7 Best Hot Springs In Colorado: Warm Up Outside in Style

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If I’m being completely honest, I have a love-hate relationship with hot springs. You see, I LOVE the idea of them…but the reality can be a lot less dreamy. At least, that was my experience with the hot springs in Colorado. Unknown to me at the time, there are a LOT of hot springs in Colorado. Literally, almost 100 different geothermally active sites.

That’s a whole lotta hot springs.

But, with so many to choose from, how do you narrow it down to ones that are actually worth the time/effort/gas? Well, if you’re looking to me PERSONALLY, I don’t have the answers. I only visited Colorado for about a week, so I wouldn’t know. BUTTTT, I do know someone that does!

Luckily for you, Louis from Outdoor Explorer knows the ins and outs of hot springs in Colorado, and agreed to give us all the run down on which hot spots (no pun intended) to check out, and which aren’t worth the time.

In the winter months, temperatures easily plummet well below freezing, so if you aren’t in town for the ski slopes (or even if you are), hot springs can be a very nice break from the cold. That said, don’t worry. Hot springs in Colorado are classified as low temperature springs, meaning they are perfect for soaking and not dangerously boiling hot. 

Personally, I’d prefer boiling hot, but…I’ll let it slide this time. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Best Hot Springs In Colorado

If you don’t know anything about Colorado, here’s a quick overview. Colorado is, geographically, slightly west of the middle of the country. But…not the west COAST. Because of its terrain and landscape, namely the Rocky Mountains, the state attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over. There’s literally more 39,000 miles of hiking trails. And that’s…just talking about hiking.

And is there really any better way to end a long day of hiking than by soaking your blistered feet in these warm pools?

Many Colorado hot springs are natural (aka in the wilderness lol) and free to visit, there are also just as many hotels and resorts where you can soak in warm mineral baths in relaxing and soothing settings. Plus, the resorts are usually a bit more accessible, especially for those using wheelchairs and other aids.

On this list, we cover resorts and natural hot springs, so you can find one that meets your needs! For the sake of comparison, I’m also going to list each in order of their distance from Denver, the capital of Colorado, by car. If you’re not visiting Denver…well…sorry, I guess that bit won’t be as helpful for you haha

Indian Hot Springs

Type: Resort

From Denver: 40min (32.6 mi)

Price: $20-$50

Okay…I feel like I gotta address the elephant in the room…why is it called “Indian Hot Springs”…?

It’s America. You know why 😭

But to sum it up, Soda Creek (which runs in front of the current Indian Hot Springs Resort) was the dividing line between the Ute and Arapaho Nations. It was considered neutral ground, and they both used these hot springs for healing and sacred ceremonies. So then boom, the Gold Rush brought white settlers into Colorado and they decided those sacred places would be perfect for their smelly bodies.

I recommend reading my blog post about the Four Corners Monument to read more about the federal government violently removing Indigenous Nations from the area. On top of that, and on brand for America, the settlers renamed the hot springs – offensively. The Indian Hot Springs resort has been open for over 100 years and…they haven’t thought about changing the name? (or…yanno…give it back?)

But, I digress.

It is one of the most popular hot springs in Colorado to visit, for one because it is less than an hour away from the busy city. Two, because it is kept in very good condition. You can either book hot spring time for a few hours, or even opt to stay the night in their lodge.

The warm mineral water pool is kid friendly, and they also have underground caves (adults only) which have hotter water and are also clothing option during the week. On that same note – the caves are divided by gender. There is also a spa onsite where you can book massages.

Hot Sulphur Springs 

Type: Resort

From Denver: 2hrs (96.2 mi)

Price: $26-$30

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort is the oldest one in Colorado, and the area features 21 different pools and hot springs sprinkled around the hillside. There are no reservations and no max capacity (really??) so walk-ins are always accepted! Hot Sulphur Springs is a great option if you want to go a little farther out, but don’t really want to plan a specific day out for it.

Their pools are all natural water with no added chemicals or preservatives, buuut…that also means you’ll learn EXACTLY how it got its name.

Like most wild and natural springs, these have a very strong sulphur smell that takes some getting used to. To be frank, it smells like matured eggs. But yanno, you do eventually get accustomed to it and the minerals, like magnesium, are good for your skin and can improve sleep and all those other still-being-studied benefits.

Guests can stay overnight or simply spend a day at the pools and spa facilities. Towels and robes can also be rented at the resort, so you don’t need to bring your own. 

Radium Hot Springs

Type: Wild

From Denver: 2.5hrs (115 mi)

Now this spot is one of the most confusing hot springs in Colorado to get to. First off, whatever directions you get when you type in Radium Hot Springs trailhead…you’re going to be lead to either a) the wrong spot, or b) the right spot but with no parking. So heads up, follow the general directions but once you get close, use “warm springs road” to get to the actual parking lot near the trailhead.

