Has anyone else noticed that many of our favorite Colorado attractions have become downright crowded and not nearly as quiet as they used to be? Sadly, this goes for our best all-natural hot springs, too, leaving many feeling a little extra tense. Thankfully, there are still quiet, relaxing, and crowd-free hot springs in Colorado where locals can retreat and soak away their care. This season, check out the hidden Orvis Hot Springs for a restful escape!
Tucked away at the base of the San Juan Mountains in the town of Ridgway, the Orvis Hot Springs are tranquil and historical pools that were initially utilized by the Tabeguache band of the Utes, who considered the healing waters sacred.
Featuring seven naturally-occurring minerals with various health benefits, there is no better place to soak your cares away than Orvis, as the lithium-rich waters are proven to melt away stress and improve multiple ailments.
Have you ever visited this Colorado hot spring? Are there any other cool sights or stops you recommend in the area? Share with us! You can also learn more about this hidden gem by visiting the Orvis Hot Springs' official website.
If you're not located in the San Juan Mountains region, don't worry - Colorado has plenty of ahhh-worthy hot springs to choose from! But if you're anywhere near Ridgway, this colorful home is perfect for a hot springing basecamp.
Colorado is a mecca for all of our favorite things, including all-natural and oh-so-relaxing hot springs. If you have been to all of the most popular hot springs in Colorado (a la Pagosa Springs and Glenwood Springs), you may be looking for someplace new to soak, which is why we highly recommend the Orvis Hot Springs, which are arguably the best hot springs in Colorado:
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Located in the southwest town of Ridgway, Orvis Hot Springs is billed for having "soothing mineral water heated by nature."
Dating back to the Tabeguache band of the Utes, the Orvis Hot Springs has long been a place of healing and rejuvenation, beginning with the famed Ute Chief Ouray (1833-1880) encouraging tribe members to soak for its calming effects and curative powers.
Today, the hot springs are still a place for healing and rejuvenation, with locals and tourists alike visiting for such health benefits as reduced stress, anxiety, arthritic and muscle pain, and eczema.
Are you excited to pull out your suit and take a soak at Orvis Hot Springs? Where is your favorite place to soak and relax in the Centennial State? Let us know all about your favorite hot springs in Colorado in the comments or via our nomination form. For even more must-see Colorado hot springs, take a look at our lists of the best hot springs in Colorado.
There’s little more satisfying than relaxing in a steaming hot tub following a strenuous hike, except perhaps relaxing in a steaming hot springs after the aforementioned outdoor adventure.
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Consider these natural wonders Mother Nature’s very own spas; no matter the season, hot springs offer soothing, warm waters in the most sublime and scenic settings. And Colorado has some of the best in the U.S. Colloquially referred to as "Hot Springs Country," Colorado is home to nearly 100 developed and undeveloped hot springs, offering virtually every type of soaking experience.
Whether you’re looking to take a quick, post-hike dip in a hidden oasis or are seeking a lavish, spa-like retreat, you’ll find it all – and more – in the Centennial State, a sublime natural playground teeming with some of the most beautiful hot springs in the country.
Best Hot Springs in Colorado
Colorado’s hot springs are in a league of their own, offering visitors not only amazing opportunities to soak their stresses away, but also soak up some truly spectacular scenery, not to mention numerous health benefits.
Spring, summer, fall, and winter, there’s no bad time to soak in Colorado's hot springs; and with some 100 natural pools in the state, you really can choose your own adventure.
Looking to soak in one of these natural pools after a glorious summer hike? Bask in the warmth of a steamy sauna while snowflakes fall alongside a mountain? Or enjoy a twilight soak beneath the stars of the Centennial State’s endless dark skies?
You can do it all – and more – at the following best hot springs in Colorado.
Location: 44200 County Road #36, Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487
Admission: $
Amenities: This bare-bones hot spring is the real deal, offering an experience in nature that’s unrivaled. Please note that there is a towel rental fee, and Strawberry Park Hot Springs accepts cash or check only – no credit cards.
