Natural hot spring · Colorado
Rainbow Hot Springs
Mineral County, Colorado · 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 104°F (40°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Pagosa Springs, CO (17 mi / 28 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Rainbow Hot Springs
Rainbow Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Mineral County, Colorado, about 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO. The nearest large city is Farmington, NM, roughly 89 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 104°F (40°C). That puts it in the "classic hot-tub range" range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
This spring comes from the US federal Thermal Springs List compiled in 1981. Nobody has confirmed it on the ground for this directory since, so treat the details as historical. Many springs on that list sit on private ranch land, so never visit without permission.
Water temperature
Classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Rainbow Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 37.51100, -106.94500.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Pagosa Springs, CO. The spring is about 17 miles (28 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Farmington, NM, about 89 miles (143 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Farmington, NM.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Rainbow Hot Springs
- Birdsie Warm Spring 86°F
- Pagosa Hot Spring 133°F
- Wagon Wheel Gap Hot Springs 135°F
- Piedra River Hot Springs 108°F
- Shaw Springs 86°F
- Pinkerton Hot Springs 90°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Rainbow Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 104°F (40°C), which is classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
Where is Rainbow Hot Springs?
Rainbow Hot Springs is in Mineral County, Colorado, about 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO. The GPS coordinates are 37.5110, -106.9450.
Can you soak at Rainbow Hot Springs?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Rainbow Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Birdsie Warm Spring, about 16 miles north. Pagosa Hot Spring is about 17 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.