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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Historic Hot Springs Loop

Historic Hot Springs Loop

5 days

More Itineraries

Thermal hot springs flow abundantly throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Soaking in natural mineral water is a time-honored tradition to enhance wellness. One thing is for sure: relaxation is the ultimate goal in these towns: Steamboat Springs, Buena Vista, Nathrop, Salida, Pagosa Springs, Ridgway, Ouray and Glenwood Springs.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local:

Participate with in a trail repair project with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado.

Day 1

Activity

Collegiate Peaks - Scenic and Historic Byway

This paved 57-mile route parallels the Continental Divide at the foot of the Sawatch Range Read More

Insider's Tip

Along the Byway: Travel the byway so that you end up in Buena Vista for lunch.

Lunch

House Rock Kitchen

House Rock Kitchen is a fast casual, from scratch, healthy, fun option in Buena Vista. Read More

Activity

South Main River Park

Watch the kayakers shoot the Arkansas River rapids on a walk through this park in Buena Vista.

Dinner

The Asian Palate

Our Thai & Sushi restaurant is located in downtown Buena Vista, CO, surrounded by the beautiful Collegiate Peaks and the active Arkansas River.

Activity

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

Come soak in Colorado's purest, geothermal, gravity-fed mineral spas. Historically noted for their medicinal and therapeutic value, the springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a... Read More

Lodging

Surf Chateau

The Surf Chateau invites you to step away from the world of conventional corporate rooms and step into a place where thoughtful design, balanced with endless possibility for outdoor adventure,... Read More

Day 2

Breakfast

Jan's Restaurant

Down-to-earth place offering hearty servings of American fare, including breakfast, plus a bar. Read More

Activity

Wolf Creek Pass Scenic Overlooks

Head toward Pagosa Springs, stopping at the scenic overlooks on Wolf Creek Pass along the way.

Lunch

Alley House Grille

Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style fusion cuisine. Read More

Activity

Pagosa Brewing Company

Pagosa Brewing Company & Grill is Pagosa Springs' National Award-Winning Brewery, recommended by Sunset Magazine, National Geographic & The New York Times. We've got a cozy tap room & dining room... Read More

Insider's Tip

Stay for Dinner: Keep the fun going at Pagosa Brewing Company by having a bite of the crispy green beans or the meat eater pizza.

Activity

Overlook Hot Springs

Overlook Hot Springs is Pagosa's newest hot springs spa! Relax in Victorian ambience as healing waters surround you in three scenic rooftop tubs or in one of five indoor pools. The rooftop has a... Read More

Lodging

Fireside Cabins

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND Deluxe 1- and 2-bedroom cabins on 10-acres located along the San Juan River. There is plenty of room to roam and we're able to offer private river and fishing access as well... Read More

Day 3

Breakfast

The Rose

The Rose diner in downtown Pagosa Springs has been a local landmark for three decades. Read More

Activity

San Juan Skyway - Scenic and Historic Byway

The 232-mile San Juan Skyway Loop takes about 7 hours to drive or can be a great 2 or 3 day trip with multiple opportunities to stop and enjoy scenic, recreational and historic sites.... Read More

Insider's Tip

Head West & Then North: Travel the San Juan Skyway to the box-canyon-cradled town of Ouray.

Lunch

Ouray Brewing

The Ouray Brewery is open daily. Our brewery has three levels with fine food and outstanding craft brews offered on each floor. Level one houses our kitchen and intimate pub. Level two offers... Read More

Activity

Box Canyon Waterfall & Park

The "Box Canyon" Falls, Ouray's own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. It is truly a dramatic scene. Read More

COTREX

Dinner

Bon Ton Restaurant

This historic establishment with a low-key, homey vibe serves old-school Italian & American fare. Read More

Lodging

Historic Western Hotel

Overlooking the beautiful Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, relaxing to the whisper of our own natural waterfall, the Highlander RV Campground... Read More

Day 4

Breakfast

Artisan Bakery

Come enjoy breakfast, lunch, or just a pastry and coffee, in a cozy little restaurant on main street, Ouray CO. Located at the south side of town, right on Main Street, in the old Wright Opera... Read More

Activity

West Elk Loop - Scenic and Historic Byway

Mount Sopris and Black Canyon of the Gunnison anchor the ends. Read More

Insider's Tip

Head North: Travel part of the byway north before breaking off and heading to your next stop: Glenwood Springs.

Lunch

Slope & Hatch

Taps, tacos, dogs and more. Fresh, affordable, chef-driven cuisine. Read More

Activity

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Elevate your Adventure at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America's only mountain-top Theme Park and western Colorado's #1 'must-see' attraction. Take the scenic Glenwood Gondola to experience... Read More

Dinner

Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse

Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse has been serving award-winning food and wine for over eleven years. We feature Sterling Silver beef, local elk and lamb, and fresh seafood. As our loyal customers will... Read More

Activity

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Nestled along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers incredible views of the Colorado and Roaring Fork river valleys, surrounding sandstone cliffs and beyond to... Read More

Lodging

Hotel Denver

Welcome to The Hotel Denver in lovely Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Enjoy all Glenwood Springs has to offer from our historic downtown location, close to the Hot Springs Pool, the restaurants,... Read More

Day 5

Breakfast

Rosi's Little Bavarian Restaurant

German & American fare, plus pastries, served in a small chalet-style restaurant with homey decor. Read More

Insider's Tip

Head North Again: Leave Glenwood Springs and head north to Steamboat Springs, a welcoming Wild West town.

Activity

F.M. Light and Sons

Outfittin' the West for 113 years and five generations! We are a historic western store in downtown Steamboat Springs. We were founded in 1905, and are still owned and operated by the Light... Read More

Lunch

Paramount

Breakfast & lunch cafe with a mountainside patio serving sandwiches, salads, juices & cocktails. Read More

Activity

Steamboat Bike Park

The Steamboat Bike Park offers an expansive 50 mile trail network that includes a wide array of lift assisted downhill only "flow" and "tech" trails, numerous multi-directional trails for those... Read More

Dinner

Salt and Lime

Salt and Lime in Downtown Steamboat Springs is a new twist on Mexican food Read More

Activity

Old Town Hot Springs

Four 104-degree spring-fed pools. 230-foot water slides, climbing wall. Read More

Lodging

Rabbit Ears Motel

The Rabbit Ears Motel, located in beautiful Steamboat Springs, is your choice for comfortable, affordable lodging right in the center of downtown. Either they built Steamboat around our motel,... Read More