Pre/Post Soak: Don’t want to drive? The 6.2-mile out-and-back Strawberry Park Hot Springs Trail loops right to the springs. After your soak, continue the good vibes and get a massage at the park’s spa.
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Despite its prime location just outside of one of Colorado’s most popular resort towns, Strawberry Park remains something of a hidden gem. The park features several stream-fed soaking pools that vary in temperature from 101 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a variety of on-site lodging for those who wish to extend their experience.
Open all year-round, we’re partial to visiting this Colorado hot springs in the winter. When the snow starts falling,
Strawberry Park Hot Springs looks like an enchanting winter wonderland, and the nip of cold Colorado air juxtaposed with the steamy waters is simultaneously invigorating and relaxing… especially for those who take the resort up on its "clothing optional after dark" precept!
Keep in mind that if you do decide to visit these hot springs during the winter season (Nov. 1-May 1), vehicles equipped with snow tires and/or 4-wheel drive are required.
Amenities: Guests at the ranch have access to numerous amenities, such as a spa services and wellness sessions.
Pre/Post Soak: Avalanche Ranch offers both yoga and massages, making for a holistic wellness experience that’s unrivaled. Feeling hungry post-soak? The Homestead Bar & Grill is an amazing restaurant located about 30 minutes from the ranch.
If you’re looking for a hot springs in Colorado that feels more like a lux retreat than a primitive pool,
Avalanche Ranch is located in Redstone, Colorado, and boasts three different soaking pools, the largest of which is fed by a three-foot waterfall forming a warm screen of water in front of a rock grotto. These springs, set within 36 acres of pristine, postcard-worthy Rocky Mountains landscape, make for a scene that’s truly Heaven on Earth.
While guests can come for the day, the experience that awaits is worth savoring slowly; as such, we recommend booking a stay in one of the ranch’s many well-appointed cabins.
Amenities: Durango Hot Springs is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Day soak sessions span 2.5 hours, and reservations are required. Families with children under 16 years old must stay on the designated "Family Side" of the property, but not to fear: the Family Side includes a resort-style swimming pool and four geothermal soaking tubs.
Pre/Post Soak: Durango Hot Springs offers a variety of accommodations and resort amenities for guests, including private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path, and a mineral water rain tower. In town, James Ranch is a favorite grill and restaurant with its own market.
One of the best and most beloved hot springs in Colorado,
Located in the town of Durango, the eponymous hot springs have long been a local favorite, thought to have originally been used by the Ancient Puebloan people who recognized the springs’ healing properties as early as 1000 to 1200 A.D.
In the late 1800s, the springs were converted into both accommodations and a full-blown wellness destination, both of which are as relevant and resplendent as ever.
Whether you come for a getaway or just for the day, you are sure to leave the Durango Hot Springs feeling like a brand new person, thanks to its unique cocktail of 26 different minerals, including silica, sulfur, and calcium.
Colorado Hot Springs Map
Top Hot Springs Resorts in Colorado
For those looking to take their hot springs experience to the next level, Colorado is home to several top-rated resorts that offer unparalleled features and amenities.
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We’re not talking about rustic, bare-bones operations; these are full-blown, next-level hot springs resorts in Colorado that are all-inclusive and exclusive destinations.
Location: 323 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO, 81147
Admission: $
Amenities: While enjoying the resort’s 25 different hot springs, guests can text a concierge for pool-side service. Talk about luxury!
Pre/Post Soak: After your soak, keep the good vibes going with a massage, then enjoy a light meal at the resort’s on-site restaurant. Forget something? The Springs has its very own boutique with everything from swimsuits and towels to sandals and sunscreen.
Believe us when we say that you have never been to a Colorado hot springs like The Springs Resort and Spa before… you probably didn’t even know such a place existed in real life!
The Springs Resort, located in pristine Pagosa Springs, Colorado, boasts no less than 25 steaming mineral pools, plus well-appointed hotel rooms and luxury suites, and a full-service day spa.
