Colorado.com Staff Writer

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<p>Colorado’s mountains have plenty of activities to get your heart racing, but they’re also perfect for kicking back. Dip into our many hot springs, where you can soothe sore muscles after a long day of hiking or skiing. Many also offer water slides and kid-friendly amenities.</p>


30 Colorado Hot Springs: A Quick Guide

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The Springs Resort and Spa hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

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<h2>1. The Springs Resort</h2>
<p>This luxury resort in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/pagosa-springs-channel">Pagosa Springs</a> boasts 25 soaking pools (including the world’s deepest geothermal spring), a full-service spa and salon and a separate luxury suites hotel, which is LEED-certified for its environmentally conscious design. Unwind in one of the five adults-only pools, which have sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains at <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/springs-resort-spa">The Springs Resort</a>.</p>
<h2>2. Waunita Hot Springs Ranch</h2>
<p>Surrounded by Gunnison National Forest, <a href="http://www.colorado.com/guestdude-ranch/waunita-hot-springs-ranch">Waunita Hot Springs Ranch</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/gunnison">Gunnison</a> is an ideal getaway for horseback riding, fishing and swimming in the hot-springs-fed pool. This family-friendly ranch also includes kid-appropriate activities like hayrides, horseshoes, fishing and more.</p>
<h2>3. Avalanche Ranch Cabins &amp; Hot Springs</h2>
<p>Stay in a private log cabin overlooking the Rocky Mountains and enjoy 24-hour access to three secluded hot-springs pools at the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/avalanche-ranch-cabins-hot-springs">Avalanche Ranch Cabins &amp; Hot Springs</a>. This pastoral 36-acre ranch in <a href="/cities-and-towns/redstone">Redstone</a> also features hiking trails, a stocked fishing pond and private riverfront access. Note: The springs are closed each Wednesday for cleaning.</p>


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Strawberry Park Hot Springs

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<h2>4. Strawberry Park Hot Springs</h2>
<p>At <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/strawberry-hot-springs">Strawberry Park Hot Springs</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat Springs</a> you can stay in a tent or rent a rustic cabin, and make sure to book the signature watsu treatment: a bodywork massage that takes place in geothermal waters. Get back to nature by going au naturel — the hot springs become clothing optional after dark. Watch a video of the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/videos/colorado-hot-springs-strawberry-park-steamboat-springs">daylight hours at Strawberry Park</a>.</p>
<h2>5. Old Town Hot Springs</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/old-town-hot-springs">Old Town Hot Springs</a> complex in <a href="/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat</a> touts geothermal pools, water slides, a fitness center, tennis courts, massage services and childcare. Book a private cabana on the upper deck to make a full day of it.</p>
<h2>6. The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa &amp; Lodgings</h2>
<p>Book one of the historic accommodations in the European-style <a href="http://www.colorado.com/lodge/wiesbaden-hot-springs-spa-and-lodgings">Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa &amp; Lodgings</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/ouray">Ouray</a> and take a breather with a spa treatment and a dip in the therapeutic hot springs. Unwind in the natural vapor cave, which includes a 108-degree soaking pool.</p>


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Overhead view of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

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<h2>7. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/glenwood-hot-springs-resort">Glenwood Hot Springs Resort</a> is perfect for the entire family, boasting the world’s largest hot-springs pool with relaxation areas, a splash/aquatic park, swimming lanes and a diving board. A poolside restaurant and athletic club complete this experience in <a href="/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a>.</p>
<h2>8. Ouray Hot Springs Pool &amp; Fitness Center</h2>
<p>Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, the series of natural hot-springs pools at the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/ouray-hot-springs-swimming-pool">Ouray Hot Springs Pool &amp; Fitness Center</a> are an inspiring place to bring your whole family. The shallow pool is ideal for young swimmers and features a water volleyball area, while the activity pool boasts an inflatable obstacle course. For more relaxation, seek out the hot pool or the infinity-edge overlook pool.</p>
<h2>9. Indian Springs Resort</h2>
<p>Variety rules in <a href="/cities-and-towns/idaho-springs">Idaho Springs</a> with geo-thermal caves, private baths, outdoor hot tubs and a mineral-water pool, not to mention lodging options that range from campsites to resort rooms at the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/indian-springs-resort">Indian Springs Resort</a>. Visit the springs' Club Mud, where you can DIY application of mineral-rich clay.</p>


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Creekside soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

