Colorado is a home of natural wonders, including hot springs that offer therapeutic and relaxing experiences for their visitors. The state is blessed with numerous hot springs that are spread across different regions and are accessible throughout the year. The diverse landscape and scenic beauty surrounding these hot springs add an extra dimension to the experience. If you are looking for a relaxing or adventurous dip in the wild, this post will guide you through some of the best hot springs in Colorado that offer a unique and memorable experience that will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed.
17 Hot Springs in Colorado
Some of these hot springs resorts include wonderful housing that is perfect for longer visits and excursions that span multiple days. Let’s get right to our recommendations for the most incredible hot springs that Colorado has to offer.
#1. Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Website: https://mtprinceton.com/
The hot springs of Mount Princeton are widely regarded as some of the finest in the state of Colorado. A stunning resort that is encircled by mountains that are above 14,000 feet in elevation. Since its opening in 1897, this historic resort has been a favored destination for visitors throughout the state of Colorado.
In addition to the stream’s two big man-made pools—an infinity pool and a waterslide pool—there are also a number of natural rock pools along the creek that are accessible only when the creek is at its lowest point, which typically occurs from the middle of summer until winter.
The riverbed feeds thermal water into these rock pools that are surrounded by boulders, and soaking in one of these pools is like entering heaven. You may easily switch pools if you are too hot or too cold since the temperatures of the pools vary depending on how much of the cold stream water seeps in. This is because of the amount of water that seeps in from the creek.
All of the pools include natural mineral water, have a temperature range of 33–120 degrees, and have no discernible odor. In-room massages, body scrubs, wraps, and facials are just some of the services that are offered at the spa, which is also located on-site.
Price: A day pass costs $35–$40 for people and $30 for seniors and kids ages 4–16. Places to Place to Stay in: You can stay in one of the rooms or cabins at Mount Princeton Resort, or you can stay in nearby Salida at The Salida Inn and Hostel, the vintage American Classic Inn, or the Browns Canyon Inn. You can rent the cute Tenderfoot Cottage or the historic Dvora’s Guest House, both of which are downtown.
#2. Penny Hot Springs
Website: https://carbondale.com
Penny Hot Springs is one of the best natural hot springs in Colorado. It is also the easiest to get to because it is just a few minutes walk from the highway south of Carbondale. Penny Hot Springs has a few different-temperature natural pools on the side of the river. There are no houses or concrete here. It’s all-natural, just like the people who soak here.
On Google Maps, you should be able to locate Penny Hot Springs. After traveling south for 12 miles from Carbondale, you will come to a parking lot that is unassuming in size and located on the side of the road. The hot springs are located in the direction that leads directly down to the river from here.
You can spend the whole day here in the middle of the mountains; when you become too warm, you can cool yourself in the tranquil Crystal River.
Accommodation is provided at no cost. You could choose to stay in a vacation rental home close to downtown Carbondale at the 8th Street Retreat or the modest house. Both are conveniently located nearby.
#3. Durango Hot Springs.
Website: https://durangohotspringsresortandspa.com/
In a manner analogous to that of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Durango Hot Springs is a very tranquil location that features a number of pools of varying temperatures dispersed throughout the slope of a hill. At the base of the hill, there is a collection of hot pools in addition to a sizable saltwater pool that is suitable for families.
The grounds are very attractive with carefully tended rock gardens, a large green lawn, and a forest that extends behind the property. There are 32 separate natural hot springs pools with thermal water that varies in temperature from 95 to 105 degrees and contains 21 different minerals. In addition to that, there is a swimming pool in the manner of a resort, as well as two cold plunge pools.
The locker rooms are really plush, and there is even a spa on the premises where you can get massages and other treatments. There is a restaurant and bar on the premises, both of which feature live music on Saturday evenings.
Price: The cost of a session lasting two and a half hours is $39 per adult and $15 for children. If feasible, you should make your reservation in advance either online or over the phone.
Places to Stay in: In Durango, Colorado, you can choose to stay at either The Strater Hotel or the General Palmer Hotel. Stay in this downtown carriage house or this urban homestead in downtown Durango, both of which are available as holiday rentals.
#4. Orvis Hot Springs
Website: https://orvishotsprings.com
Orvis Hot Springs is widely regarded as one of the state’s most impressive natural hot springs. The villages of Ridgway and Ouray are separated by this serene and tranquil oasis. The location of this clothing-optional hot spring, which is contained within a walled garden, affords views of the surrounding mountains. There are seven outdoor pools, some of which include the pebble-bottom pond, a silent pond, a cold plunge, and a lobster pot. Additionally, there are three indoor pools, two of which are private and do not incur any additional fees. In addition to that, there is a sauna.
There are seven naturally occurring minerals in the water, and they help alleviate the symptoms of illnesses like arthritis, in addition to reducing feelings of tension and worry.
Because there is a small kitchen with complimentary hot drinks, a number of seating spaces on the property, and a large amount of room in the garden to laze in the sun, you could bring a book with you and spend the entire day here if you want to.
Price: The cost is $28 per person each day.
Places to Stay in: There are rooms available, as well as camping, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. In any other case, you should consider staying in Ouray at the Ouray Inn or the Timber Ridge Lodge. This recently remodeled historic home is located in the middle of downtown, while this newly refurbished studio apartment is located on the river. Both are available for short-term rentals.
Read BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE U.S.
#5. Wiesbaden Hot Springs, Ouray
Website: www.wiesbadenhotsprings.com
The Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa in downtown Ouray is home to a modest thermal pool, which can be found inside an underground vapor cave. This makes it one of the most distinctive hot springs on the list. This vapor cave is wonderful, and you can get to it by entering via the basement of the building that houses the spa.
