10 Best Hot Springs in Colorado for a Soak You’ll Never Forget
Colorado may be known for its peaks and powder, but its natural hot springs offer a different kind of high. Tucked into mountain valleys and quiet forest edges, these geothermal pools bring deep relaxation after a day outdoors.
The best part is that each spring has its style: rustic, luxurious, secluded, or family-friendly. If you’re ready to trade your boots for a towel, these spots keep you warm long after the water cools.
Ouray Hot Springs
Surrounded by jagged mountains, Ouray Hot Springs mixes alpine views with multiple soaking pools in the center of town. The water is naturally sourced but cooled to a comfortable range, perfect for long soaks. You’ll find options for both quiet relaxation and active swimming, including lanes for laps. After a soak, it’s an easy walk to shops and cafes.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Just outside of Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs blends natural beauty with handcrafted stone pools. Surrounded by trees and tucked into a quiet hillside, this spring feels like a hidden retreat. The water flows at just the right temperature, especially in winter when snow piles up around the edges. You’ll need a reservation, but the peaceful soak is well worth the planning.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, this spot is home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool. The long rectangular pool gives you plenty of space to float while watching the nearby cliffs glow at sunset. Families love the separate kids’ area and water slides, while the therapy pool invites you to slow down. It feels more like a warm community gathering than a quiet getaway.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
This riverside retreat in Glenwood Springs offers several small soaking pools with varying temperatures. Each pool is framed with stone and surrounded by trees, giving you a semi-private escape without being remote. You can move from pool to pool based on your mood, and the views of the Colorado River add a calm rhythm to your visit. It’s especially cozy in the evening when the lighting turns soft and golden.
Pagosa Springs
Located near the San Juan River, Pagosa Springs claims some of the deepest geothermal water sources in the country. The pools are part of several resorts, including a tiered setup that gives you different levels to explore. The mineral-rich water is known for its silky texture and restorative feel. It’s a favorite stop after hiking in the nearby Weminuche Wilderness.
Dunton Hot Springs
This restored ghost town in the San Juan Mountains offers hot springs with a dose of rustic luxury. The pools are tucked into a historic bathhouse, cabins, and riverside nooks, providing each soak with a distinct feel. It’s an all-inclusive resort, so the experience is curated for those looking to unwind fully. If you’re after quiet and exclusivity, this place fits the bill.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Mount Princeton Hot Springs offers a mix of traditional pools and riverside soaking spots at the base of the Collegiate Peaks. Some of the most rewarding dips happen in Chalk Creek, where hot water bubbles between smooth rocks. You can stay overnight, book a massage, or pop in for the afternoon. It’s one of those places where time slows down without trying too hard.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Just outside Buena Vista, Cottonwood Hot Springs blends simplicity with serenity. The pools are quiet and rustic, and there’s no cell service, which makes it easier to unplug. The water has a soft mineral scent and is perfect for longer soaks, especially on cooler days. It’s not flashy, but the calm is hard to beat.
Hot Sulphur Springs
These pools, tucked into a valley near Granby, are rich in history and natural minerals. The resort features a series of small, stone-framed soaking areas with varying temperatures so you can find your sweet spot. The setting is peaceful, with mountain views and little noise. Hot Sulphur Springs is a great place to relax after skiing or hiking in nearby Rocky Mountain terrain.
Conundrum Hot Springs
Reaching Conundrum Hot Springs requires a strenuous hike, but the reward is a soak with views you won’t forget. Located deep in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, the spring sits above 11,000 feet and feels completely removed from modern life. The water is warm, not hot, which makes it perfect after a long uphill climb. You’ll want to camp overnight to fully enjoy the experience without rushing.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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