Of course, the main attraction here is the springs themselves, and they do not disappoint. Everything about The Springs, from the sheer number of bubbling pools to its superlative as the "World's Deepest Geothermal Hot Springs," is extraordinary. The variety here, too, is phenomenal: temperatures range from 87-114 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’re sure to find your very own Goldilocks hot springs experience at this incredible Colorado resort.
Location: 281 Centennial Street, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601
Admission: $
Amenities: Daily soak passes include admission to relax in the resort’s 16 mineral pools, freshwater family pool, and unique new "experience" pool. Please note that daily soak prices vary by season and time of day.
Pre/Post Soak: Before your soak, check out one of the many hiking trails in Glenwood Springs, including the Wagon Wheel Trail and Grizzly Creek Trail.
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"Relax, restore, rejuvenate," is the mantra at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, one of the most stunning hot springs resorts in Colorado. And indeed, with its prime location alongside the Colorado River that’s surrounded by a picture-perfect Rocky Mountain landscape, visitors can’t help but feel a sense of serenity upon stepping foot in this hot springs retreat.
Boasting no less than 16 geothermal soaking pools, guests of the
Iron Mountain Hot Springs are sure to find their perfect pool, thanks to varying temperatures, views, sizes, and shapes. And truly – when we say that there is a pool for everyone, we mean it! Feeling romantic? Some of the springs feature a heart shape perfect for couples. In need of R&R? Other springs are designed for reflexology with a pebble-lined bottom.
After soaking up all the benefits of these healing waters, nourish your body with a delicious charcuterie board or artisan flatbread from the poolside restaurant.
Amenities: There are five ways to take to the geothermal waters at Dunton Hot Springs, which range in temperature from 85 F to 106 Fahrenheit: inside the restored 19th century Bathhouse, under the stars at the source, in the pool outside the Bathhouse, in the pool behind the Dunton Store cabin, and inside Well House cabin.
Pre/Post Soak: Outdoor recreation abounds in this region of Colorado, and guests can take advantage of organized activities offered through the resort. In addition, various spa services, wellness packages, yoga sessions, and other "add-on" services are offered to guests.
For a glamping-meets-hot-springs experience in Colorado, there’s no place quite like
Dunton Hot Springs. Named to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Gold List and awarded the fourth "Best Hotel for Food Lovers in America" by Bon Appétit Magazine,
Dunton Hot Springs is a one-of-a-kind destination in Colorado that, in addition to its impressive resume, has a very impressive list of amenities and attractions that will completely turn you into a "glamping" convert.
Its accommodations feature beautifully restored (and in many cases, hand-built) log cabins artfully designed and located mere steps from the resort grounds, which feature six perfect pools of all-natural mineral waters, spa treatments, and a number of recreation opportunities for guests such as horseback rides and hiking trails.
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With regard to Bon Appétit’s accolades, the food (and wine!) at Dunton is a celebration of the Centennial State’s culinary chops, featuring the finest and freshest fare available.
Amenities: Wellness is the name of the game at Joyful Journey, and everything from its massage therapies to community classes to chef-prepared meals aim at restoring peace and balance to both mind and body.
Pre/Post Soak:After your soak, stay for a Full Moon Yoga class and then retreat to your own private yurt or tipi. The Summer Solstice celebration is a beloved annual festival that’s worth experiencing, too. In addition, the area in which Joyful Journey is located boasts an abundance of outdoor recreation such as whitewater rafting, scenic hiking, and equestrian trails.
Joyful Journey is perhaps the most scenic hot springs resort in Colorado. From its perfect perch 7,700 feet above the spectacular San Luis Valley, guests here can expect cool summers and sunny winters, as well as commanding views of the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness.
A holistic wellness experience for both mind and body, Joyful Journey touts rejuvenating waters, relaxing therapies, and soul-filling classes like Full Moon Yoga and Joyful Yoga.
While day soak passes are available, guests at the resort get the full treatment, complete with healthy, chef-prepared meals, and lovely accommodations that include well-appointed tipis and yurts.
Best Hot Springs near Denver
The Mile High City may be a hoppin’ place full of the most gung-ho outdoor enthusiasts, but Denverites also abide by a "work hard, play hard" mentality, and hot springs most definitely fall into the latter category.
