Colorado is home to some of the most remarkable hot springs in the world. There are over two dozen natural hot springs scattered across the state and each offers a unique experience to visitors.
These hot springs are perfect to soothe your aching muscles, take a romantic dip with your partner, or just recharge in view of the most gorgeous landscapes. The minerals present in Colorado’s natural hot springs provide an almost therapeutic, healing experience.
Here is an ultimate guide to visiting Colorado’s best natural hot springs.
Also Read: 23 Best Waterfalls in Colorado
Best Natural Hot Springs in Colorado
Colorado’s natural hot springs offer a magical retreat to visitors.
From rustic mountain cabins to bubbling creeks and majestic views, each destination offers something special and unforgettable.
Here are the best natural hot springs in Colorado to visit this winter.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is located in the charming town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
It can be easily reached by car, bus, or even train. The drive from Denver to Glenwood Springs takes about 2.5-3 hours, and it is roughly the same distance from Grand Junction.
Both trips offer beautiful sights of mountains and rivers along the way.
The Amtrak train service also stops at Glenwood Springs, making it a convenient option for those traveling from further afield.
The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is a paid facility that provides a luxurious experience to its visitors.
The resort features two massive hot springs pools – one for relaxation and another with a temperature more suited for swimming.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool has a temperature of 90-93°F, and its smaller counterpart, The Therapy Pool, has a temperature of 104°F.
The resort also offers various spa services like massages and hydrotherapy treatments, perfect for pampering yourself after a long day of outdoor activities.
South Canyon Hot Springs
Also located near Glenwood Springs, you will hind a hidden gem – South Canyon Hot Springs!
Easily accessible by car, it’s just a short 15-minute drive from Glenwood Springs, and around three to four hours from Denver and Grand Junction respectively.
The route is well-marked and offers striking views of the Colorado landscape.
Unlike many other popular hot springs destinations in Colorado, South Canyon Hot Springs is a public site with no entry fees.
Its rustic and untouched nature appeals to those seeking a more down-to-earth and authentic hot springs experience.
While it does not feature any resort-style amenities such as a spa or massage facilities, this also makes it a quieter, less crowded destination which can be particularly appealing to couples.
Given its more rugged and undeveloped state, it might not be the best choice for families with young children.
Visiting South Canyon Hot Springs gives you the chance to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by native flora and fauna, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
It’s an experience that embodies the simple yet profound pleasures of connecting with nature.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Cottonwood Hot Springs is located in the town of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Accessing the hot springs is straightforward as it’s about a two-hour drive from either Colorado Springs or Denver.
The drive is scenic, full of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking mountain views.
Cottonwood Hot Springs is a commercial hot spring resort that requires an entry fee.
It’s a family-friendly location with hot springs of varying temperatures, making it suitable for both adults and children.
The resort also provides lodging facilities and a full range of services including a spa, making it an excellent choice for weekend getaways.
Visiting Cottonwood Hot Springs is an opportunity to experience the healing powers of nature first-hand.
The resort provides a setting that promotes relaxation and wellness, with the added benefit of beautiful surroundings.
Conundrum Hot Springs
Conundrum Hot Springs is located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, Colorado.
As one of the more secluded hot springs on this list, it’s only accessible by a 9-mile hike through scenic trails and beautiful landscapes.
Due to its remote location, Conundrum Hot Springs is typically less crowded than other destinations, allowing for a more serene and peaceful experience.
It also offers camping facilities nearby, making it an ideal option for a multi-day adventure.
The hot springs themselves are nestled in a gorgeous alpine valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
The pools have varying temperatures due to the natural flow of water, creating a unique and ever-changing experience.
Ouray Hot Springs
Ouray Hot Springs, in the San Juan mountains, is a favorite with many visitors.
Located in the high-altitude town of Ouray, Ouray Hot Springs showcases the natural beauty of Southwest Colorado’s mountain ranges.
This commercial hot springs facility is not just for adults looking for a relaxing soak, but also for children who can enjoy the cooler pools available.
Temperatures in the pools range from a warm 75°F to a steamy 105°F, perfect for any preference.