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<h2>10. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort</h2>
<p>The luxurious <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/mount-princeton-hot-springs-resort">Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort</a> mountain resort boasts numerous geothermal springs. <a href="/cities-and-towns/nathrop">Nathrop</a>'s proximity to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/resortski-area/monarch-mountain">Monarch Mountain</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/equipment-rentals/ski-cooper">Ski Cooper</a> ski areas makes a perfect aprés-ski muscle relaxant. Thirty small pools are located right in Chalk Creek, which runs alongside the property and adds a super-natural feel to your soak.</p>
<h2>11. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort &amp; Spa</h2>
<p><a href="/hot-spring/hot-sulphur-springs-resort-and-spa">Hot Sulphur Springs Resort &amp; Spa</a>'s waters, which run in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/hot-sulphur-springs">the town of the same name</a>, have been flowing from natural springs for hundreds of years and were used for healing by the Ute people. Hop from pool to pool to try out different temperatures and views.</p>
<h2>12. Dunton Hot Springs</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/dunton-hot-springs">Dunton Hot Springs</a>, an all-inclusive resort set in a restored ghost town near <a href="/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a>, features private log cabins, mineral-rich hot springs and long-table dinners held in an 1800s saloon. Enjoy the soaking pool inside the restored 19th-century bathhouse or venture to Colorado’s only geyser, which is located nearby.</p>


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Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway

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<h2>13. Orvis Hot Springs</h2>
<p>Ten pools in <a href="/cities-and-towns/ridgway">Ridgway</a>'s <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/orvis-hot-springs">Orvis Hot Springs</a> paradise range from 98 degrees to the very steamy — and appropriately named — Lobster Pot, which can get up to 114 degrees. The unique gravel-bottom “pond” is known for Mount Sneffels vistas and massaging waterfalls.</p>
<h2>14. Overlook Hot Springs Spa</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/overlook-hot-springs">Overlook Hot Springs Spa</a>'s rooftop tubs, outdoor individual soaking tubs, four indoor pools and a cold plunge give you options for any weather or occasion. Tucked inside a Victorian-era storefront in Pagosa Springs, these waters are a great aprés-ski option just half an hour from <a href="https://www.colorado.com/resortski-area/wolf-creek-ski-area">Wolf Creek Ski Area</a>.</p>
<h2>15. Healing Waters Resort &amp; Spa</h2>
<p>With lodging options spanning rooms and suites with full kitchens as well as a spa, <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/healing-waters-resort-spa">Healing Waters Resort and Spa</a> makes sure you don't need to leave the grounds for a relaxing getaway in Pagosa Springs. Book a treatment at the spa after your soak to maximize the effects of the waters on weary muscles.</p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs

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<h2>16. Iron Mountain Hot Springs</h2>
<p><a href="/hot-springs/iron-mountain-hot-springs">Iron Mountain Hot Springs</a> is located on the site of the historic Iron Springs Spa on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. The resort is home to a freshwater family pool with an elevated whirlpool spa and 16 smaller mineral hot-springs soaking pools that complement the scenic hillside landscape next to the river. The hot springs also offers a wheelchair-accessible ramp for users' own wheels,or an aquatic wheelchair.</p>
<h2>17. Box Canyon Lodge &amp; Hot Springs</h2>
<p>Situated in a peaceful courtyard beneath a scenic mountainside in Ouray with 360-degree views, the <a href="http://www.colorado.com/motel/box-canyon-lodge-and-hot-springs">Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs</a>' tubs are available only to overnight guests. Frequent guests recommend taking in a San Juan Mountains sunrise from the outdoor benches found throughout the lodge grounds.</p>
<h2>18. Valley View Hot Springs</h2>
<p>This nonprofit, clothing-optional, off-the-grid spot is a unique way to experience the land of the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/region/mystic-san-luis-valley">Mystic San Luis Valley</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/villa-grove">Villa Grove</a>. Several all-natural soaking ponds are found along wilderness trails, while a hot tub and sauna are heated geothermically and hydroelectrically. Reservations are strongly recommended at <a href="https://www.olt.org/our-properties/valley-view-hot-springs-guidelines/">Valley View Hot Springs</a>.</p>