Denver is well-positioned for numerous hot spring adventures, with some of Colorado’s finest just a stone’s throw from the city center.
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If you’re seeking the soul-soothing, sublimely steamy, serene soaking experience that one of these natural pools can provide, here are the best hot springs to visit near Denver.
Location: 415 East 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601
Admission: $-$$
Amenities: This resort has it all: an on-site pool, wellness center, spa, and numerous restaurants.
Pre/Post Soak:Given its amenities (see above), those booking a stay at Glenwood Hot Springs need not ever step foot outside this resort destination. However, the town of Glenwood is absolutely worth visiting; from myriad top-rated restaurants (Slope & Hatch and Glenwood Canyon Brewpub are popular spots) and charming local shops to its many museums and historic points of interest. There are also lots of amazing hikes nearby, too, like the 2.8-mile, super-scenic Hanging Lake Trail.
Glenwood, Colorado, is home to loads of amazing attractions and opportunities for epic outdoor recreation, but the town’s hot springs resort is easily the best reason to visit.
One of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Colorado, Glenwood Hot Springs certainly benefits from its prime location between Aspen and Vail; however, even if it were hidden in the far corner of the state, this 130-year-old resort would be well-worth visiting.
The mineral-rich waters of Glenwood Hot Springs truly soothe the heart and soul, and the resort boasts myriad pools ranging in temperature from 93 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. And although the hot springs are the main attraction (it’s the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, in fact!), this resort truly is an amazing all-around destination.
Stay and book a night in the well-appointed lodge, tack on some spa services, enjoy the charming downtown of Glenwood, and you’ll be among the many repeat visitors to this amazing hot springs resort near Denver.
Amenities: This classic, no-frills hot springs pool is a beloved summertime destination for Denverites, and boasts a slide, concessions, pool chairs, and more.
Pre/Post Soak: Pre-pool session, take a hike at Eldorado Canyon State Park, one of Denver’s most popular places for outdoor recreation.
Fancy a hot springs soak and swimming pool all in one (who wouldn’t)? Take a refreshing dip in the historic Eldorado Hot Springs, which has been a perennial Denver favorite since 1905.
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Known to many as the "Coney Island of the West," the 80-degree artesian spring waters at Eldorado have warmed the bones of the Eisenhowers, Jack Dempsey, and W.C. Fields, and we daresay these waters may have inspired some of these celebrities’ best work!
A classic hot springs destination like this is not always easy to come by in the Mile High City, which can feel more resort town than rugged destination, which is why this hidden gem is all the more special.
Please note: Eldorado Hot Springs pool is closed through Summer 2022, but it’s well-worth seeking out once they’ve completed renovations.
Location: 302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO, 80452
Admission: $-$$
Amenities: Indian Hot Springs offers day soaks as well as overnight accommodations; guests can choose from The Resort, a historic lodge; The Inn, a modern hotel with all the creature comforts you’re seeking; and even cabins offering a more private experience that’s suitable for larger groups.
Pre/Post Soak: Looking to total R&R? Book a soothing mud treatment and cleanse the toxins from your skin, or indulge in a private bath and revel in 106-degree water from your own little oasis.
For a hot springs experience in Colorado that feels downright tropical, Indian Hot Springs is your ticket to paradise. At this glorious hot springs resort near Denver (just 35 miles from the city center, in fact), you’ll find pure, 125-degree mineral water flowing right from the hot springs into the pool and baths, all in a glorious indoor resort outfitted with vaulted skylights and verdant green trees.
Are you a hot springs pro looking for something a little different? Venture into one of the geothermal caves at Indian Hot Springs.
Each walk-in tub allows curious guests to study the nooks and crannies in the surrounding cave walls… and if you’re the kind of person who prefers going au natural, each area is gender specific and clothing optional.
Hot Springs near Colorado Springs
Given its name, one would expect Colorado Springs to be flush with, well, springs. Happily, this Centennial State town delivers.