This makes it an excellent choice for families and couples alike.
Beyond the hot springs, Ouray Hot Springs also provides guests with amenities such as a fitness center, a massage center, and even water slides for the younger visitors.
When you visit Ouray Hot Springs, you are signing up for more than just a soak. This is a place that embodies wellness, recreation, and the beauty of Colorado’s outdoors.
Orvis Hot Spring
Orvis Hot Springs is situated in Ridgway, Colorado.
This accessible location is approximately a five-hour drive from Denver, with stunning landscapes to view during your trip.
Orvis Hot Springs is a commercial facility with an entry fee, but the experience it provides makes every penny worthwhile.
The springs at Orvis are known for their mineral-rich, hot waters that provide a therapeutic soak to visitors.
This retreat features multiple outdoor soaking areas with temperatures ranging from 98°F to 112°F, plus an indoor pool and tub for those who prefer privacy.
The scenic beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks adds to the overall experience, making your visit even more memorable.
In terms of amenities, Orvis Hot Springs does not disappoint.
The facility provides clean and comfortable changing rooms, showers, and restrooms.
There is also a well-maintained picnic area where visitors can enjoy a meal.
On top of that, if the plan is to extend the trip over a couple of days, lodging options are available on site.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Located on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, you will find Iron Mountain Hot Springs pool.
It features numerous soaking pools, each with different temperatures and mineral compositions, making it a perfect spot to relax.
In addition to the hot springs, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities such as a cafe, a gift shop, and locker rooms.
Surrounded by Colorado’s beautiful landscapes, Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides a wonderful atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs is amongst the best natural hot springs pools in Colorado.
Reaching the hot springs is a journey of around three hours by car from Denver, punctuated by magnificent views of Colorado’s diverse landscape.
This hot springs destination is more of a rural retreat than a commercial resort. Despite an admission fee, it offers a less refined, more authentic hot springs experience.
It’s worth noting that while the hot springs are open to families during the day, the site becomes adults-only after dark, providing a peaceful retreat for couples.
While there are no spa services, guests have the option to book private massage sessions.
A visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs promises a unique encounter with Colorado’s natural beauty.
The hot springs, surrounded by towering trees, fill the air with a sense of peace and relaxation.
Here, you can soak in the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters, unwind, and find respite from the pace of daily life.
The combination of its natural setting, soothing waters, and the quiet that it provides make it a must-visit destination.
Pagosa Springs Hot Springs
Pagosa Springs Hot Springs, situated in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a unique hot springs destination.
Known for having the deepest geothermal hot spring, this spot is a paid-entry location with well-maintained amenities.
The hot springs resort is an excellent choice for couples seeking a soul-soothing soak, but might not be as appealing for younger visitors due to the high temperatures of the waters.
The springs are equipped with comfort-centric amenities such as changing rooms, restrooms, locker rentals, and a gift shop.
At Pagosa Springs Hot Springs, you can experience the healing powers of geothermal waters in a comfortable and well-equipped setting.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort, located in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, is a popular destination renowned for its geothermal hot springs.
The resort is situated in the vicinity of the Colorado River and is about a two-hour drive from Denver.
Its location provides visitors with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, making it much more than a place to soak and relax.
The resort features a total of 21 mineral pools and baths that are naturally heated by the earth’s core. The water, rich in minerals, is free from any added chemicals.
These springs have temperatures ranging from 95°F to 112°F, providing an enjoyable and rejuvenating experience for guests.
In addition to the hot springs, the resort also houses a full-service spa where guests can indulge in a variety of treatments.
From deep tissue massages to body wraps, the spa aims to promote relaxation and well-being.
The resort provides guests with a comfortable setting, quality services, and a sense of connection to the natural world.
Radium Hot Springs
Located in Grand County near Kremmling, you will find the underrated Radium Hot Springs.
This is an open-air, natural hot spring that promises a unique and invigorating experience.
Unlike commercial hot spring resorts, Radium Hot Springs is free to the public, making it a perfect spot to immerse in Colorado’s raw beauty.
