7 of Colorado's Best Hot Springs for Winter Relaxation
Seek out Colorado’s nearly two dozen hot springs this winter. Plan a trip to popular natural pools in Glenwood Springs or sneak away for a romantic stay at secluded mountain spots in Ridgway and Pagosa Springs.
Here are seven Colorado hot springs not to miss:
Glenwood Hot Springs
A classic Colorado family getaway, this massive year-round resort in the heart of Glenwood Springs features the world’s largest hot springs pool, the award-winning Spa of the Rockies, state-of-the-art Athletic Club and a poolside grill. Make a weekend of it: soak in the healing mineral-rich waters and then retire to your well-appointed suite in the 107-room lodge. Bonus: Any stay at The Lodge includes a complimentary full hot breakfast and all-day access to the hot springs.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Kick back like a king at one of the newest Colorado hot springs destinations. Also located in Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs serves up a more intimate experience with 16 smaller, naturally shaped pools ranging from 98 to 108°F. Soak in the iron-rich thermal waters overlooking the Colorado River while enjoying the quiet zone or sip wine, beer or cocktails from the onsite bar. Head to the larger freshwater family pool where an elevated whirlpool lets parents relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
Just north of Durango, Trimble’s hot springs are loaded with minerals from water that percolates through ancient volcanic fissures. Therapy pool temperatures range from 100 to 110°F. The Community Pool runs around 104°F and the Half-Moon Pool reaches up to 110°F. Call on the spa’s expert therapists for nature-focused treatments that include a red clay body wrap and blue corn salt scrub. Spa guests enjoy all-day complimentary hot springs access.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
For variety and solitude, Hot Sulphur Springs near Granby impresses with 21 different pools of varying heat. The sleepy, tucked-away Colorado mountain resort welcomes more than 200,000 gallons of natural hot mineral-rich water at controlled temperatures of 95 to 112°F. Relax in private and outdoor pools and let curative sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium and other naturally occurring minerals ease tired muscles.
Orvis Hot Springs
Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway is all about unplugging and resetting—no electronics of any kind are allowed on the grounds. Stretch out in seven natural lithium hot spring pools. Temps span 98 to 112°F and, for adventurous guests, there are clothing optional soaking areas. There’s also an indoor pool and two private hot tubs. Year-round camping, remodeled lodging rooms, a community kitchen and complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available. For a more family-oriented option, head to nearby Ouray Hot Springs, where slides and shallow pools are on tap.
Overlook Hot Springs
One of three natural hot springs destinations in Southwest Colorado’s Pagosa Springs (“Pagosah” is Southwestern Ute for “healing waters”), Overlook Hot Springs features spring-fed rooftop pools with stunning mountain and downtown views. A private tub room is also available by the hour with accompanying steam and body spray showers. Choose from complete massage services, sip your preferred beer or wine and see why Sunset Magazine named them a top Colorado après ski activity.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
These geothermal gravity-fed mineral spas near Buena Vista are open 365 days a year and range from 94° to 110°F. Hugged by the Collegiate Peaks mountain range and the San Isabel National Forest, this sacred Colorado spot is free of Wi-Fi, telephones, televisions and other distractions (visit the small onsite library). Spend the night in the comfortable Old West-style country inn or check in to one of the creek-side cabins and bask in your own private hot springs soaking pool.