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This area, known as the Pikes Peak Region, is positively teeming with outdoor recreation and adventure, and post-trails, there’s nothing better than a soak in one of the many superlative hot springs near Colorado Springs.
Amenities: Not just a beautiful hot springs/water park near Colorado Springs, if you’d like to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort has a number of beautiful suites, cabins, and lodges that are perfect for every personal preference and budget.
Pre/Post Soak: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is located in Nathrop, Colorado, between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. This area is a favorite destination for Coloradans, offering loads of outdoor recreation and activities, museums and attractions, and amazing restaurants and wineries. On site, definitely check out the bucket-list-worthy activities like Full Moon Water Yoga.
One of the best and most unique attributes about Colorado hot springs is their history. These hot springs have been delighting guests for literally centuries, and there’s something to be said for places that so staunchly stand the test of time.
Near Colorado Springs, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort has been easing stress and serving guests for more than 140 years, and truly is a bucket-list worthy destination in the state. Established in 1879, Mount Princeton is a true Colorado oasis and offers everything from a therapeutic spa to Creekside Hot Springs to pools and more.
Family-friendly amenities like water slides and a lazy river make this a fun place for all ages; and unlike bigger water parks that attract bigger crowds, Mount Princeton is calm and quiet and has virtually no lines, making for an experience that is both relaxing and fun.
Amenities: Recently renovated, guests can extend their experience by renting one of the beautiful and well-appointed vintage Airstreams at Desert Reef Hot Springs.
Pre/Post Soak: Over three million people visit this region near Colorado Springs annually, with activities such as mountain biking, hiking in Royal Gorge, and kayaking the Arkansas River all popular. For those looking for a more low-key excursion, Florence is known as the "antique capital" of Colorado.
Colorado is known for its next-level hot springs resorts (for proof of this, just see *any* of the above destinations), but there’s something to be said for the simple pleasure of a good, old-fashioned soak in a mineral pool.
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If you prefer to relax somewhere that is as quiet as it is soothing, we recommend visiting the underrated and little-known Desert Reef Hot Springs located in Florence and near Colorado Springs. One of the state’s newer hot springs resorts, Desert Reef was founded in 1986 as a labor of love in an effort to create a sacred space as a retreat and refuge for curious and creative folks looking to relax, recharge, and find some inspiration and joy.
This is accomplished in a variety of ways, from a languid day soak or private pool experience to booking one of Desert Reef’s beautiful vintage Airstream trailers overnight.
Free Hot Springs in Colorado
Hot springs are one of Mother Nature’s most enjoyable pleasures, and the best part is that many of these natural pools are incredibly accessible and free to visit, too!
Because the myriad benefits of a soak session in a steaming hot tub of minerals is something everything should be able to experience.
So if you’re looking for an adventure that won’t break the bank, there are numerous free hot springs in Colorado that are beautiful and bucket-list-worthy, too.
Amenities: This 20-foot wide pool features a cliff jump and small rocky beach. For those looking to make an entire weekend out of the trip, Radium is surrounded by two world-class campgrounds, including the Mugrage Campground (which is first-come, first-serve, and also free) and Radium Recreation Site, which has a nominal reservation fee.
Pre/Post Soak: To access Radium Hot Springs, you must hike a moderate (albeit beautiful *and* dog friendly) 1.1-mile loop trail, so come prepared with not only your swimsuit, but hiking boots. This scenic trek is all part of the experience, though! Post-soak, stay and relax at one of the nearby campsites.
When it comes to the ultimate in relaxation, there is nothing better than resting in warm, mineral-infused water, but this experience often comes with a hefty price tag. That is, unless you heed our advice and head over to Radium Hot Springs, one of the most wonderful and free hot springs in Colorado.
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Nestled along the commanding Colorado River, Radium Hot Springs is one of Colorado’s most treasured hot springs and makes for an amazing day trip adventure in the Centennial State.
Its mineral-rich pools, stunning surrounding scenery, and epic 45-foot cliff jump make Radium Hot Springs a favorite destination among intrepid adventure-seekers.
