Colorado is a hot springs lovers’ paradise with countless options to choose from. No two hot springs in Colorado are the same. Yet, they all provide you the opportunity to share in one of Colorado’s most unique experiences – soaking in an outdoor pool as the snow falls all around. There are hot springs in Colorado that offer a fun, family filled day complete with water slides and lazy rivers. Others offer a more private family retreat while others are seclude adult only experiences. Take a look at the list below to find a hot spring in Colorado to suit you. As you will discover, there are more than a few ways to soak your cares away in the Colorado hot springs.
Top Hot Springs in Colorado
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is my number one hot spring in Colorado to visit! It’s located in Steamboat Springs, about 15 minutes from town. You can either drive yourself, take a shuttle or stay onsite in one of the cabins or campsites (dogs are not allowed). There are a few different pools to soak in at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, all vary in temperature. The largest of the pools is luke warm and perfect for little ones as there is a shallow beach they can swim and wade in. There are also several smaller, hotter pools to help rid your body of those aches and pains. Make sure you book their Watsu treatment, it’s a signature item.
What makes Strawberry Park Hot Springs my number one hot spring to visit in Colorado isn’t just the water or Watsu treatment, it’s the remote location and breathtaking views as you soak in the water.
Things to Know if Visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs:
- If you plan to drive to Strawberry Park Hot Springs the last two miles is a gravel road. It’s a bumpy ride and if you’re in lower car it could be difficult so plan to take a shuttle. In the winter, it may be even more challenging.
- Parking is also limited.
- After dark the hot springs are adult only. At this time clothing is optional.
- Take your own picnic and water bottles, food and water are not sold onsite.
Ouray Hot Springs
Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains the Ouray Hot Springs is a perfect family escape. In operation since 1927, the Ouray Hot Springs is a 1,000,000 gallon sulfur free mineral pool open year round. Water slides, soaking pools, swimming lanes, massages and a fitness center make the Ouray Hot Springs a perfect escape for a fun family day.
Pagosa Springs
Stay at the luxury resort and spa in Pagosa Springs – The Springs Resort & Spa – and you’ll have access to the Worlds Deepest Geothermal hot spring, and maybe the most relaxing. The “Mother Spring” feeds mineral water to the resorts 23 terraced mineral baths. Back in 2011 it received the Guinness World Record title “The World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring” after having the Mother Spring measured. To date, it’s still holds the title but you’ll have to be the judge on whether or not it’s the most the relaxing. Soaking in one of the 23 mineral pools while drinking in the views of the San Juan River should help.
Avalanche Hot Springs
Trek to Redstone and you can find yourself soaking amongst the Rocky Mountains in one of three private Hot Spring pools at Avalanche Ranch. In addition to three natural hot spring pools, the ranch features 36 acres and has plenty of hiking trails, as well as a pond that is perfect for fishing. If you want to get on the river, there is access for that on site as well. The largest of the three hot spring pools is fed by a 3-foot waterfall forming a warm screen of water in front of a rock grotto. In other words, each pool offers a sense of a private retreat. If you choose to stay at Avalanche Ranch access to the hot springs is included in your cabin rental. If you’re camping nearby or staying to the Red Stone Inn you will need to make a reservation since space is limited. Remember, they’re trying to provide that private retreat type of experience. (See my guide on Redstone, Colorado.)
Hot Sulphur Springs
Located in the town of the very same name, the hot springs in Hot Sulpher Springs have been flowing for centuries. In fact, there are seven hot springs in total, and like most hot springs in Colorado they were used by the native Ute Indians for their healing properties. You can try all the different pools to find one with the perfect temperature and mountain view that suits you.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Head over to the Hot Springs Lodge in Glenwood Springs for a family-friendly experience. They claim to have the largest hot springs pool in the world, and who am I to argue. What I do know is that they offer fantastic waterslides, a great putt-putt course, and of course a full-service resort spa for that much needed alone time. It can truly be a full day of family fun. (See my review of Glenwood Hot Springs.)
The Wiesbaden’s Hot Springs Spa
The Wiesbaden is a European style historic lodge in Oury, Colorado. It offers absolutely breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Not only does it boast an outdoor swimming pool of 99 to 102 degrees, and the Lorelei, a private outdoor spa with soaking pool cave, but it’s also home to continually flowing hot springs vapor cave with 108 degrees soaking pool which means you have multiple soaking options to loosen your stiff joints.
Things to Know if Visit The Wiesbaden’s Hot Springs Spa: Children under five (5) years of age are not allowed in the spring waters.
Old Town Hot Springs
In downtown Steamboat Springs you will find Old Town Hot Springs. The Old Town Hot Springs is geared towards more of the family scene. It consists of eight Hot Springs pools, a great fitness center, fantastic tennis courts, thrilling waterslides for kids and adults, and the all-important massage service. Oh, and childcare is available (yeah for those with little ones!). You can also choose to rent a cabana and make an entire day of the affair if you wish.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Located in the mountainous area of Northrop is this favorite Hot Springs retreat. The Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is the perfect family escape. The resort features 30 small soaking pools located in Chalk Creek, Each pool is fed by its own natural geothermal hot spring that is bubbling up into the actual creek bed. A dip in one is sure to get you close to nature. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort also offers five other hot spring pool options. The Upper Pool is a must as it offers you the chance to ride the 400’ hot water slide.
These Colorado Hot Springs are sure to please. They feature some of the most picturesque locations on the planet, and the therapeutic properties are just what the doctor ordered… whether the doctor ordered them or not.
Looking for more ideas for things to do in Colorado or Colorado’s wine regions? Click on over to Carpe Travel’s Colorado Wine Travel Guide.
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.
I’ve never been able to go to a hot springs, but after seeing this, I’m really itching to go. Thanks for sharing this!