There are hot springs all over the state: some too secret to reveal here — some adult-only escapes, others longtime family favorites and still more updated tourist attractions. Here are ten you'll want to visit:
Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens
19256 County Road 343, Buena Vista
719-395-6015
coloradohotspringsresort.com
Charlotte Hot Springs is the latest resort to open in Colorado, having debuted in Buena Vista in March. Its three sparkling outdoor baths offer a “boutique” experience that differs from the nearby popular pools beneath Mount Princeton. The greenhouse is filled with tropical plants as well as shower and changing facilities, complete with lockers and towel rentals. Walk-ins are welcome; day passes are $30 per adult Monday through Thursday and $35 Friday through Sunday.
Desert Reef Hot Spring
1194 County Road 110, Florence
719-784-6134
desertreefhotspring.com
A few years back, Desert Reef Hot Spring was a diamond in the rough. But with a bit of polishing and a few shiny Airstreams, it’s become a modern getaway with tons of character that allows you to catch a concert or film screening while soaking in one of five pools. Temperatures are adjusted seasonally, and travertine gives the water a turquoise hue similar to the wide, open sky above. During most hours, swimsuits are optional here; strip down if that’s your style. Three-hour sessions are $25 Monday through Thursday and Friday before 4 p.m.; costs rise to $35 Friday evening through Sunday. Make reservations online.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
6475 County Road 203, Durango
970-247-0111
durangohotspringsresortandspa.com
Changes in ownership and extensive recent renovations have completely revitalized Durango Hot Springs. It now features 32 pools — more than at any other Colorado resort — and each is filled with oxygenated, mineral-rich spring water. Dip into its walk-in swimming pool, take advantage of options exclusive to adults, or try the two cold plunges or one of five private ofuro wood tubs. Spa services like massages and organic facials add to the experience — which, depending on your mood, can be a silent retreat or a fun experience with friends. This winter, Durango Hot Springs will upgrade and weatherize its outdoor stage, allowing for live music events throughout the season. Book your two-hour soaking session online for $39 per adult or select a three-hour session for $49.
Experience the world’s largest hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.
Unsplash / Kate Darmody
401 North River Street, Glenwood Springs
970-945-6571
hotspringspool.com
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is famed for having the world’s largest hot springs pool, and this year, it premiered its five new Yampah mineral baths. Gaze at the Rocky Mountains beyond its infinity pool, listen to the calming sounds of falling water, then awaken your senses with a cold plunge. The resort also features a hot therapy pool with steamy 104-degree water, plus a kid-friendly Sopris Splash Zone during the summer months. Day passes are $34 per adult on weekdays and $46 on weekends, and re-entry is permitted throughout the day. Come spring 2025, the resort will open Hotel 1888, a sixteen-room luxury boutique hotel set poolside within the former Spa of the Rockies building.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ recent expansion was inspired by destinations around the world.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
281 Centennial Street, Glenwood Springs
970-945-4766
ironmountainhotsprings.com
Iron Mountain Hot Springs debuted its eleven WorldSprings pools last season, and although they lie along the Colorado River, their mineral makeup indicates otherwise. One heart-shaped pool transports guests to central France, where geothermal waters are rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate. Another mimics Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, while the large two-level pool mirrors the salty Dead Sea, giving soakers a unique sense of buoyancy. Lift your spirits higher with a drink from the bar — this new area is 21-plus. But families can enjoy the nineteen other pools included in general admission, which starts at $44 for a three-hour soak. WorldSprings access costs an additional $15.
28640 County Road 58EE, Moffat
719-256-4328
joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com
The surreal energy of the San Luis Valley attracts artists, spiritual seekers and wellness devotees — and Joyful Journey Hot Springs appeals to them all. Admire views of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Range while soaking in three outdoor pools of varying temperatures. More than a dozen minerals are naturally present in the water, yet it doesn’t have that sulfur odor common at most springs. Day passes are $18 (discounted to $12 on Tuesdays) and give you access to the pools as well as other meditative activities including a labyrinth, geodesic dome greenhouse and new community “joyful wall” featuring notes, photos and other mementos expressing gratitude. This remote sanctuary also offers a private home rental, yurts and other lodging options, plus a yoga studio and health-forward kitchen.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
15870 County Road 162, Nathrop
719-395-2447
mtprinceton.com
Mount Princeton Hot Springs, one of the closest resorts to Denver, is loved for its extensive amenities. A full-service spa, fitness classes, on-site dining and lodging options including cozy rooms and private cabins round out a weekend’s itinerary — but this spot is also an ideal day trip. Soak creekside in a natural setting, swim laps in one of several spacious pools, and even splash down two new 700-foot water slides open during the summer. Day passes Monday through Thursday are $40 per adult, while passes Friday through Sunday are $45. And the resort is currently offering a discount: From now through December 10 (excluding the week of Thanksgiving), day passes Monday through Wednesday are just $20 from 7 to 9 p.m. when you mention “Colorado night swim.” Where better to stargaze in the mountains?
The Springs Resort & Spa
323 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs
800-225-0934
pagosahotsprings.com
Steamy pools percolate throughout Pagosa Springs, a wellness destination in southwest Colorado. More than 1,000 feet below the surface bubbles the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world; It feeds all 25 soaking pools at the Springs Resort & Spa, from its sweltering lobster pot to a cozy cove with Jacuzzi-style jets. Several pools lie along the San Juan River, where you’ll see brave visitors take an extra-cold plunge. At $67 per adult, day passes don’t come cheap; for a better value, book an overnight stay that includes 24-hour pool access and complimentary wellness activities, including yoga, sound bathing and more.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs
970-879-0342
strawberryhotsprings.com
Though secluded in a frosty forest of aspens and pines, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is far from a secret. Despite its longtime popularity, the cascading pools are never excessively crowded, thanks to an online reservation system. Two-hour soaking sessions must be booked in advance and cost $20 cash; if you don't have four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires, shuttles from Steamboat Springs are available. Sure, all of this requires a bit of extra planning, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery by day and starry skies at night. Note that after dark, Strawberry Park becomes adults-only and clothing-optional.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings
625 5th Street, Ouray
970-325-4347
wiesbadenhotsprings.com
Wiesbaden Hot Springs is tucked away in Ouray, a tiny mountain town with a big reputation as the “Switzerland of America." Breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains surround its natural mineral pool; the atmosphere is serene inside Wiesbaden’s vapor cave, a shallow, piping-hot pool hidden beneath the historic main lodge. Quaint overnight accommodations and a range of spa treatments add reasons to plan a winter trip here. Book one of seventeen available rooms or opt for a two-hour soaking session for $25 per person; a private, waterfall-fed pool is also available to guests by the hour.
