
970-879-1828
http://steamboathotsprings.org
Orvis Hot Springs
Good variety of pools with great views of the Sneffels Range.
1585 CR 3, Ridgway
970-626-5324
Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center
The big, municipal, family-friendly pools with a variety of amenities and services.
Main Street, Ouray
970-325-7073
Penny Hot Springs
Heading
south from Carbondale on Highway 133, these undeveloped pools are next
to the river at an expansive pullout on the east side of the road,
before you hit Redstone.
Piedra River Hot Springs
Undeveloped,
dug-out pools that are only a 1.5-mile hike away from the trailhead.
San Juan National Forest, 22 miles west of Pagosa Springs
970-264-2268
(Pagosa Ranger District)
Pinkerton Hot Springs
Don’t
blink, or you’ll miss it. Featuring a colorful travertine mound from
which the waters flow.
San Juan National Forest, 13 miles north of
Durango
At pullout along east side of U.S. 550
Radium Hot Springs
A remote riverside pool outside of Mugrave Campground, southwest of Kremmling.
Rainbow Hot Springs
A
great creekside spot accessible only by trail in the San Juan National
Forest, about 15 miles north of Pagosa Springs.
970-264-2268 (Pagosa
Ranger District)
Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
An
family swimming and soak center, this has the biggest indoor hot spring
pool in the state.
410 West Rainbow Blvd., Salida
719-539-6738
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and RV Park
Indoor and outdoor family-friendly pools with views of the dunes.
1991 CR 63, Hopper
719-378-2807
South Canyon Hot Springs
Undeveloped,
about six miles west of Glenwood Springs. Take exit 111 to CR 134,
cross the Colorado River, then a half-mile to a pullout where a large
white rock marks the beginning of the short walk to the pools.
Splashland
A developed but funky pool just north of Alamosa on Highway 17. A locals’ fave.
719-589-6307
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Commercial
yet rustic, secluded yet easily accessible, numerous large pools, yet
intimate.
44200 CR 36, Steamboat Springs
970-879-0342
The Springs Resort and Spa
Full-service facility featuring a stunning pink-and-orange natural travertine fountainhead.
165 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs
970-264-4168
Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs
A commercial but small pool area enjoyed by locals in the Durango area, just north of town.
6475 CR 203, Durango
970-247-0111
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs (Best Western)
Three
hot springs pools to choose from in a hotel nestled up against the
woods but near the downtown area.
125 3rd Ave., Ouray
970-325-4427
Valley View Hot Springs at Orient Land Trust
Hike up the hillside for some rustic pools with great views. Like the other less-developed offerings, clothing is optional.
64393 CR GG, Moffat
719-256-4315
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch
A combination dude ranch, hotel and hot springs.
8007 CR 887, Gunnison
970-641-1266
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
A hidden treat in the “Switzerland of the Rockies” featuring an above-ground pool and vapor caves below.
625 5th St., Ouray
970-325-4347
Yampah Spa and Salon — The Hot Springs Vapor Caves
Conveniently
located right next to Glenwood Hot Springs — kill two birds with one
stone.
709 E. 6th St., Glenwood Springs
970-945-0667
Compiled from the Internet, Touring Colorado Hot Springs, by Susan Joy Paul, based on the first edition by Carl Wambach, and Colorado’s Hot Springs, by Deborah Frazier George.
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