After a day of skiing, hiking, biking, running, walking or some other form of exhilarating outdoor fun, there’s nothing like a long soak in a natural hot spring. Luckily for visitors to Colorado, there is no shortage of hot spring choices in the state. Here, a local shares her tips on where to find the best hot springs in Colorado.
Whether summer or winter, natural mineral hot springs in Colorado are a must-do activity in Colorado. The feeling of sitting slopeside or creekside in a hot soaking tub while snow drifts down around and on you is an experience not to miss. Fortunately many of Colorado’s hot springs are located near ski resorts making them the perfect end to a day on the slopes.
Of course, the summer is when Colorado hot springs come alive with fun. Waterslides and water thrill rides open and the hot springs become about fun as well as relaxation.
Here’s where to find the best hot springs in Colorado.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
415 E 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
SheBuysTravel contributor Tami Mittan says that Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is conveniently located right along Colorado’s I-70 in Glenwood Springs. Easy to find, and centrally located in the state, it’s an excellent place to stop and spend a couple of days. People come from miles around to enjoy the world’s largest hot springs pool, hike or ski in nearby mountains and take in the ambiance of this hip mountain town.
But for Mittan, the highlight of this area is definitely the therapeutic, mineral rich swimming pool – loved and enjoyed by young and old alike. Staying at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will put you in the closest possible accommodations, and actually includes unlimited admission to the hot springs pool.
The big draw here, according to Mittan, is absolutely the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. And quite a draw it is, for everyone from Denver area residents who will drive nearly three hours in order to visit, to international vacationers you’ll hear speaking a variety of languages.
These hot springs became even more fun for families with the addition of Sopris Splash Zone. There’s fun for all ages with Shoshone Chutes thrill ride on a tube, Hanging Lake with waterslides for young kids and the beautiful Grand Fountain that lights up after dark.
In addition, the property offers rejuvenating spa services at the on-site Spa of the Rockies. But check before you go as spas were impacted by the pandemic.
Ute Native Americans were the first known visitors to these therapeutic, 15 minerals-rich hot springs that flow along the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. The original red sandstone bathhouse and lodge used for the Glenwood Hot Springs was built in 1890.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to check out all of the fun things to do in Glenwood Springs!
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
281 Centennial St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Glenwood Springs isn’t just home to the oldest hot springs pool in the country, but also to a handful of unique hot springs with their own charm. Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the newest of the hot springs in the area and gets its hot mineral waters from the same source as Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.
Here sixteen small and relaxing mineral hot tubs are scattered throughout the property located right on the Colorado River. These soaking pools are all at different temperatures. It is fun to make your way from one of the mineral pools to the other, experiencing each.
At the west end there’s also a large family pool perfect for the kids to play in. And, a large hot tub overlooks it where parents can watch their kids play below.
SheBuysTravel Tip: While you might think of hot springs for relaxation, it is also one of our favorite things to do in Colorado with kids for FUN!
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Located seven miles outside of Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs are well worth a visit. In fact, some people come to the area specifically to visit them.
The best way to access these hot springs is with a shuttle. Note that if you do drive, November 1st to May 1st a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires or a vehicle with chains is required to be on the last two miles of the road.
Lodging options are unique. In addition to pitching a tent at one of the campsites, rustic cabins, covered wagons and even a train caboose are also available for nightly rental.
Of course the reason to visit is to relax in the five cascading natural hot mineral-rich pools surrounded by the beautiful Colorado landscape.
Old Town Hot Springs
136 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Located in the heart of Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs offers a convenient location at which to enjoy all-natural mineral hot springs at 102 – 103 degrees. In addition to the heart spring for ages 15+, there’s a main pool for all ages, two spa pools and fun water slides.
This is the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating day skiing the slopes of Steamboat Springs Resort.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
Located in a beautiful area of Colorado near Salida and Buena Vista, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a popular one. From cliff side hotel rooms to large cabins, this 70-acre property offers a variety of lodging options.
The creek side pools offer a natural ambiance, and the upper Japanese style pools boast scenic views. Several of the pools are family firendly. And, in the summer there is even a water slide. But there are a couple of pools reserved for over 16, providing more relaxation.
The Springs Resort & Spa
323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
With mineral waters direct from the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer, The Springs Resort & Spa boasts a beautiful location on the San Juan River. Here twenty-five mineral pools line the river banks, all with different temperatures and views.
When you stay at the resort you have 24-hour access to the pools, and can enjoy Aqua Yoga and Forest Bathing Hikes. But day passes are also available providing access to all of the pools, and you could always add on a spa treatment while there.
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort
304 S Lena St, Ridgway, CO 81432
SheBuysTravel contributor Tami Mittan says that Chipeta Solar Springs Resort is located in an uncrowded, beautiful corner of Colorado. It’s a relaxing place to stay and enjoy Western Colorado beauty. Two outdoor solar-heated thermal pools are open year round, making it a family-friendly resort with a special addition.
If you’ve got extra time for a spa treatment, facial, or yoga class, they have an impressive spa and studio right on site. With only 25 lodging units, be sure to book early if you plan to visit during the peak times of summer, fall colors or ski season. The resort offers a range of standard or deluxe rooms, or one and two bedroom condos. The nicer units feature a fireplace and personal hot tub on the deck.
This is a gorgeous and relatively uncrowded corner of Colorado. Bring the camera; you’ll be surrounded by some breathtaking Rocky Mountain skylines.
Dunton Hot Springs
8532 Road 38, Rico, CO 81332
Located outside of Telluride not too far from Durango, Dunton Hot Springs is an old miners camp turned ghost town turned luxury hot springs.
As pricing reflects, this luxury hot springs resort is a unique and special experience.
Here log cabins and glamping tents are meticulously decorated with unique furnishings and artifacts to reflect the character of the area. Views are breathtaking. Over-the-top culinary experiences are included in the nightly rate. And, the mineral rich hot springs are exclusively accessible to resort guests.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
1220 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
Underground fissures of 80 to 150 degrees under the Uncompahgre River created odorless hot springs now run by the town of Ouray. Here five mineral-rich pools are open to the public year-round.
Two waterslides provide fun for the young at heart, while an adults only pool is perfect for relaxation.
There is no resort or lodge attached to the hot springs as it was intended for community use. But now is also a draw for visitors to beautiful Ouray.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Just outside of Buena Vista and surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn offers a variety of natural mineral pools with a variety of temperatures. Day passes are available. Or, you can stay in a rustic cabin or at the inn. There’s also tent camping and RV sites.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
5609 Spring Rd, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa is a low-key hot springs located in a beautiful area of Colorado. It is located tucked away on a beautiful drive from Eagle County to Grand County. Lodging is available though it is best known for the hot springs, which you can easily sniff out as you drive through this tiny town.
