Take a Dip Anytime: Explore The 5 Best Hot Springs in Colorado for a Relaxing Soak
Colorado is known for its amazing scenery, majestic mountains, and pristine wilderness. But did you know that the “Centennial State” is also home to dozens of hot springs? If you’re looking to take a relaxing soak surrounded by natural beauty, here are five of the best hot springs in Colorado. You don’t have to hike to any of these.
5 Best Hot Springs in Colorado
Whether you are a local or visiting for vacation or a holiday, these five hot springs were specifically selected because they are easy to access year-round.
We use to live in Colorado, and these are our top five favorites!
1. Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray
Located in Ouray, Colorado, the Ouray Hot Springs sit in a valley surrounded by mountains.
The facility was renovated in the last few years. The renovated facility is awesome and has:
- A cold swimming pool for lap swimming
- Another cold pool with a bouldering area
- A large shallow warm pool area
- A large shallow hot pool
- Waterfalls
- Slide
- Locker room
- Showers
- Snack bar
The addition of the bouldering area allows you to drop into the water – it is pretty fun!
Parking is free and plentiful.
Bask in the mountain air and enjoy “Little Switzerland” views from Ouray Hot Springs.
You might even get views of Mt. Sneffels, a 14,000+ foot mountain in the Ouray area, if it is not hiding behind the clouds.
Ouray is not too far from Telluride if you’re exploring the area for the weekend.
2. Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway
Orvis Hot Springs is just south of Ridgway, Colorado, on the way into Ouray, Colorado. This facility has a more natural feel with lots of different pools to choose from.
What makes this place super unique is that it is clothing optional. Yep, that is right!
A massive privacy fence surrounds the facility. It is super fun to visit in the dark and during the winter. And, obviously, no photos are available.
Orvis also has a camping area if you are looking for a fun weekend stay. What I love about camping at the facility is you have longer access to the hot springs than people not camping.
Ridgway, Colorado, is beautiful and a must-see destination for spectacular mountain vistas.
3. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is home to one of Colorado’s most well-known hot springs pools just off I-70. The springs sit in the valley where the natural hot water is piped right out of the mountain.
The Glenwood area is a gateway to Aspen. Need a soak after hiking all day in the wilderness or après skiing and snowboarding in Aspen? The facility has hot springs soaking along with a regular pool. The regular pool even has a diving board.
It is the perfect activity to add to your weekend adventure or Colorado vacation. This place is adult (and kid) friendly.
If you’re visiting Glenwood for the weekend, you might enjoy hiking to Hanging Lake.
4. The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Springs
The Springs Resort and Spa is in Southeast Colorado in the town of Pagosa Springs. Pagosa Springs tends to have fewer crowds since it is further from the Denver metro area.
The Springs have neat mineral rock sculpting along with a lazy river. Visiting is a great activity to do year-round. Also, soothing après skiing after a day at Wolf Creek.
Did you know Wolf Creek tends to get the most snow out of all the ski resorts in Colorado?
5. Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is in Steamboat Springs. These are the locals’ favorites. Nestled in the Steamboat community’s mountains, soaking at Strawberry is an excellent idea to add to your visit.
What Should You Bring?
When visiting the hot springs in Colorado, below is a list of things we typically bring:
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Flip flops
- Showering toilet tries
- Hairbrush
- Quarters if you want a locker
- Change of clothes – or street clothes you wore on the way there
- Leave your valuables at home.
Experience the Ultimate Relaxation
No matter what time of year it is, a soak in one of Colorado’s hot springs is always a good idea. So pack your swimsuit and towels and get ready to enjoy some natural relaxation.
Who knows, maybe we’ll see you there!
Ashlee & Pablo
This article was originally produced and syndicated by The Happiness Function.
Featured Image Credit: urban_light/Depositphotos.com.
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