In addition to the vapor cave and the hot spring that is located underground, there is also an outdoor hot springs pool that you are free to use, as well as a sunroom that is furnished with loungers where you may cool off after being exposed to the intense heat of the vapor cave. You can also pay an additional fee to reserve access to a private pool with a waterfall that is located outside.
Price: The cost is $25 per participant for a duration of two hours. The private waterfall pool costs $35 for one hour for up to two people to use. Make sure to call ahead to find out if there are any rooms available because if the hotel is completely full, there could not be any rooms left for walk-ins.
Places to Stay in: Spend the night in one of the hotel rooms, cabins, or suites that are located on the premises. There is also the option of staying at the Ouray Inn or the quaint Timber Ridge Lodge. This recently remodeled historic home is located in the middle of downtown, while this newly refurbished studio apartment is located on the river. Both are available for short-term rentals.
#6. Hot Sulphur Springs
Website: https://www.hotsulphursprings.com
The Hot Sulphur Springs Resort is a rustic hot spring resort that features 15 thermal pools spread out over a hillside. Each pool has a unique temperature and mineral composition. Hot Sulphur Springs might not have the same level of sophistication as Iron Mountain or Durango Hot Springs, but it does have a more laid-back and tranquil atmosphere, in addition to a greater number of pools in which to relax.
The majority of the pools are located outside and range in size from teeny-tiny tubs that may accommodate up to four people to big pools located close to the main entrance. If you don’t feel like braving the cold throughout the winter, there are also several pools that are indoors.
Price: A day pass costs $26 for adults and $14 for children between the ages of 4 and 11. There is no need to make a reservation in advance.
Places to Stay in: The Canyon Motel in town as well as the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort. You can rent out either this contemporary-rustic luxury rock house or this hot sulfur springs cottage for your next holiday.
#7. Pagosa Hot Springs
Website: https://www.hotsulphursprings.com
Pagosa Springs is one of the best and very natural hot springs in the state of Colorado. If you’ve got a few dollars to spare, it will be well worth it to experience the springs since it is an amazing stunner.
The Springs is a vast hot spring resort that overlooks the San Juan River and has 25 pools of various temperatures and sizes, all of which are fed by one gigantic spring – the world’s deepest spring at a depth of 1,002 feet. In addition, The Springs is home to a spa that offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
The pools have temperatures ranging from 45 to 114 degrees. It also features a chilly plunge, waterfall pools, a pool with hot river mud, and pools with jacuzzi jets. These pools offer virtually everything a person who enjoys hot springs could want.
Other on-site amenities include a magnificent bathhouse, a cafe, a grill, a bar, and a full-service spa offering a variety of services such as massages, facials, and body scrubs.
Price: Day passes cost $65 for adults and $35 for children aged 3 to 12 years old; however, day passes are complimentary for those who book an overnight stay at the resort. Make your reservation as soon as possible by calling.
Places to Stay in: You can choose to stay at The Springs Resort and Spa, which is located on the property, or you can stay in town at Fireside Cabins or the Nightingale Motel.
#8. Cottonwood Hot Springs
Website: https://cottonwood-hot-springs.com
On my list of the greatest hot springs in Colorado, you’ll find that the Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa has a hippie-like atmosphere, and it’s one of the more reasonably priced options.
This tranquil hot spring, which can be found in the Collegiate Peaks is the ideal place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of the iconic Colorado Rocky Mountains. There are five pools, and their temperatures range from 94 to 110 degrees. None of the pools include any additional chemicals, and all of the pools contain minerals that occur naturally.
In addition to the complimentary use of a dry sauna, visitors have access to an endless supply of natural mineral drinking water. Massages are available from Saturday through Monday in the spa that is located on-site.
As a genuine haven of peace, staying on site here comes highly recommended by industry professionals. In the basic yet quaint rooms and cabins, you won’t find any WiFi or electrical equipment, and the bedding is constructed entirely out of organic and natural materials.
Price: Prices range from $20 to $24 for adults, with children under 16 paying between $18 and $20. There is no need to make a reservation in advance.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood: Stay in a dorm, hotel room, lodge, or camp that is located on the premises. You also have the option of staying in the adjacent Buena Vista at Five Peaks Cabin or in the opulent Surf Hotel & Chateau.
#9. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Website: https://www.ironmountainhotsprings.com
The Iron Mountain Hot Springs complex features 17 separate bathing pools with temperatures ranging from 98 to 108 degrees and a total of 14 distinct minerals. The pools are dispersed throughout a hillside that provides a view of the Colorado River and is surrounded on all sides by mountains.
There is soothing music playing, the scenery is breathtaking, and children are not permitted in the soaking pools unless they are accompanied by an adult. Therefore, it is accurate to say that this setting is calm and soothing.
There is a large pool that is suitable for families to use, and there is also an elevated spa pool that looks out over the main pool so that parents can keep an eye on their children as they relax.
In addition, there is a well-equipped bathhouse on the premises that features private showers, amenities, hairdryers, and lockers. Additionally, there is a cafe on the premises that serves beverages in the morning, lunch, and dinner.
Price: Price ranges from $36 to $48 per person for a 3-hour time slot, depending on the day of the week and the time of day. Make sure you make your reservation in advance online. Passes for an entire day of soaking start at $100.
Places to Stay in: Choose between the Hotel Denver and the Starlight Lodge. Casa Del Sol offers holiday rentals, and this contemporary one-bedroom apartment can be found in the heart of downtown Glenwood Springs.
Final Words
Well, there you have it. Our top 9 picks for the best hot springs in Colorado. Do well to visit one or more of these springs on your next holiday trip. You’re going to be happy you did.
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