Colorado’s hot springs are scattered along the Rocky Mountain corridor from Steamboat Springs to Pagosa Springs. The state offers everything from free primitive pools at 11,000 feet to luxurious resorts with full spa services. Whether you are based in Denver, visiting ski country, or road-tripping through the mountains, there is a Colorado hot spring within reach.
Primitive and Free
1. Conundrum Hot Springs
Elevation: 11,200 ft | Hike: 8.5 miles one way | Fee: Free (permit required)
One of the highest hot springs in North America. Located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, the hike follows Conundrum Creek through increasingly dramatic alpine scenery. The pools sit in a meadow surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks.
The catch: you need a permit (available through Recreation.gov), the hike is strenuous, and the pools are at extreme elevation. But for those who make the effort, it is an unforgettable soak.
Best time to visit: July through September. The trail is snowbound the rest of the year.
2. Penny Hot Springs
Temperature: 100-130F | Hike: Roadside | Fee: Free
A series of rock pools along the Crystal River near Carbondale. The pools are right off Highway 133, making this one of Colorado’s most accessible free hot springs. Temperature varies by pool and river level.
The downside: it is popular and parking is very limited. Go on weekdays or early mornings.
3. Radium Hot Springs
Temperature: 100-115F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
Not to be confused with Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia. Colorado’s version is a primitive spring along the Colorado River near Kremmling. Basic user-built rock pools with varying temperatures. Remote and rarely crowded.
Developed and Mid-Range
4. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Temperature: 101-104F | Fee: $15-20 | Hours: 10am-10:30pm
Colorado’s most popular developed hot spring, set in a valley outside Steamboat Springs. Natural rock pools surrounded by forest, fed by Strawberry Creek. The water is a perfect temperature year-round.
Clothing optional after dark. The road is unpaved and requires 4WD in winter. Reservations recommended for evening soaks.
5. Orvis Hot Springs
Temperature: 98-112F | Fee: $20-25 | Clothing optional
A clothing-optional facility near Ridgway with multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The main outdoor pond holds over 40 people with mountain views. Indoor private tubs offer hotter temperatures.
6. Valley View Hot Springs (Orient Land Trust)
Temperature: 85-105F | Fee: $20+ (reservation required) | Clothing optional
A clothing-optional preserve in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with multiple pools at different elevations. The trust limits daily visitors to protect the resource, so reservations are essential. Swimming pool, soaking pools, and natural hillside springs.
Commercial and Resort
7. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Temperature: 90-104F | Fee: $25-35
The world’s largest hot spring pool, fed by the Yampah Spring at 122F. Located right in downtown Glenwood Springs, easily accessible from I-70. The main pool is over 100 meters long. Also includes a therapy pool at 104F.
8. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Temperature: 98-108F | Fee: $30-40
Sixteen freshwater soaking pools along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Each pool is a different temperature. The family-friendly design and river views make this one of Colorado’s most polished hot springs experiences.
9. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Temperature: 95-135F | Fee: Day use $25-35
Multiple pools at different temperatures with views of 14,197-foot Mount Princeton. Creekside pools where you can mix hot spring water with cold creek water to find your perfect temperature. Full resort with lodging.
10. Dunton Hot Springs
Temperature: 106F | Fee: $$$$ (resort guests only)
An ultra-luxury ghost town resort near Telluride. The entire 1800s mining town has been restored into a high-end destination with a hot spring-fed pool inside a restored log building. One of the most exclusive hot springs experiences in the country.
11. Pagosa Hot Springs (The Springs Resort)
Temperature: 83-114F | Fee: $30-50
Twenty-five pools at different temperatures along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs. Home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring (the Mother Spring). Wide range of temperatures makes it accessible for all preferences.
12. SunWater Spa
Temperature: 100-108F | Fee: $20-30
A boutique hot springs spa in Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs. Closest hot springs to Denver metro area (about 1 hour drive). Private and communal soaking options.
Planning Your Colorado Hot Springs Trip
Best Time to Visit
Colorado hot springs are a year-round activity. Winter soaking is particularly magical when snow surrounds the pools. However, some primitive springs (like Conundrum) are only accessible in summer.
From Denver
- Closest: SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs (1 hour)
- Day trip: Glenwood Springs area (2.5 hours) — hit Iron Mountain and the big pool in one day
- Weekend trip: Steamboat Springs for Strawberry Park (3 hours)
What to Know
- Reservations: Many Colorado springs now require reservations. Book ahead.
- Altitude: Most springs are above 6,000 feet. Hydrate and acclimate before long soaks.
- Winter access: Some springs require 4WD or chains in winter.
Before any hot spring visit, review our hot springs safety guide — especially important at Colorado’s high-altitude springs. And if you want to compare with the country’s top picks, see our roundup of the 25 best hot springs in the US.
Explore All Colorado Hot Springs
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