Dipping into Colorado’s Best Hot Spring Experiences

Colorado is internationally famous for its winter sports and its wide array of ski resorts. What many folks don’t know is it’s also one of the best places to heat things up and experience the healing waters of a historical, natural hot spring. 

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

The Strawberry Park Hot Springs are storied waters located just outside Steamboat Springs. The springs have a varied history, having stood as homesteading land in the late 1800s and a hippie haven in the 70s famed for hosting up to 300 people camping around the hot springs at one time. They were finally saved from potential demolition and turned into an established and well-managed property in 1981. 

There are four hot spring pools and options to enhance a visit with a relaxing spa experience, such as massages and Watsu therapy. During the daytime, it’s a family-friendly affair; but after dark, the springs transform into an adult-only, clothing-optional space. 

Pagosa Hot Springs

Five hours southwest of Denver, these spiritual, healing springs are tucked into the San Juan Mountains at 2,172 m (7,126 ft) above sea level in the quaint mountain town of Pagosa Springs. The springs’ mother source is known to be the world's deepest geothermal hot spring at 23 m (75 ft) in diameter and over 304 m (997 ft) deep. The Mother Spring feeds into 25 individual calming hot spring pools with geothermal waters containing 13 minerals, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, iron, and manganese, which have been proven to promote health benefits including better skin, lower blood pressure, and increased energy. 

The waters were discovered hundreds of years ago by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and today are open to the public and accessible year-round. The waters can be experienced at a few different properties, including Healing Waters Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs Spa, and The Springs Resort.

Dunton Hot Springs

The revamped, remote 1800s Old West-era mining town turned ghost town, Dunton Hot Springs, is nestled into a scenic alpine valley of the San Juan Mountains, 2,621 m (8,600 ft) above sea level. It’s flanked by stunning views of the local 4,267 m (14,000 ft) high mountains just 90 minutes outside Telluride. The town has been transformed into a modern but rustic Relais & Châteaux resort with 14 luxurious log cabin accommodations and one upscale, insulated tent. 

The springs range in temperature from 29.5°C to 41°C (85°F to 106°F) and are of the “calcium bicarbonate type” (said to assist in opening peripheral blood vessels to improve circulation to the body’s extremities). There’s a strong concentration of dissolved iron and manganese (which converts blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin) and a bit of lithium. Guests can choose between several ways to experience the waters: under the stars and straight from the source, as well as in a pool outside of the bathhouse, behind the Dunton Store cabin, and inside the Well House cabin. 

Glenwood Hot Springs

There are three areas in this quaint town located between Aspen and Vail, where you can immerse yourself in the ultimate soaking experience.   

At Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, you can encounter several expansive pools on-site, including the original historic pool that’s been drawing visitors since the late 1800s. It is known as the world’s largest hot springs pool and contains more than one million gallons of water. 

At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, along the banks of the Colorado River close to the Glenwood Gondola and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, there are more than a dozen mineral spring pools with temperatures ranging from 36.6°C to 42°C (98°F to 108°F). 

At The Yampah Vapor Caves—one of the only known vapor caves in North America with naturally occurring mineral-rich steam—experience a special type of healing ambiance in one of three dimly lit rooms outfitted with benches for sitting and soaking in the naturally therapeutic vapors.  

The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop Road Trip Experience 

Colorado has no shortage of awesome hot springs. If you ultimately can’t decide or don’t want to pick just one, there’s always The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop road trip that showcases 23 of the best hot springs spots via self-guided itineraries for unique soaking experiences. 

Tailor-made itineraries that include stops and stays in Colorado will be available to book with Goway in 2025. Watch for an announcement in our email newsletter and on social media.