Nearly every American state offers hot springs of one sort or another. They range from bubbling wilderness pools that require a half-day trek to reach, to sprawling modern resorts with spa treatments, gourmet restaurants, and luxurious guest rooms.
But rarely do they reach the adventurous level of Colorado’s hot springs towns, which complement their soothing waters with outdoor adventure, incredible Rocky Mountains scenery, and even Wild West ambience.
Here are a few of the best:
Glenwood Springs
The nomadic Ute people who hunted and gathered along the Colorado River of western Colorado utilized the springs long before the first American trappers, explorers or settlers arrived. They called it Yampah (“Big Medicine”) because of the water’s healing powers.
By the 1880s, the naturally heated waters and vapor caves had evolved into a full-scale health resort with a European-style bathhouse and the world’s largest hot springs pool. Among its patrons were Doc Holliday, Buffalo Bill and Teddy Roosevelt.
Nowadays, the town offers an array of geothermal adventures. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort still revolves around the old bathhouse and the historic Grand Pool (which stretches for two city blocks).
But there’s modern stuff, too. Like a splash zone with water slides and whitewater tubing adventure. The new Yampah Mineral Baths, five smaller pools infused with 15 minerals and water temperatures that vary from cold plunge to 104˚F.
Where To Stay: Hotel 1888, a new 16-room boutique abode tucked inside the historic bathhouse; or the recently revamped Hotel Maxwell Anderson on the opposite side of the river.
Where To Eat: Slope & Hatch, Riviera Supper Club & Scratch Kitchen, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub.
Mount Princeton
Set amid the forested foothills of the Collegiate Mountains, the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is another oldie but goodie. Founded in 1879, the establishment originally catered to prospectors transiting to and from their claims.
The modern resort features three man-made lower pools (one of them adult-only) and a series of stone-enclosed, natural hot pools in adjacent Chalk Creek. Higher up the mountain are two more pools and twin, 700-foot water slides that snake down the slope.
The hot springs experience at Mount Princeton is easily enhanced by visiting St. Elmo Ghost Town or running the rapids of Browns Canyon National Monument with Independent Whitewater or other local outfitters.
Where To Stay: Mount Princeton offers five overnight options including motel-style rooms, creek-side suites, and large fully-equipped cabins.
Where To Eat: Mary Murphy Steak House at the resort; Simple Eatery or The Blend in nearby Buena Vista.
Steamboat Springs
It might be more famous as a ski town, but “The Boat” (as locals call it) also boasts several cool places for soothing water.
The Old Town Hot Springs has morphed from casual use in pioneer days into a full-blown 21st-century hot springs resort with eight outdoor water features that range from the historic Heart Spring and aptly named Big Hot Pool to a lap pool, cold plunge pool, and kids’ splash pool. There’s also a climbing wall, gym, massage, and a variety of fitness classes.
Around a 20-minute drive north of town, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a much more organic soak. The compound includes three large, stone-enclosed pools along Hot Springs Creek and a heated changing cabin. After dark, the pools are clothing optional and only adults are admitted. During the winter and spring, Strawberry Park is only accessible with four-wheel drive. However, there’s a shuttle to/from downtown Steamboat that operates year-round.
Where To Stay: The Steamboat Grand in town or rustic cabins, covered wagons and tent sites at Strawberry Park.
Where To Eat: Salt & Lime, Creekside Café & Grill, Laundry.
Pagosa Springs
Spread along the banks of the upper San Juan River in southern Colorado, Pagosa makes the Guinness Book of Records for having the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer — water that bubbles up from more than 1,000 feet underground. Infused with 13 minerals, this “Mother Spring” feeds the town’s hot-water playgrounds.
Located right beside the aquifer, the upscale Springs Resort revolves around the large Golden Pond and four dozen smaller pools. Some are adult only, others family friendly. The resort also boasts spa treatments, sauna, wellness and movement studios, five eating spots, and private cabanas.
A little farther upstream, the Pink Bathhouse offers a more laid back take on Pagosa soaking. Built in 1891, the historic structure fronts a riverside garden area spangled with small hot spring pools and comfy lounge areas. A pedestrian bridge leaps across the San Juan River to Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring, a cluster of free public mineral pools open throughout the year.
Where To Stay: The Springs Resort, Motel SOCO retro motor lodge.
Where To Eat: Meander Riverside Eatery, Alley House Grille, The Rose Diner.