Photo: via Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Experience Tranquility at the 15 Best Hot Springs in Colorado

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It’s hard to think of a better experience than visiting hot springs in Colorado. Between the beautiful views, healing waters, and overall good vibes, it’s worth it to check them out as often as you can. 

Are you wondering, “Where are the best hot springs in Colorado?” The answer is: pretty much everywhere! Whether you’re looking for a tranquil soak after a day of skiing or the opportunity to switch between warm mineral waters and cold plunges, there’s sure to be the perfect hot spring experience for you. 

Here are our recommendations for the best hot springs in Colorado.

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The Best Hot Springs Within Two Hours of Denver 

Photo: via Indian Hot Springs

Cottonwood Hot Springs

18999 County Rd. 306, Buena Vista

  • Hours:  8 a.m.-midnight daily
  • Cost: $35 for adults and $25 for children under 16 Monday through Thursday, and $45 for adults and $35 for children Friday through Sunday and holidays
  • Best for: A relaxing soak after a day of adventuring in the mountains

A long day of adventuring in the Collegiate Peaks might have you searching “hot springs near me” in your maps app the second you get back to the trailhead, and this is easily one of the best options for soothing your muscles via a rejuvenating soak. Nestled about five miles west of Buena Vista, these all-natural hot springs have been used by the native Ute people who called this place home for centuries, and the same minerals they once sought are still a key component of this relaxing experience amid the high peaks. Choose from one of five pools ranging from 80 to 106 degrees and bask in the glory of one of the most lovely hot springs in Colorado. 

Eldorado Springs Resort

294 Artesian Dr., Eldorado Springs

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and during the weekends in September
  • Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for children under 13
  • Best for: Enjoying a summer day with some epic views

While there aren’t any official Boulder, Colorado hot springs, if you head just up the road, you’ll find a lovely pool that’s the perfect place for a mountain soak. The Eldorado Springs’ Colorado Hot Springs aren’t technically hot, but they’re still the perfect setting for a day spent basking in mineral waters surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs. You’ll be a part of history, too; this resort has been around since 1905 and has welcomed Dwight and Marie Eisenhower, as well as boxer Jack Dempsey, as guests. 

Indian Hot Springs

302 Soda Creek Rd., Idaho Springs

  • Hours: 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily, with slightly different hours for different pool areas
  • Cost: $30-40 per person, depending on which experience you select
  • Best for: Jimmy Buffett fans and those who want a hot springs experience close to Denver

Whether you’re looking for a warm pool in a tropical Jimmy Buffett environment or a relaxing soak in steam-filled caves, you’ll find something to love at this spot that might just be one of the most unique hot springs in Colorado. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a very quick drive from Denver (that is, if Interstate 70 traffic behaves). The kids will love splashing around in the turquoise mineral pool, and the adults in your group will be all about the caves and mud spa. No matter what, be sure to explore downtown Idaho Springs once you’re finished. 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

15870 Co. Rd 162, Nathrop

  • Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
  • Cost: $40 for adults and $35 for children/seniors Monday through Thursday, and $45 for adults and $40 for children/seniors Friday through Sunday
  • Best for: Those who appreciate both stunning views and waterslides

If you ask a local, “what are the best hot springs in Colorado?,” this is definitely one of the most common answers. A big part of the appeal at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is the views, where you can see its namesake mountain’s famous chalk cliffs as well as wide vistas throughout the Collegiate Peaks. The overall experience is pretty awesome, too, with opportunities to get some adrenaline in on the twin 700-foot waterslides as well as some serious relaxation in the riverside pools. If you choose to stay at the resort, you can even snag complimentary mountain bike or cross-country ski rentals, depending on the season.