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Joyful Journey Hot Springs

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<h2>19. Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-spring/joyful-journey-hot-springs-spa">Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa</a> in the San Luis Valley (<a href="/cities-and-towns/moffat">Moffat</a>) pulls its 140-degree artesian mineral waters from beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Pools are gravity-fed and cooled to a comfortable and relaxing 98 to 110 degrees. Unique lodging options can be found in the yurt and a tiny Native American-inspired village.</p>
<h2>20. Aqua Hot Spring &amp; Cabin</h2>
<p>The <a href="/hot-springs/aqua-hot-spring">Aqua Hot Spring and Cabin</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/buena-vista">Buena Vista</a> has it all. With a private hot-spring tub next to burbling Chalk Creek, this cozy three-bedroom vacation rental is as peaceful as it gets — when the sun goes down and the stars come out, there's a remote, magical feeling you can't shake.</p>
<h2>21. Antero Hot Springs Cabins</h2>
<p>Right inside San Isabel National Forest along Chalk Creek in Nathrop, <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/antero-hot-springs-cabins">Antero Hot Springs Cabins</a>'s three chalets each come with their own spring-fed pools and spectacular mountain views. When you're not soaking, you'll be surrounded with opportunities to explore the outdoors, from whitewater rafting and river surfing to hiking and snowshoeing.</p>


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Relaxing pools of Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

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<h2>22. Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn &amp; Spa</h2>
<p>Stay on site in a <a href="/inn/cottonwood-hot-springs-inn-spa">Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa</a> creek-side cabin or the lodge right in the Collegiate Peaks mountains or just come to <a href="/cities-and-towns/buena-vista">Buena Vista</a> for the day. Several pools range in temperature from 94 to 110 degrees and spa services are available, as are the sounds of the creek rushing by.</p>
<h2>23. Twin Peaks Lodge &amp; Hot Springs</h2>
<p>With a mountain-view outdoor pool and nine soaking tubs — some with adults-only access — you can choose the perfect atmosphere for your float at <a href="/hotel/twin-peaks-lodge-hot-springs">Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs</a> in Ouray. With amenities like all-you-can-eat breakfast and easy access to Jeep rentals, this is the perfect retreat.</p>
<h2>24. Juniper Hot Springs</h2>
<p><a href="/hot-springs/juniper-hot-springs">Juniper Hot Springs</a>, 20 miles west of <a href="/cities-and-towns/craig">Craig</a> in Lay, has been warming the area's residents for centuries. Its waters contain 24 beneficial minerals — only two others in the world can boast of this richness. The pools range from 80–103 degrees, and camping and day-use shade tents add to the relaxing, low-key vibe.</p>


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Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center

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<h2>25. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center</h2>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/salida">Salida</a>'s <a href="/salida/salida-hot-springs">Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center</a> is a publicly operated indoor pool with room for laps, fitness classes, a water slide and other activities. There are also private soaking pools, which can be reserved in advance.</p>
<h2>26. Splashland</h2>
<p>With a name like <a href="/hot-springs/splashland">Splashland</a>, how much more fun could it get? This geothermal outdoor swimming pool in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a> is popular with families in the San Luis Valley near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a>, with slides, a diving board and lap lanes.</p>
<h2>27. Desert Reef Hot Spring</h2>
<p>Just a half hour's drive from the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/royal-gorge-things-see-do">Royal Gorge</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a>, the <a href="/hot-springs/desert-reef-hot-spring">Desert Reef Hot Spring</a> spot is a little gem in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/florence">Florence</a> that feels as if it's in the middle of nowhere — which tells you something about the unfettered views.</p>


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Durango Hot Springs Resort in Durango, Colorado

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<h2>28. Durango Hot Springs Resort &amp; Spa</h2>
<p>Relax in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/durango-hot-springs-resort-and-spa">Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa</a>'s sauna, swim laps in the massive naturally heated mineral pool, picnic and sunbathe poolside and soothe the body and soul with massage treatments.</p>
<h2>29. Great Sand Dunes Swimming Pool</h2>
<p>Open year-round, the <a href="/hot-springs/sand-dunes-recreation">Great Sand Dunes Swimming Pool</a> outdoor facility in Hooper features a family pool and therapy pool just 20 miles from <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a>. There's also an indoor adults-only greenhouse with a variety of pools, plans and adult beverages.</p>
<h2>30. Charlotte Hot Springs &amp; Botanical Gardens / Merrifield Homestead Cabins</h2>
<p>Tucked away in an unassuming niche of Buena Vista, <a href="https://www.coloradohotspringsresort.com/services-6">Charlotte Hot Springs</a> is the place to go for a serene soak in one of three large pools. Before you leave, stroll the indoor tropical gardens. The family running the springs also boast the two nearby Merrifield Homestead Cabins, each with rustic charm and private soaking pools along Cottonwood Creek.</p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/best-things-to-do-in-colorado">Find more of the best things to do in Colorado</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/5-colorado-hikes-hot-springs">Combine hikes with hot-springs soaks</a></p>