Due to the confusing directions, I wouldn’t recommend this spot if there’s snow on the ground, but aside from that it’s one of the best hot springs in Colorado…meaning get there early because Radium Hot Springs fills up!

Once you are parked and get to the trailhead, don’t be fooled by the short distance. While the hike is only about 1.4 miles round trip, it is VERY steep and will have you out of breath easily. The spot is also popular for fishing, kayaking, and even river tubing, so you might see others out on the water as well. Which…might make it strange that many consider Radium Hot Springs to be clothing optional but…I digress.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Type: Resort

From Denver: 2.5hrs (130.3 mi)

Price: $35-$40

First established in 1860, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is somewhat of a historical landmark. There are numerous different pools at the resort, all maintained and updated, as well as small hot pools on the side of the river if you want to feel a bit more rugged. All pools are fed from natural geothermal springs, but some are warmer than others.

The biggest perk of Mount Princeton Hot Springs is how kid-friendly a majority of the pools are, so folks traveling with kids (or even their parents) will have enough room for everyone to either soak together or soak far apart for some much needed alone time haha.

Since it is a considerable distance from Denver, the on-site suites are great to spend a few nights relaxing and enjoying all the amenities at the resort, like the multiple hikes in the area! Though, it’s also possible just to get a day pass and continue on if you’re on the road. Reservations are not required, so whenever you show up and need to leave, you can work in a soak!

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Type: Resort

From Denver: 3.5hrs (162.9 mi)

Price: $20

It’s a little farther from Denver, but if you’re interested in skiing and exploring the north end of the state, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a great option. In fact, it’s located right next to the Steamboat Ski Resort, making it a perfect place to wind down and relax after a day in the snow, and the views are especially stunning in winter.

This hot springs resort features 5 large pools with varying temperatures. The whole vibe of this place is rustic and laid back, so you will be soaking in a stone-encircled pool surrounded by nature and wooden cabins. Massages are available onsite, and feature both traditional massages as well as aquatic massages.

Like a werewolf though, the springs transform when the moon comes out. After sundown, the resort become adult only and clothing is optional. It’s also cash only, so make sure you hit up an ATM before you arrive.

Keep in mind that you have to make a pool reservation in advance if you are not staying overnight, as they have a capacity limit for the best experience.

Conundrum Hot Springs

Type: Wild

From Denver: 5hrs (240 mi)

Standing at the impressive 3413.76m of elevation in the wilderness area of White River National Forest in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Conundrum hot springs is the highest and one of the most scenic hot springs in Colorado. Plus, it’s a wild one – heyyoooo!

Conundrum Hot Springs is definitely a spot for hikers and nature lovers. The trail leading up to the hot springs is challenging, uphill 8.5 miles (13km) ONE WAY, and also involves crossing THROUGH a creek. So…not recommended for beginners. However, those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with one of the best hot springs in Colorado.

Conundrum Hot Springs is actually closer to Aspen, the trail starts just 15 minutes outside Aspen, so if you’re already in the area for a visit, it’s a convenient add-on. The hot springs are wild, but please note that dogs are not allowed on the trail and you will need to pack enough food and water for an entire day of hiking! If you plan on staying overnight, there are campgrounds though they require permit reservations.

Rainbow Hot Springs

Type: Wild

From Denver: 5hrs (277 mi)

Rainbow Hot Springs is an isolated and completely natural mineral hot spring, and is about a 10 mile (16hm) hike round trip. It is also closer to the New Mexico border, so if you’re passing through or in the area for Great Sand Dunes National Park, those are closer to travel from than Denver.

While the hike is technically wild (not kid or beginner friendly), it is generally well maintained well through fall time. There are two hot springs to visit, and they sit along a moderately gentle river. It is possible to do as a long day-hike, but don’t feel pressured to rush as there are also campsites nearby.

The great thing about this hike is that there are no fees or permits required to stay overnight. So, aside from getting directions and packing enough food and water, you don’t need to much advance preparation to visit. Just note, like many of the natural hot springs in Colorado, clothing is very optional.

Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Conclusion: Best Hot Springs In Colorado

Okay, dope! I hope you enjoyed this short round-up of the best hot springs in Colorado. It’s a bit spread out over Colorado, so hopefully out of the 100 different geothermal sites across the state, at least one of them ends up being a match for you.

Technically, you can enjoy all of these hot springs in Colorado any time of the year, but just know that the roads can get dicey in the winter (and the trails muddy in the rain!), so keep an eye on the weather during your trip. Also, with the whole climate change and everything, wildfires (and wildfire smoke especially) have become more prevalent during the late summer.

Once again, I want to thank Louis for offering the expertise on this post of the best hot springs in Colorado.

Now – all together everyone – THANK YOU LOUIS!!!

But if you go to any of these hot springs in Colorado and don’t like them…blame Louis, not me haha.

Have you ever been hunting for hot springs in Colorado? If so, let me know your experience in the comments below! If not…well, I guess I have no homework for you, but did any of these hot springs in Colorado compel you to visit?

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