Raspberry Hot Springs

899 Chinook Rd., Idaho Springs

  • Hours: By reservation only
  • Cost: Prices vary by time and day, with one-hour soaks starting at $137.22 for two guests
  • Best for: A secluded hot springs experience that doesn’t feel like it’s within driving distance to Denver

If you’re looking for a super social hot springs experience, then this is definitely not it. But, if you want to round up a small group and soak up both the sunset and some cleansing mineral water, then this is definitely the hot springs pool in Colorado for you. These springs are reservation only, with options for both day and nighttime soaks. A heads up: Even though it’s pretty close to Idaho Springs, getting here can be a challenge thanks to the rugged dirt road leading up to the property. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with a high clearance are required — but honestly, that’s a pretty great ingredient for an amazing hot springs in Colorado experience. 

The Best Hot Springs More Than Two Hours from Denver 

Photo: Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Kit Leong via Shutterstock.com

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

281 Centennial St., Glenwood Springs

  • Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
  • Cost: $48-$116 per person, depending on which experience you choose
  • Best for: A Glenwood hot springs without the crowds

If you’re looking for a slightly smaller hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, than the one you see from the highway, then this is definitely the spot for you. Iron Mountain Hot Springs visitors get access to 16 mineral pools as well as a large family pool, and there’s even the option to snag snacks and beverages (including beer, wine, and cocktails) at the on-site cafe. If you ask a Western Slope local where are the best hot springs in Colorado, this would be a frequent answer — and for good reason!

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

1220 Main St., Ouray

  • Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 
  • Cost: $18 for youth 3-17, $30 for adults 18-64, $24 for seniors 65-74, $10 for super seniors over 75, and free for kids under 3
  • Best for: An energetic soak in one of Colorado’s most beautiful places

Visiting a hot springs pool in Colorado is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but sometimes the sulphur smell can be a lot. This natural spot offers all of the fun without the sulphur — and it happens to be right in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Choose between the hot overlook pool (which gets up to 106 degrees), play some volleyball, hit the rock wall in the cooler activity pool, or get in a workout by swimming some laps. Through it all, you will enjoy some of the most scenic hot springs Colorado has to offer. 

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs

44200 County Rd. 36, Steamboat Springs

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday
  • Cost: $20 per person for a two-hour reservation (and if you want to stick around, there are plenty of hotels near Strawberry Hot Springs, Colorado!). 
  • Best for: A tranquil soak in a stunning stone pool

These hot springs are the perfect reward for a day spent skiing Steamboat’s famous champagne powder. The road up here can be a little dicey during the winter, but once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable soak in one of the multiple heated stone pools. Given that it’s 15-20 minutes from downtown Steamboat, there is no shortage of hotels near Strawberry Hot Springs, Colorado, and there’s even lodging on site where you can stay in a historic train caboose or rustic cabin! A heads up: You have to plan ahead for this excursion by making a reservation about a month in advance. Also, kids have to head home by dark since afterwards, it’s clothing-optional. 

Valley View Hot Springs

64393 County Rd. GG, Moffat

  • Hours: Hot springs open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 
  • Cost: Day passes are $20 and overnight passes are $40. 
  • Best for: A tranquil and secluded return to nature

If you ask: “Where are the hot springs in Colorado?”, the answer is, “Well, pretty much everywhere.” But some are more unique than others, and this secluded hot spring at the end of the San Luis Valley generally falls on the unique side of the spectrum. This space is all about the return to nature. Phone use is only allowed in the designated Wi-Fi area, and the number of visitors per day is limited to preserve the natural splendor of this unique place. Visitors who want to stay overnight can snag cabins, dorm rooms, or campsites. One thing to keep in mind? This hot spring is for all ages, but it is clothing-optional. 

Looking for a Colorado Hot Springs Resort? Here Are Some Fun Recommendations

Photo: via Desert Reef Hot Springs

Desert Reef Hot Springs

1194 County Rd. 110, Florence

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (the facility is closed on Tuesdays)
  • Cost: $25 on weekdays and $35 on Friday evenings and weekends
  • Best for: People who like relaxing soaks, isolation, and the chance to stay in tiny homes

While there aren’t any official springs in Colorado Springs, there are still lots of opportunities to soak in southern Colorado. This self-described “desert oasis in the mountains” is home to multiple pools that are fed by a 1,000-foot-deep well that provides water with a deep blue hue (that’s tied to the mineral Travertine, for what it’s worth). Overnight guests can stay in fully renovated Airstreams and tiny homes — the perfect venue for a quirky desert experience at one of Colorado’s most unique hot springs. One more thing to add? This spring is adults-only, and bathing suits are optional. 

