13 Captivating Hot Springs in Colorado

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Are you wondering what the best hot springs in Colorado are? You’re in the right place—I’m a Colorado local and I’ve rounded them up for you.

Luckily for us, the same geological forces that forged the Rocky Mountains also blessed Colorado with an abundance of natural hot springs—somewhere around 93, to be exact. Tribes like the Ute and Arapaho considered the warm, mineral-rich waters sacred healing places, and anyone who visits them nowadays can attest to how relaxing they are for both sore muscles and stressed minds.

Here are the best hot springs in Colorado to stop by on your next road trip or weekend getaway.

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs

Nestled deep in the Rockies just outside of Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park is extremely popular, and for good reason.

Between the mountains rising up all around you and the fact that there’s no cell service, it’s the ideal place to get away from it all after hiking, biking, skiing, or shopping your way through Steamboat. Fair warning, though (or maybe this is a selling point): after dark, this hot spring becomes clothing-optional.

Entry to the hot spring costs $20 per person, and reservations are required. Between the clunky website and how ridiculously fast this place books up, reserving your slot can be a headache—but it’s well worth it.

You can also camp just a few steps away from the hot spring for $100 per night. Camping slots are a little easier to snag, and campers get unlimited access to the springs.

Old Town Hot Springs

Another hot spring in Steamboat, Old Town Hot Springs is more family-friendly (and easier to get into). It’s conveniently located on the main strip, within walking distance of most of Steamboat’s lodging, dining, and shopping.

Day passes cost $25, and no reservations are needed. Most Steamboat visitors would agree that Old Town Hot Springs don’t quite compare to Strawberry Park, but if you aren’t able to snag a spot at Strawberry, this is a great alternative.

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is a family-owned and operated ranch in Gunnison, a few hours southwest of Denver, has been turning visitors pleasantly prune-y for over 50 years. Its remote location high in the Rockies—nearly 9,000 feet above sea level—is perfect for anyone longing to retreat into nature.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, rafting down the Gunnison River, or canoeing through Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Hot spring entry costs only $20, but call ahead to confirm availability, since the pools are mostly used for private events or guests staying the night. Lodging rates are very affordable, starting at $130 per night for double occupancy, but the reservation process isn’t particularly slick—you have to download and submit a reservation request form.

Grab the Free Ultimate Colorado Bucket List

Sign up to get access to some of the best things to do in Colorado – perfect for planning your trip!

Get the Guide

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

The Springs Resort & Spa

One of the most luxurious hot springs in Colorado, this resort in remote Pagosa Springs is worth the five-hour drive from Denver, with 25 pools of varying temperatures overlooking the beautiful San Juan River.

Pagosa Springs (population 1600) admittedly doesn’t offer much to do outside of the hot springs—making it perfect for those looking to truly unwind.

A day pass to these fabulous hot springs will set you back $65. For the epitome of a relaxing weekend getaway, spend the night in one of the resort’s rooms or suites. They’re not cheap—over $300 per night—but the hot springs are steps away from your room, you can soak in them as late as you want (everyone else gets kicked out at 10pm), and you get a plush robe to wear over your swimsuit. If you’re looking to splurge on a romantic retreat or bachelorette party, you can’t do much better than this.

Durango Hot Springs

This is the farthest hot spring on our list—over six hours from Denver, near the New Mexico border. For $39, you can get access to a whopping 32 natural hot spring mineral pools, as well as a swimming pool, cold plunge, and reflexology bath (I don’t know what that means, but I look forward to finding out). Durango Hot Springs also have a “concession garden” to keep your energy up while you soak.

Besides hot springs, the vibrant town of Durango offers theaters, music venues, art galleries, and museums to feed your creative side. There’s also plenty of hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities nearby, including the breathtaking Mesa Verde National Park.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Just outside of Buena Vista, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a resort perfect for adventurers looking to soak their tired muscles after ziplining, whitewater rafting, or climbing the nearby 14er Mt. Princeton.

Entry to the hot springs costs $40 per person, or you’ll get unlimited access if you choose to stay in one of their pet-friendly cabins.

Indian Hot Springs

Indian Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Colorado near Denver (less than an hour away in the town of Idaho Springs). This no-frills option offers a variety of ways to having a soaking good time: a mineral water swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, indoor private soak tubs, and geothermal caves. Tickets cost $20-30.

Idaho Springs’s location off of I-70 makes it a convenient spot for a weekend getaway, with outdoor adventures like St. Mary’s Glacier and historical attractions like Phoenix Gold Mine and Argo Mill. It’s also an easy place to stop on the way back from, say, hiking Mt. Bierstadt or skiing in Winter Park.

Ouray Hot Springs

Nestled in the small town of Ouray, the Ouray Hot Springs are some of the most affordable hot springs in Colorado at only $21 per adult.

They’re also on the cooler side, with several pools ranging from 74 to 106°F. Scroll down their homepage to see a livestream view of the pools, which shows the epic mountain views you’ll get during your soak. It’s the perfect place to kick back, relax, and take in Colorado’s natural beauty.

Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

This Ouray resort offers not only several hot springs pools, but also a swimming pool, restaurant, and spa. Hot spring passes are $30, or you can spend the night here starting at $200. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, you may choose to not even leave the resort.

If you do venture outside, the small town of Ouray offers some surprising hidden-gem attractions, like an alchemist museum and ice-climbing park.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is famous for hosting the world’s largest hot spring pool: a 400 foot x 100 foot heated swimming pool that’s been helping visitors relax for over 130 years. Day passes cost $30-50 depending on the season and day of the week, and unlike many hot springs nowadays, reservations are not required.

This hotel is located in Glenwood Springs, a vibrant mountain town about three hours west of Denver. There’s plenty to do here other than soak—hike to Hanging Lake, fish Colorado’s longest stretch of Gold Medal Water, or have some family fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Just down the street from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain is a little more adult-friendly than its neighbor. Instead of one big swimming pool, this upscale hot spring offers 16 smaller pools at different temperatures, as well as a full bar just steps away, complete with all the drinks and snacks you need for a relaxing girls’ weekend or romantic getaway. There are also breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainsides from the pools.

Reservations are required and can be booked up to about 2 months ahead. You can choose a two-hour timeslot for $30-50 depending on when you go, or an all-day soak pass for $125.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Joyful Journey Hot Springs is a spa is nestled in the beautiful San Luis Valley, about three hours south of Denver. A soak pass is only $15, making it one of the most affordable hot springs in Colorado.

They offer a handful of mineral pools running the gamut from 98 to 108°F, as well as several lodging options, including campsites, yurts, and hotel rooms.

For an even more rejuvenating experience, you can take a yoga class, get a massage at their in-house spa, or sign up for one of their retreats.

Sand Dunes Recreation

Farther south, near Great Sand Dunes National Park, this hidden gem is the perfect remedy for aching muscles after a long day on the dunes. It offers a large, family-friendly natural hot spring pool, as well as smaller, hotter pools in the adults-only Greenhouse (complete with full bar and kitchen). Admission is $18, or half-price if you’re staying at one of their tent or RV sites.

A trip to Colorado wouldn’t be complete without a soak in one of its therapeutic hot springs. Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an action-packed road trip, make sure to add one of these best hot springs in Colorado to your itinerary.