Colorado is fortunate to have at least about a dozen popular hot springs...as well as some that are off the beaten path. I thought I would list my favorites for you and also a few that I am hoping to check out in the near future.
Favorite Colorado Hot Springs:
(Click on the underlined title's for links to the websites)
1. Strawberry Hot Springs
(Located in Steamboat Springs)
This place is awesome! I love the way they have kept the natural look and feel. They also have several small but cozy and rustic camping concoctions. Also, be advised that after dark is "clothing optional" soaking.
2. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
(Located in Nathrop...between Salida and Buena Vista)
I enjoy these springs because they are in one of my favorite areas in Colorado. After a fun day of camping, hiking, rafting, or four-wheeling this is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. Also, they have a couple of big pools but the coolest part is being able to find a few of the completely natural hot spots on the bank of the river (when the water is not too high0--right next to the commercialized pools.As of 2013, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is now more of a resort-with an additional lodging facility and private pool for those staying in the lodge.
3. Hot Sulphur Springs
(Located near Granby)
What I like about this place is that there are around a dozen individual pools...some smaller and bigger than others. This can make for a cozy atmosphere if there aren't that many other guests. However, if the place is packed...then it could feel like alot of sardines in a can....but usually you can find a nice little pool for yourself and friends.
4. Indian Hot Springs
(Located in Idaho Springs)
This is probably the closest hot springs from Denver. It is a quick relaxing getaway located in the old mining town of Idaho Springs. One of the cool features of this resort is their Geothermal Caves. Guests can sit in an actual pool inside of a cave. However, one thing to know is that the caves are divided among genders...so...husbands and wives would not be able to go into the caves together...and note that bathing suits are optional (it used to be mandatory NO bathing suits; glad that has changed).. There are private pools and there is also a main pool.
5. Glenwood Springs Hot Springs
(Located in Glenwood Springs)
This resort is one of the main attractions to the town of Glenwood Springs. It lies right in the heart of town and can often be seen full of happy guests and swimmers. This is one HUGE hot spring pool! This offers more of a communal and open space for children and swimmers.There are actually two large pools that from a distance look like one large pool; one averages around 90 degrees (more of the swimming/active pool) and the other is around 102 degrees. Also, nearby is the Yampah Vapor Caves where you can also spend a day relaxing and steaming.
6. Cottonwood Hot Springs
This is a small but cute commercial hot spring with a handful of pools. A nice quaint oasis near Buena Vista and Cottonwood Pass. As of 2014, they have added some additional lodging facilities.
A few that I want to eventually check out:
7. Pagosa Hot Springs
(Pagosa Springs)
8. Orvis Hot Springs
(Ridgeway)
9. Conundrum Natural Hot Spring
(off the beaten path hike near Aspen)
For some other hot springs that I have not mentioned, check out the Colorado Hot Springs Enthusiast Blog here.
14 comments:
Thank you for introducing me to some hot springs I didn't find through my own internet searches earlier. I'm going to book a reservation tomorrow!
Awesome!! Thanks for the comment! Hope you had a great time!
Love the hot springs! Only been to two, and one of them was Indian Hot Springs. Was there August 2012, and had a great soak. I also did the clay/mud detox, which was fabulous. Very reasonably priced. Want to go back next time I am in Denver.
GREAT list. Thanks.
Maybe not in CO but just as close as Pagosa Springs is Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring a fantastic Zen like break. About 45 min outside of Santa Fe...just look up their website, you'll be captivated! Tell them j Stewart sent you!
I have to share my experience at the Indian Hot Springs. A child around the age of four years old, with no swim pants, had an accident in her suit (in the water) and her mother dragged her out to the restrooms leaving a trail on the walkway. THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD, therefore nobody to close the pool down and treat the water accordingly. I'm totally turned off by this place. It's old and dingy and unsanitary. I would be willing to bet they don't even test the water like they should.
Liza,
Thank you for sharing. Indeed, Indian Hot Springs is not the nicest. And my next updated hot springs list I probably will not add it but perhaps a brief mention. I hate to leave it off simply because it is the only geothermal hot spring within less than an hour of Denver (that I know of).
As for your comment about life guards...most of the commercial hot springs do not have life guards on duty...they are generally enter at your own risk.
Thank you for writing. And I do hope all of our Colorado commercial hot springs will continue to do their best to maintain proper sanitary levels.
Thank you again.
What is the closest and best one to Denver? Could you tell me more about the Geothermal one? Thanks! Christy
Hi Christy,
Thank you for your message. Pretty much all of the ones listed are geothermal....but there are some commercial hot springs that have geothermal caves that you may enter. The closest commercial hot spring to Denver is the Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs. However, this is not the nicest one.... The next closest would probably be Glenwood Hot Springs (in Glenwood Springs--about 2.5 to 3 hours away) or Hot Sulphur Springs (near Granby--about 2 to 2.5 hours away) There are a couple in the San Luis Valley area near Alamosa...about 3.5 hours away). Or Buena Vista area has a couple...about 2 to 2.5 hours away). Hope that helps.
Thanks. Have fun!!
Thanks Jess! Which one would you say you had the best experience at? I'm also concerned about cleanliness. TIA!
Hi Christy,
Hmm...Well, my favorite one is Strawberry Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs (about 3.5 hours away). It is in the woods so it feels more secluded and natural. Just putting that out there. Then for others I would say Mt. Princeton and Cottonwood Hot Springs (both are near Buena Vista area) are clean and nice (in my opinion). Hot Sulphur Springs the pools were well taken care of but the actual buildings were old and needed some repair but the pools themselves were great. Glenwood is nice but so crowded. There is a new one in Glenwood that I have not explored yet. And a new place called Avalanche Ranch that is supposed to be nice (near Redstone). Hope that helps. Enjoy! And if you are ever in New Mexico definitely go to Ojo Caliente...one of the best I've ever been to as far as relaxation goes.
This Def helps! Thank u very much! If you want me to, I can do a follow up comment after we visit the hot spring we choose! 😀😁
Have fun! And, yes, feel free to leave a follow up comment! Would be great to hear where you end up going!
I have found this all really helpful, thank you. Im thinking Strawberry is the best option for me!
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