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

415 E. 6th St., Glenwood Springs

  • Hours: Hot springs pool open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. every day
  • Cost: Day passes are $38-$55 for adults and teens, $27-$34 for children 
  • Best for: An epic Colorado hot springs experience in a massive pool

The massive hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is one of the coolest landmarks along I-70 on the Western Slope, and now, visitors can stay at the historic bathhouse on this iconic property. This resort has 16 unique rooms within a short walk of the Grand Pool (which happens to be the world’s largest) and the 104-degree therapy pool. Visitors can also check out the relatively new Yampah Mineral Baths, which are home to five smaller pools, all of which have their own unique therapeutic effects. It will be easy to see why the Glenwood hot springs are one of the most iconic spots in the state. 

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa 

5609 Spring Rd., Hot Sulphur Springs

  • Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
  • Cost: $30 per adult and $16 per child (with a discount for late entry)
  • Best for: Old school relaxation in a slice of Colorado history 

Other than the obvious upgrades, there haven’t been a ton of changes at this historic hot springs resort since it opened in 1943 — and that’s a good thing. The 100% natural water in the pools is gravity-fed, and the mineral levels have been constant since folks first started keeping track in 1946. Visitors can stay at one of 17 motel rooms on-site or in a 1840s cabin and apartment (if you really want to treat yourself). A bonus? You’re not far from the Grand Lake side of Rocky Mountain National Park, meaning this hot springs resort is the perfect launching pad for a mountain adventure. 

The Springs Resort

323 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs

  • Hours: Bathhouse open to the public from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, with overnight guests getting access 24 hours 
  • Cost: General admission starts at $69 for adults and $37 for children, with the option to upgrade. 
  • Best for: People who want to sample lots of different pools (and we mean lots)

If you’re a fan of exploring all of the hot springs Colorado has to offer, then this one might be your Super Bowl. This Colorado hot springs resort is fed by the world’s deepest geothermal spring (it’s more than 1,000 feet deep!), and is home to 52 pools and cold plunges, as well as a waterfall and grotto. Whether you want to hang with the kids in the family-friendly area or relax in one of the adult-only wellness pools, this sprawling facility is sure to have exactly what you need. The resort is home to 157 rooms and suites, and it offers 24/7 access to the pools, as well as opportunities to practice yoga and forest bathe in the surrounding mountains. 

The Best Primitive Hot Springs Colorado Has to Offer 

Photo: Conundrum Hot Springs. Kris Wiktor via Shutterstock.com

Conundrum Hot Springs

Aspen

  • Hiking distance: 17 miles roundtrip with 2,788 feet of elevation gain
  • Cost: Overnight permits are $10 per person, per night
  • Best for: Adventurers who like long hikes and epic views

Yes, there are hot springs near Aspen, Colorado — but you’ve really got to work for it. Visitors have to make an 8.5-mile trek to get to Conundrum Hot Springs. However, when they arrive, they’ll be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in the state. It’s a long hike, so we recommend snagging an overnight permit, backpacking in, and taking time to enjoy the roughly 102-degree water. It’ll make the long hike out very worth it. 

Radium Hot Springs

Bond

  • Hiking distance: 1.5 miles with 311 feet of elevation gain
  • Cost: Free
  • Best for: A soaking experience right on the Colorado River

This natural hot spring is literally right along the Colorado River in a beautiful canyon that’s a hotspot for kayakers and rafters. It’s a relatively short hike to the spring, and when you get there, look for the stone barriers that separate the warm water from the river. We recommend visiting later in the season when the river is at its lowest and the water is comparatively warmer.

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