Best Hot Springs in Colorado

Located between Buena Vista and Salida, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is the perfect evening activity to rest your weary bones after tackling some river rapids down Royal Gorge and Browns Canyon.  And set at the base of Mt. Princeton, one of Colorado’s prestigious collection of 53 mountains that reach higher than 14,000 ft altitude and aptly named “Fourteeners,” you can pair your relaxing getaway with an ambitious hike to the top.  With traditional pools housing a slide and comfortable seating, this location is fun for families.  However, the most memorable aspect of this warm getaway is the hot pools formed in the adjacent river where natural hot springs feed.  Nestle between a few rocks and enjoy the surreal feeling of hot tubbing naturally in a Rocky Mountain river.

The under-visited cities of Durango and its neighbor Pagosa Springs deserve a lot more attention from Colorado locals than they currently get.  Pagosa is a beautiful and quaint town that centers around a river where Main Street is, peppered with unique restaurants, wineries, and breweries.  While there are a few options for taking in the natural hot springs that the town rests upon, you can’t go wrong with splurging at The Springs Resort and Spa.  They host 20 pools that sprinkle the edge of the stunning San Juan River and boast the “world’s deepest geothermal hot spring” but we recommend you avoid diving here.  Time your visit with the ski season when you can tie in a visit to nearby Wolf Creek Ski Resort which consistently has the highest snowfall in the state.

Local Coloradans and visitors alike are told the same thing when they say they’re going to Steamboat: “you must go to Strawberry Park Hot Springs.”  Because of this you’d think the crowds would be unbearable but the pools remain surprisingly manageable.  The pools are chiseled into the mountain in such a picturesque way that you’ll find yourself battling with the urge to just take photos the whole time rather than take time to relax.  After dark, children are not allowed because clothing is optional in the dim lighting, so if you want to check “skinny dipping” off your list this is your chance!

Hosting a few hot springs options, Ouray is much more than just that; it is one of the most charming cities in the state and is grossly overlooked by tourists (which many locals delight in).  The recently renovated city hot springs pools changed from a rather basic and boring layout to the fun design of multiple pools surrounding a lap pool.  If you’re looking for something a touch more intimate, consider going to Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs where secluded, hot-tub style hot springs are layered on the mountainside.  Accommodations aren’t luxurious though they are comfortable, but the real reason you’re going to book here is to climb the wooden stairs to a private tub that overlooks “Little Switzerland” (as Ouray is often dubbed) and is blanketed by a clear sky of stars glistening above.

Glenwood Springs is often noted for its hot springs offerings in the way of the gigantic family pool adjacent to the highway.  While that pool, with its waterslide and diving board, is certainly a fun stop to make, the better option for lovers is Iron Mountain Hot Springs.  Located along the Colorado River are the 17 pools that Iron Mountain offers.  With such a large inventory of offerings you’re bound to find a private pool for just the two of you to enjoy.  As a Spur Experiences Partner, Iron Mountain Hot Springs can be added to your wedding registry for a perfect post wedding gift to soak in.  While you’re in Glenwood, consider visiting the one-of-a-kind amusement park at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (also operated by Iron Mountain, and also partnered with Spur Experiences) for an unforgettable thrill-seeker’s experience.