While the location is not typically ideal for young children due to the hike required to reach it, it makes a great destination for couples or groups seeking a more adventurous hot spring experience.
The water’s temperature can reach comfortable warmth, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing soak.
However, amenities are limited due to its natural setting.
The trail leading to the hot springs also offers a view of the breathtaking Colorado River, amplifying the overall experience.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Located in Nathrop, Colorado, the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort can be reached by taking Highway 24 and then turning onto County Road 162.
This scenic route offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a private institution ideal for families with children or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The resort lays claim to a variety of hot springs, including creekside hot springs, upper pools with a 400 foot water slide, and the relaxing spa and club.
Each of these thermal areas provides different temperature experiences, while the spa offers a selection of massages for a rejuvenating experience.
A visit to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers a unique opportunity to experience the therapeutic effects of mineral-rich hot springs.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Joyful Journey Hot Springs is a distinguished destination located in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. It is about three hours’ drive from Denver and two hours from Colorado Springs.
This hot spring resort is known for its mineral-rich waters that are believed to have healing properties.
The waters of Joyful Journey originate from an underground aquifer that rises to the surface naturally, warmed by the earth’s core to a soothing temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are three pools available for guests, each maintained at a different temperature to suit individual preferences.
The views from the pools are spectacular, with the Sangre de Cristo mountains in full sight, creating a rejuvenating ambiance.
The resort is not only about the hot springs. It also provides accommodation options that include hotel-style rooms, yurts, and camping spaces, making it accessible to different preferences and budgets.
The on-site spa provides various wellness treatments such as massages and facial services, promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Rainbow Hot Springs
Rainbow Hot Springs is a unique destination located within the San Juan National Forest in Colorado.
It is recognized for its geothermal waters that have a relaxing effect on both the body and the mind.
The incredible location of the hot springs, surrounded by raw and natural beauty, contributes to its charm.
Access to Rainbow Hot Springs requires a hike of about 4.5 miles, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity before a relaxing soak.
The hike introduces visitors to the stunning landscapes of Colorado, with towering trees and clear blue skies overhead.
The hot springs themselves are divided into two main pools, each with their own unique characteristics.
The larger pool is near the river, allowing the sound of flowing water to add to the calming ambiance.
The smaller pool is slightly higher, providing an extended view of the surrounding forest.
The temperatures of the pools vary, but typically hover around a comfortable 100 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for unwinding after the hike.
Rainbow Hot Springs doesn’t have the amenities of a commercial resort, but this only adds to its appeal for visitors seeking an authentic, natural hot springs experience.
Penny Hot Springs
Penny Hot Springs is a delightful hot springs destination located on the banks of Crystal River in Pitkin County, Colorado.
The site is named for Dan Penny, an entrepreneur who capitalized on the area’s geothermal activity in the 1890s.
The hot springs are easily accessible, situated just off Highway 133.
The area around Penny Hot Springs is free of commercial development, providing an unspoiled natural experience for visitors looking to enjoy the geothermal waters in a raw, untouched setting.
Visitors to Penny Hot Springs will find a simple, single pool, which is naturally heated by the geothermal activity underneath.
The pool’s temperature varies with the river’s flow and the time of year, but it usually hovers around a soothing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a delightful spot for a hot soak amid the stark beauty of the Crystal River.
The large rocks around the pool not only offer a place to sit and enjoy the warm waters but also serve as natural dividers between the river and the hot spring pool.
Visitors should note that Penny Hot Springs doesn’t provide any amenities like changing rooms or restrooms.
It’s recommended to come prepared, wearing swimwear under your clothes, and to bring towels and drinking water.
Along with a peaceful respite, these Colorado hot springs pools and resorts offer incredible amenities as well as health benefits.
From skin treatments to muscle relaxation massages, visitors can pick from an array of services at Colorado’s many hot springs.
Soaking in one of Colorado’s top natural hot springs offers a unique experience that promotes overall wellness as well as inner peace.
Which is your favorite hot spring in Colorado? Let us know below about the best hot springs in the Centennial State.