Amenities: Conundrum Hot Springs is free to visit and the best time to check it out is July through September, as snowfall can make the trailhead and campsites inaccessible during the winter.
Pre/Post Soak: Hike 8.5 miles to (and then 8.5 miles from) this Colorado hot springs, and plan to stay and soak up the scenery… and warm waters! Afterwards, stay and explore Maroon Bells, which is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado… and the world.
Hailed as one of the most beautiful wonders on the planet, Colorado’s Maroon Bells is one of those jaw-dropping places that truly doesn’t look real, and that must, must, be experienced in person. And nestled within the extraordinary expanse of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, Conundrum Hot Springs is an oasis whose beauty is befitting of its location.
When we say this hike is worth the views, we mean it. Yes, the hike is 8.5 miles each way (that’s 17 miles round trip), but both journey and destination are extraordinarily, breathtakingly beautiful.
Conundrum Hot Springs rests at 11,200 feet in elevation and features two natural hot springs, with the upper pool holding plenty of people, and a slightly smaller and more private pool located downstream.
These natural infinity pools offer warm, relaxing waters, as well as some of the most incredible views you have ever encountered.
Clothing-Optional Hot Springs in Colorado
There’s something quite liberating about experiencing a hot springs au naturel, and for those willing to take the plunge, there are some marvelous clothing-optional options in the Centennial State.
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Many of the state’s best hot springs resorts even offer separate clothing-optional pools and/or designated times for soaking in the buff, so guests can choose the option with which they’re most comfortable.
But if you’re up for a bucket-list-worthy experience, leave your inhibitions behind and embrace Mother Nature with open arms at these clothing-optional hot springs in Colorado.
Amenities: In addition to the spa, which is located in a charming yurt and boasts alternative therapies like CBD-infused and Watsu massages, Orvis Hot Springs has on-site lodging and camping. Overnight guests get 24-hour access to the hot springs, too!
Pre/Post Soak: After your hot springs soak, head into town and grab a bite to eat at Eatery 66 or Ridgeway Lodge and Star Saloon.
Tucked away at the base of the San Juan Mountains in the town of Ridgway, the Orvis Hot Springs are a collection of 10 tranquil and historical pools that were initially utilized by the Tabeguache band of the Utes, who considered the healing waters sacred.
Today, the natural lithium waters, which range in temperature from 65 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, continue to be lauded for their soothing properties, attracting wellness seekers from all corners of Colorado.
And for those looking to truly become one with nature, Orvis Hot Springs boasts clothing-optional pools where brave souls can leave their inhibitions – and swimming suits – at the door. While boasting a laid-back atmosphere,
Orvis Hot Springs offers some of the best spa services and accommodations of all the hot springs in Colorado, for a relaxing retreat in the lap of luxury.
Amenities: On-site camping and historic lodging are available, as well as a menu of massage and bodywork treatments (call for reservations).
Pre/Post Soak: Stay and enjoy the beautiful and untouched scenery of this protected land in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The eponymous Valley View Hot Springs Trail is an easy, mile-long trek that’s a great way to take in the views before your soak.
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For those seeking an off-the-grid kind of hot springs experience in Colorado, Valley View Hot Springs offers just that. Housed on 2,200 acres of pristine Orient Land Trust-protected terrain, Valley View is a clothing-optional hot springs in Colorado that welcomes guests for day soaks and extended stays.
Boasting "soothing mineral water heated by nature," a constant flow of fresh spring water keeps Valley View’s pools hovering between 65 and 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, the hot springs remain a place for healing and rejuvenation, with locals and tourists alike visiting for such health benefits as reduced stress, anxiety, arthritic and muscle pain, and eczema… all in a clothing-optional environment.
In fact, all of Valley View’s hot springs are clothing optional, making this a safe, welcoming, and no-judgment space for guests to come and enjoy nature in its purest form.
Summary
There’s something positively magical about natural hot springs. The mineral-infused waters are healing and relaxing all at once, providing the perfect escape. And when combined with the incredible natural setting of Colorful Colorado, you have the makings of a very memorable and bucket-list worthy hot springs experience.
