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Colorado is synonymous with hot springs. Looking at a map, you could be forgiven for thinking that just about every other town in the Centennial State is named after some source of geothermal groundwater: Glenwood. Manitou. Pagosa. Steamboat. The list goes on. There are nearly 100 developed and undeveloped hot springs scattered across the state, but the ones we revisit most often are these 10 resort springs, which are easily accessible and cater to all types of adventurers. So grab your favorite swimsuit and hit the road—it’s soaking time.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Nathrop
This 144-year-old hot springs resort hugs the snow-kissed peaks of fourteeners Mt. Princeton and Mt. Antero and offers everything a soaker could possibly need: scorching 140-degree Fahrenheit water that bubbles up into Chalk Creek; Japanese-style cascading pools limited to guests 16 and older; a family-friendly infinity pool; and hot stone massages. Visit for a single-day hot springs extravaganza, or go all-in on a multiple night stay, which includes daily fitness classes, complimentary bike, ski, or snowshoe rentals, and discounted spa treatments. Time to sit back and relax.
Prices: Day passes can be purchased on-site; reservations are not required. Admission starts at $40 for adults and $35 for children (ages four to 15) and seniors (over age 62); kids younger than four get in free.
Pre/post-soak: Enjoy a tropical smoothie or toasted almond and honey chicken salad sandwich at the onsite Juice Bar, or opt for a protein-rich dinner at the resort’s Mary Murphy Steak House.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs
Sitting about an hour from Vail and Aspen’s ski resorts, these modern geothermal pools contain 14 healing minerals that will soothe you after hours spent navigating deep powder and quad-burning moguls. Iron Mountain boasts 16 naturally shaped pools, ranging from 98 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a freshwater family pool heated to a relaxing 94 degrees. (Children under five are not permitted in the smaller pools.) WorldSprings, an adults-only addition to the property that opened in late June, features 10 pools inspired by famous global hot springs, two freshwater pools, and a cold plunge. There are plenty of spots to lounge, too, so you can truly unwind.
Prices: Entry fees start at $36 for three hours; WorldSprings pricing begins at $46. All-day passes are available, starting at $100. Admission is free for kids younger than three. Reservations are encouraged.
Pre/post-soak: Fill up on flatbread pizzas, charcuterie, or a cup of chili—plus pre-mixed drinks—at the poolside Sopris Café. Adults checking out WorldSprings also have access to the Sandbar Café’s expanded drink list plus healthy(ish) eats like a smoked salmon sandwich or hummus tray.
Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs
Redstone
From its perch at 7,000 feet, this cozy hot springs destination looks out onto the Crystal River and the majesty of Mt. Sopris. The property’s three tiered pools cascade into each other and were designed to complement the natural landscape and rock formations of the surrounding valley. A three-foot waterfall feeds the largest soaking spot. The warm waters range from 93 to 104 degrees and are open year-round (lodging guests can use them at any hour). Surrounding the pools are Log cabins and a ranch house surround the pools, catering to guests who want the full mountain getaway experience.
Prices: Day tickets are $32, and reservations for a four-hour window are required.
Pre/post-soak: Further unwind with a yoga class or massage. For a bite, drive five miles south to the Redstone Inn for casual eats at Redstone Grill or, if it’s a Friday or Saturday, the inn’s more upscale Red’s Restaurant.
Ouray Hot Springs
Ouray
While Ouray boasts many seasonal attractions—from ice climbing in the winter to off-roading in the warmer months—soaking in the mountain town’s hot springs can be enjoyed year-round. Ouray Hot Springs features five human-made, odorless pools with temperatures ranging from 74 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. While similar venues boast relaxation, the pools at Ouray encourage exercise and play with a lap pool, a pair of seasonal waterslides, a water obstacle course, and a rock wall for climbing.
Prices: $26 for adults (ages 18 to 61); $18 for seniors (ages 62 to 74); $16 for youth (ages four to 17); children under four and adults 75 and older are free.
Pre/post-soak: You’ll find prepackaged snacks in the lobby, but we recommend taking a break and walking a couple of blocks to the Saloon in the recently revitalized Western Hotel and Spa.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Sulphur Springs
It’s au naturel at Hot Sulphur Springs. No, we’re not referring to clothing (which is required), but the venue’s 19 mineral pools: Zero chemicals are added, and gravity helps the water recirculate the naturally occurring sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium without filters or pumps. The spring wells up from 35,000 feet underground and temperatures range from 90 to 112 degrees. Kids under 12 can access eight of the pools, along with a chlorinated swimming pool, while 11 others are adults-only. When you’re done soaking, opt for a massage—your treatment includes an all-day pass to the springs. You can even book an overnight stay in one of the on-site cabins or motel rooms.
