State guides
Colorado Hot Springs: The Best Soaks and How to Visit
Last updated October 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Colorado’s hot springs are mostly developed: historic pools in mountain towns, built over springs that were used long before the towns existed. That makes the state one of the easiest places in the country to soak in winter, with plowed roads, changing rooms and views of snow-covered peaks. There are also a few backcountry springs for the well prepared.
The big names
Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs has been open since 1888. Its main pool is more than 400 feet long and the resort bills it as the largest hot springs pool in the world. Next door, Iron Mountain Hot Springs has many small soaking pools above the Colorado River, and the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves offer underground steam baths.
Strawberry Park near Steamboat Springs has rock-lined pools in a forested valley. Reservations are required, and the road in is steep and unpaved. Clothing is optional after dark.
Pagosa Springs in the San Juan Mountains is built around the Mother Spring, which Guinness World Records certified as the deepest known geothermal hot spring. Terraced pools line the San Juan River.
Ouray has a city-run pool complex surrounded by the steep walls of the San Juans. The drive in on the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) is part of the experience.
Backcountry and quiet soaks
Conundrum Hot Springs sits at about 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The trail is roughly 8.5 miles each way, most people camp, and overnight camping needs a permit booked in advance. Storms build fast in summer afternoons, so start early.
Valley View Hot Springs, run by the nonprofit Orient Land Trust, has natural ponds above the San Luis Valley. It is clothing optional and reservations are required.
Penny Hot Springs is a small, free riverside pool beside Highway 133 near Redstone. It floods during spring runoff and is best in fall and winter.
The Historic Hot Springs Loop
Colorado’s tourism office promotes a driving route of about 720 miles linking around 19 hot springs destinations, including Glenwood Springs, Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Ouray, Ridgway and the Arkansas Valley around Buena Vista and Salida. Plan at least five days to do it without rushing. Highlights off our list include Mount Princeton Hot Springs near Nathrop and the creekside pools at Cottonwood Hot Springs near Buena Vista.
Hot springs near Denver
The closest is Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs, about 35 miles west on I-70, with a pool, private baths and geothermal caves. Beyond that, most soaks are 2.5 to 4 hours away. See our list of hot springs near Denver and near Colorado Springs, sorted by distance.
When to go
- Winter is the classic season. Book ahead for holiday weekends and carry chains or use four-wheel drive. Mountain passes such as Vail Pass and Wolf Creek Pass can close in storms.
- Fall brings golden aspens and fewer crowds.
- Summer is busy, and some pools feel too warm on hot afternoons. Backcountry springs are only realistic from about July to October.
- Spring runoff floods riverside pools such as Penny.
Tips for Colorado soaks
- Altitude makes hot water hit harder. Drink plenty of water and keep soaks short at first.
- Many resorts now sell timed tickets online. Check before you drive.
- Remember that temperatures in our listings are usually measured at the source. Pools are cooled to a comfortable level.
Below is every Colorado spring in our directory with a temperature reading and nearest town. For the full map, see Colorado hot springs.
Springs in this guide
- Glenwood Hot Springs Grand Pool90°F
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs147°F
- Pagosa Hot Spring133°F
- Ouray Hot Springs156°F
- Conundrum Hot Springs100°F
- Valley View Hot Springs99°F
Listed Colorado hot springs
The 25 best-documented of 36 Colorado springs in our directory. See all Colorado hot springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley View Hot Springs | 99°F | Developed | Salida, CO (26 mi) |
| Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens | 127°F | Developed | Buena Vista, CO (5 mi) |
| Glenwood Hot Springs Grand Pool | 90°F | Developed | Glenwood Springs, CO |
| Orvis Hot Spring | 126°F | Developed | Ouray, CO (8 mi) |
| Strawberry Park Hot Springs | 147°F | Developed | Steamboat Springs, CO (5 mi) |
| Iron Mountain Hot Springs | Not recorded | Developed | Glenwood Springs, CO |
| Pagosa Hot Spring Free | 133°F | Natural | Pagosa Springs, CO |
| Conundrum Hot Springs | 100°F | Natural | Crested Butte, CO (11 mi) |
| Penny Hot Springs Free | 133°F | Natural | Carbondale, CO (12 mi) |
| Dunton Hot Spring | 108°F | Natural | Mountain Village, CO (17 mi) |
| Durango Hot Springs | 97°F | Natural | Durango, CO (8 mi) |
| Hot Sulphur Springs | Not recorded | Developed | Granby, CO (9 mi) |
| South Canyon Hot Springs | 100°F | Natural | Glenwood Springs, CO (5 mi) |
| Upper Waunita Hot Springs | 176°F | Natural | Gunnison, CO (23 mi) |
| Dexter Spring | 68°F | Natural | Alamosa, CO (13 mi) |
| Geyser Warm Spring | 82°F | Natural | Mountain Village, CO (19 mi) |
| Piedra River Hot Springs | 108°F | Natural | Bayfield, CO (15 mi) |
| Pinkerton Hot Springs | 90°F | Natural | Durango, CO (13 mi) |
| Radium Hot Springs | 102°F | Natural | Kremmling, CO (11 mi) |
| Shaw Springs | 86°F | Natural | Del Norte, CO (5 mi) |
| Steamboat Springs | 102°F | Natural | Steamboat Springs, CO |
| Canon City Hot Springs 1981 record | 104°F | Natural | Cañon City, CO (1 mi) |
| Dakota Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Penrose, CO (2 mi) |
| Hartsel Hot Springs 1981 record | 126°F | Natural | Buena Vista, CO (22 mi) |
| Hortense Hot Spring 1981 record | 181°F | Natural | Buena Vista, CO (8 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hot spring in Colorado?
It depends on what you want. Glenwood Hot Springs has the biggest pool, Strawberry Park has the most natural setting among developed sites, Pagosa Springs has terraced riverside pools and Conundrum is the classic backcountry soak.
Are there free hot springs in Colorado?
A few. Penny Hot Springs beside Highway 133 near Redstone and some backcountry springs are free, and Conundrum is free apart from the required overnight permit. Most Colorado springs are developed and charge entry.
What hot springs are closest to Denver?
Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs is the closest, about 35 miles west of Denver along I-70. Glenwood Springs and the Arkansas Valley springs near Buena Vista are longer day trips.