10 Best Hot Springs in Colorado

At the Pagosa hot springs, you can take a dip in the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring while taking in views of mountains and the San Juan National Forest. You’ll find the most famous facilities for visitors at the Springs Resort & Spa. Overlook Hot Springs also has many pools with sprawling views of the surrounding wilderness.  

If you want to see the Pagosa hot springs from above before soaking in a mineral pool, you can hike to a nearby mountain peak such as Oak Brush Hill or Billy Goat Point. If you’re travelling with kids, you might want to meet the animals at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. 

The family-friendly Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort’s highlights include an array of riverside pools heated by water bubbles rising from the sandy creek bed. There’s also a historic bathhouse that dates back to the 1860s. For kids, the resort’s standout feature is a 120-metre-long waterslide. 

You’ll find the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop, which is just a short distance south of Buena Vista. These hot springs tend to be busiest between May and August, when nearby natural highlights like the San Isabel National Forest attract visitors to the area. 

Home to 16 pools on the banks of the Colorado River, Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a variety of areas for both families and privacy. For adults, facilities include private hot spring pools and jetted spa tubs. The freshwater pool is popular with younger visitors. You can grab delicious bites at the onsite Sopris Café.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located in Glenwood Springs, one of Colorado's true spring towns. While Iron Mountain doesn't offer lodging to keep the focus on the spa experience, you'll find historic hotels such as The Hotel Denver and the Hotel Colorado nearby.

At the Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, you can relax in hot spring pools that reach temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the surroundings of the Yampa Valley. You can also de-stress in private massage huts and with experiences such as watsu water therapy. Camping and rustic cabins are available if you want to spend the night.

It takes about 15 minutes to drive to Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs from the nearest town of Steamboat Springs, where you'll see mountain peaks that become popular ski resorts during winter. You'll find plenty of hotels in the town, plus leisure outlets ranging from golf courses to botanic parks.

For a spa day at a resort with a fascinating history, visit the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa, where you'll discover a hot spring resort that originally opened around 150 years ago, although the Ute people used the hot springs centuries prior. The current, renovated resort opened in 1997 after being blessed by a Ute spiritual leader.

Situated in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, the resort of the same name is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring nearby attractions like Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Lodging is available at the resort if you want to stay in the area.

The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to a 405-foot-long hot spring swimming pool, which you can see while driving west along the I-70 highway. If you want to unwind, you can book a session at the spa in a quiet area. Younger visitors might get more excitement from river tubing or the waterslides at the splash zone. 

In addition to geothermal pools and family-friendly facilities, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort boasts hydrotherapy lounges, poolside cabanas, and a delicious onsite restaurant. If visiting from Denver, consider taking the train – you'll be rewarded with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.

For a retreat into nature and a break from modern life, head to the Orvis Hot Springs, where you can kick back in soaking areas at an electronics-free resort with a laid-back vibe. Camping and a handful of low-key lodges are available, and clothing is always optional.

You’ll find the Orvis Hot Springs in the town of Ridgway, making it an ideal place from which to explore the ski slopes and ice-climbing trails of the Ridgway State Park. If you’re travelling on a budget, you can make use of the resort’s communal kitchen facilities.

The centrepiece of the Ouray Hot Springs is a large swimming pool set in a canyon flanked by 13,000-ft mountains. At the end of the main pool, you can relax in the warm waters of the terraced springs. The kids can play on the climbing wall and ride the facility's waterslides.

While the Ouray Hot Springs Pool does not offer lodging, you can secure accommodation at lodges, cabins, hotels, and bed and breakfasts in the town of Ouray. Visit in winter to avoid the summer crowds – the snow-capped mountains add a touch of magic to the hot spring experience.

Situated in the quaint town of Moffat in the San Luis Valley resort, Valley View Hot Springs is a celebration of naturism in every way, which means the views are phenomenal and clothing is optional. You can soak in up to 7 pools, the highlight being the Waterfall Pond. All-season lodging and camping options are available.

In addition to thermal pools with scenic views of nature, Valley View Hot Springs boasts detoxing facilities that include a cooling basin, sauna, and massage therapist. Visitors of all ages are welcome at this rustic resort. While you’re here, make the most of the valley views by following the resort’s hiking trails.