Colorado is home to some of the country’s best natural hot springs, ranging from quick day-trip soaks to full-on resort experiences. Here, you’ll find more than just warm mineral pools—think aquatic climbing walls, heated walkways, waterslides, and even hot springs tucked beneath a translucent dome.
Shaped over millions of years by plate tectonics, the Rocky Mountains created the perfect conditions for these geothermal wonders. And ever since people discovered how restorative it feels to sink into mineral-rich waters, Colorado’s hot springs have been drawing visitors in search of both relaxation and renewal. Whether you’re a devoted soaker or brand-new to the experience, here’s what to expect.
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1. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Quite possibly the most famous hot springs in the U.S., Glenwood Hot Springs Resort first opened its pool in 1888 and has been continuously welcoming guests ever since. Located between Aspen and Vail, the town of Glenwood Springs is at a lower elevation than most mountain resort towns in the Western U.S. The town’s Glenwood Hot Springs Resort makes a great day trip or multiday trip with both day passes and lodge rooms available.
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The main pool is the size of a football field, giving it bragging rights as one of the largest hot springs pools in the world. And at the end of the main pool is a diving board, lap lanes, and plenty of room for water aerobics and fitness classes.
During the summer vacation months, guests can rent a cabana and kids can splash around in the Sopris Splash Zone, a water play area with waterfalls and mini waterslides. There’s also a whitewater river open-air tube ride with twists and turns that mimics a ride down a mountain creek in Colorado and a grand fountain splash pad for little ones.
2. The Springs Resort and Spa
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
The Colorado town of Pagosa Springs gets its name from the area’s Great Pagosa Hot Springs, which is the world’s deepest measured geothermal hot spring. This Colorado hot spring filters into dozens of soaking pools of varying temperatures at The Springs Resort and Spa. This is a fantasy land of multiple pools of stone, situated in the river and other nooks and crannies. Families can enjoy pools of all sizes and temperatures ranging from 83 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit, while some pools are reserved just for adults.
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On-site there’s a cafe and restaurant, plus a canteen for adult beverages. The Springs Resort offers 157 rooms and suites at its hotel and adjoining inn, as well as a restaurant, retail shops, and spa amenities and services. The hot springs pools are open 24 hours a day to all guests of the hotel, and all pools have views of the San Juan Mountains.
3. Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and RV Park
Hooper, Colorado
After a trek up some of the world’s tallest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, a soak in some of Colorado’s natural hot springs should be on your agenda. The San Luis Valley region is home to the family-friendly Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and RV Park in Hooper, close to the sand dunes.
Open year-round, the natural, spring-fed pool is at a constant 98 degrees that makes it a good fit for all-age enjoyment. Chaise lounges and stunning scenery surround the pool. There’s an on-site restaurant and gift shops for basic pool needs, as well as RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals.
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A blissful adults-only soaking experience awaits within the on-site 10,000-square-foot greenhouse, which houses four soaking pools, a dry sauna, gardens, indoor/outdoor spaces, and a bar.
4. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Like the famed Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is also located in the town of Glenwood Springs, but is much more intimate. It’s one of the newer hot springs to open in the Centennial State and has 16 soaking pools with varying temperatures of mineral water from 98 to 108 degrees. On the lower level is a family-friendly freshwater pool. Above you’ll find an elevated jetted spa for parents to enjoy while watching their children.
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The pools have heated walkways between one another for warmth in the winter. The springs produce 14 different healing minerals, with the most abundant being iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium, and calcium. Families can also soak in the views of Iron Mountain, Red Mountain, the Flat Tops, and the peaks of majestic Mt. Sopris to the south. Note that these mineral springs are not open to children under the age of five.
5. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Nathrop, Colorado
The incredible Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is one of the most expansive operations in all of Colorado. Its geothermal springs are filtered into manmade pools, but many guests are drawn to the ever-changing temperatures of the natural mineral hot springs pools (70 to 120 degrees) in Chalk Creek that flows alongside the property.
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The resort’s Historic Bath House dates back to 1868, and there’s a fun staircase from the building directly into the 105-degree soaking pool. Across the street on the resort property are the Upper Pools where there’s a lazy river, large pool for fitness classes and play, twin 700-foot waterslides (open seasonally), and smaller hot pools. All are surrounded by chaise lounges and plenty of deck space.
For adults only, there is the Relaxation Pool (maintained at 90 to 99 degrees) attached to the spa. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort has plenty of lodging options from single rooms to multiple-bedroom cabins with kitchens. There’s an on-site restaurant and market, along with many other amenities.
6. Dunton Hot Springs Resort
Dolores, Colorado
The most exclusive and one of the most remote Colorado hot springs is the all-inclusive Dunton Hot Springs Resort, which requires an overnight stay. Located between Telluride and Cortez, the resort is a five-star experience. The healing waters come from a nearby fault producing numerous seeps in the area. Here, Colorado’s only geyser, which is also a semi-cool sulfuric spring, bubbles to the surface every 45 minutes on average.
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The resort and hot springs are located in a restored mining town turned ghost town. Families can relax in lush private log cabins and meals are served family-style in an 1800s saloon. The main soaking pool is in a refurbished 19th-century bathhouse, which now features modern amenities.
7. Indian Hot Springs
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Easily accessible from Denver and right off of I-70, Indian Hot Springs has been pumping hot mineral water for more than a century. Tucked into a translucent dome is a tropical enclave of plants, banana and palm trees, and a lush humid climate amid the dry and arid mountains. The pool is open year-round, fed by a 115-degree spring that cools to a pool with temps that range from 96 to 102 degrees. On-site there’s a resort with guest rooms, suites, and cabins, along with a spa and gift shop.
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The outdoor Jacuzzi tubs on the deck, surrounded by a privacy fence, are bubbling with 106 to 113-degree hot mineral water. Inside, there are 11 hot mineral baths at 105 to 110 degrees. Adults can experience the geothermal caves, which are gender specific (note that bathing suits are optional on weekdays). The caves range in temperature from 108 to 113 degrees, and guests can walk into the sunken hot tubs or breathe in the healthy mineral air.
8. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The rustic Strawberry Park Hot Springs are located about 20 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs. A short hike down from the parking area will lead you to the entrance, and then it’s a few more stairs to the multiple pools carved into the river. Most pools are between 99 and 106 degrees.
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They vary in size and temperature and offer swimming opportunities from miniature beaches to deep waters for stretching. There are cooler waters closer to the bottom of the cascading mineral pools. Note that clothing is optional after dark, so minors are not permitted after sundown.
There are restrooms and a heated area for changing on-site but no dining options. Overnight cabin rentals are available, as are campsites.
9. Old Town Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The most accessible and family-friendly hot springs in the Steamboat Springs region is Old Town Hot Springs in the downtown corridor. Guests can choose from different mineral pools originating from Heart Spring. The pools range in temperature from 80 to 104 degrees. There are also two long waterslides (open seasonally), an enormous hot activity pool, and an aquatic rock climbing wall.
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Also included among the many family attractions at this hot springs water park is a Splash Pool with a gradual beach-style entry, slide, and splash features for the wee ones. The actual Heart Spring pool is for guests ages 18 and older. Spa services and fitness and aquatics classes are all available to visitors and locals.
