Natural hot spring · Colorado
Upper Waunita Hot Springs
Gunnison County, Colorado · 23 miles east of Gunnison, CO
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 176°F (80°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Gunnison, CO (23 mi / 37 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Upper Waunita Hot Springs
Upper Waunita Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Gunnison County, Colorado, about 23 miles east of Gunnison, CO. The nearest large city is Colorado Springs, CO, roughly 94 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 176°F (80°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
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.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
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.
Water chemistry
| potassium | 10 mg/l |
|---|
Laboratory values from public geochemistry records, sampled 1993. Mineral content does not mean the water is safe to drink.
Map and directions
Red marks Upper Waunita Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 38.51400, -106.50800.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Gunnison, CO. The spring is about 23 miles (37 km) east of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Colorado Springs, CO, about 94 miles (151 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Colorado Springs, CO.
- 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 Upper Waunita Hot Springs
- Lower Waunita Hot Springs 167°F
- Hortense Hot Spring 181°F
- Poncha Hot Springs 160°F
- Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens 127°F
- Conundrum Hot Springs 100°F
- Valley View Hot Springs 99°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 Upper Waunita Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 176°F (80°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Upper Waunita Hot Springs?
Upper Waunita Hot Springs is in Gunnison County, Colorado, about 23 miles east of Gunnison, CO. The GPS coordinates are 38.5140, -106.5080.
Can you soak at Upper Waunita Hot Springs?
The source is too hot to enter safely. 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 Upper Waunita Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Lower Waunita Hot Springs, about under 1 mile northwest. Hortense Hot Spring is about 23 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 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
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.