Prices: Entry fees are $26 for anyone 12 or older; children ages five to 11 are $14, while younger ones are free; seniors 65 and older get in for $20.
Pre/post-soak: For a delectable meal inside one of Grand County’s historic buildings (circa 1873), take a nine-minute stroll or two-minute drive to Dean Public House and dig into craft cocktails, street tacos, and mountain-inspired tapas (think: wild hog flatbread).
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs
As if you needed another reason to visit Steamboat. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a true oasis just 20 minutes from downtown (just know, you’ll need four-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive with snow tires or chains between November 1 and May 1). The coolest of the four stone-surrounded thermal pools is a sweltering 102 degrees, but you have the option to jump into the freezing cold Hot Springs Creek that runs alongside them. While Strawberry Park—and its rustic accommodations—are open year-round, don’t miss an opportunity to experience the pools when they’re surrounded by Steamboat’s trademark Champagne Powder. Note that the venue is clothing-optional after dark, so minors aren’t permitted once the sun sets.
Prices: Admission is $20 and cash only (the fee covers two hours). Shuttles are available from town starting at $50 for adults.
Pre/post-soak: Snacks are not allowed on the property, so head back into town to fill up. Primrose offers a modern take on a steakhouse, while Meatbar is a great spot to catch up with friends over shareable charcuterie boards and tapas-style dishes.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Springs
Since 1888—long before I-70 cut through Glenwood Canyon—people have been submerging themselves in the world’s largest outdoor mineral hot springs pool. At 405 feet long, the 90-degree Fahrenheit main pool can fit your whole family, extended family, and friends. Seeking a more therapeutic experience? Check out the smaller therapy pool, which hovers around 104 degrees and is teeming with 15 different minerals courtesy of the geothermal water pumping out of the Yampah spring. A splash zone, whitewater tube ride, and fountain provide plenty of ways for the kids to stay busy. After your soak, the lodge awaits for a comfy night in—so you can start all over the next day.
Prices: Day rates start at $32 for anyone 13 and older and $22 for children between three and 12 years old; children 11 and under are free.
Pre/post-soak: The year-round poolside Grill & Snack Bar means you don’t have to go far to refuel with banana veggie smoothies, cheesy fries, or greek salad wraps.
Dunton Hot Springs
Rico
If you’re looking for haunted tales with a side of luxury lodging, look no further than Dunton Hot Springs, which is situated in an 1800s ghost town. It is believed the Ute Indians were the first to bathe in the original spring (still visible at the town’s highest point); miners later redirected the flow to the bathhouse. Today, its calcium bicarbonate– and magnesium-rich waters still soothe tired travelers in five different soaking spots that range from 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Stay in one of the restored log cabins to enjoy a comfortable modern twist on the historic setting. A spa and plenty of activities, from snowshoeing to snowmobiling, will make your daily dips feel extra indulgent.
Prices: Overnight prices vary; limited day pass availability starting at $135 per person
Pre/post-soak: When the hunger pangs hit try The Saloon, where you can get hearty meals and fresh fruit juices fit for explorers. The chef will even prepare picnics for you to enjoy during off-property excursions.
The Springs Resort & Spa
Pagosa Springs
If you like options, you’re in luck. With 25 pools varying in size and temperature (from 45 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit), you’re certain to find just the right one at this San Juan River–adjacent resort. The steaming mineral water that fills the year-round pools is sourced from the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring—the Mother Spring, measured at more than 1,002 feet deep (though no plumb line has ever successfully reached the bottom, leaving us to wonder how deep she really goes). The resort itself also features 79 rooms, a spa, and wellness classes, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a multiday visit.
Prices: Starting at $65 for adults and $35 for kids
Pre/post-soak: Grab a green chile cheeseburger at Barefoot Grill (no shoes necessary) or sip your morning java with a side of crêpes at the Café. If you get thirsty while soaking, the Canteen awaits, as do nightcaps at Phoenix Bar & Great Room Lounge, the perfect viewing point for sunset.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
Buena Vista
It’s easy to unplug at these laid-back hot springs situated about six miles from downtown Buena Vista and surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest. In addition to its five natural pools (temperatures vary from 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the cold plunge to 106 degrees), Cottonwood includes a sauna and a spa. The cabins are billed as “distraction-free,” with no phones, TVs, or WiFi—but they do have private soaking tubs. Bring a book or peruse the small library and soak it all in (pun intended).
Prices: Starting at $30 for adults and $24 for children under 16
Pre/post-soak: Keep the healthy vibes going with a visit to House Rock Kitchen in town; the menu of salads, burritos, bowls, and burgers is light on gluten and dairy and heavy on organic and local products.
