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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Winter Stops Along the Hot Springs Loop

Winter Stops Along the Hot Springs Loop

5 days

More Itineraries

The magic of unwinding in a steaming hot spring as snowflakes fall from the sky is one of the greatest joys of winter in Colorado. Hop on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop to discover some of the state’s best winter soaking locales — and spend your time in between dips enjoying some quintessential cold-season activities.

Insider's Tip

Insider's Tip

Backcountry Safety

Get out in front of backcountry danger this winter, and keep safety top-of-mind! Seek education and training prior to heading out, or utilize a professional guide or a seasoned mentor to explore Colorado's backcountry. Find more ways to get informed and stay safe in Colorado.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local: There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day 1

Insider's Tip

Start in Glenwood: Start your hot-springs trek on Glenwood Springs before heading on to Ouray on Day 2.

Activity

Sunlight Mountain Resort

With more than 680 skiable acres and 2,000 vertical feet, Sunlight Mountain Resort offers big skiing at an affordable price. Great for families and beginners, Sunlight also offers one one of the... Read More

Lunch

Slope & Hatch

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

Activity

Glenwood Escape Room

A balance of high and low tech elements, puzzles and clues create an adventure for the mind. We like to make our rooms challenging but fun so that those who escape know they’ve performed like top... Read More

Dinner

Grind

When we first opened GRIND we had a vision for a “burger joint” with the sensibilities of a farm to table restaurant. We wanted to be a local hang out focused on crafted and scratch made products. Read More

Activity

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Located between Aspen and Vail, you'll find the World's Largest Hot Springs Pool! The Ute Indians called it Yampah, meaning "big medicine" because of its therapeutic qualities. Soothe your... Read More

Lodging

Hotel Colorado

Step back in time at Hotel Colorado. Enjoy our legendary service, modern amenities, and well-appointed rooms as you explore the beauty of our corner of the majestic Rocky Mountains. You'll be... Read More

Day 2

Breakfast

Sweet ColoraDough

Sweet ColoraDough is a bakery located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado specializing in doughnuts, pastries, pies, cupcakes, cakes, tea, coffee, and more!

Activity

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes and a Wibit obstacle... Read More

Lunch

Bon Ton Restaurant

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

Activity

Ouray Ice Park

The Ouray Ice Park is an outdoor park featuring ice climbing, viewing, all for free! Several local outfitters offer lessons and guided climbs.

Dinner

Outlaw Restaurant

Tthe Outlaw Restaurant still has the same sign hung in 1969. Those who return come back with happy memories of the past, while newcomers take away experiences they will fondly remember. Read More

Activity

The Blue Pear

The Blue Pear prides itself on bringing the extraordinary, quirky, and lovely to Ouray. We enjoy finding those unique gifts that can set us apart. Our team is made up of artists, locals, and... Read More

Lodging

Day 3

Breakfast

Insider's Tip

Make Your Way to Pagosa Springs: Take the scenic 3-hour drive to Pagosa Springs for more hot springs and winter adventure!

Activity

Mountain Paws Dog Sledding

Drive your own team of excited Alaskan huskies through the spectacular beauty and along the scenic trails of the San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Lunch

Kip's Grill & Cantina

Kip's Grill started operating out of a caboose on the side of the Highway in Del Norte, Colorado in 1996. The goal was to create seriously fresh, handmade tacos with amazing flavors and provide our... Read More

Activity

The Springs Resort & Spa

Relax and renew at The Springs Resort & Spa - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 24 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs. The Springs Resort is the perfect escape... Read More

Insider's Tip

Insider's Tip

Don't worry! The day isn't over yet, you're just going for a nice soak in the hot springs.

Dinner

Riff Raff Brewing Company

Founded in 2013, Riff Raff Brewing Company opens in downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in May 2013. The brewery is Pagosa Springs' first downtown brewery and features artisan ales handcrafted in... Read More

Activity

Riff Raff Brewing Company

Founded in 2013, Riff Raff Brewing Company opens in downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in May 2013. The brewery is Pagosa Springs' first downtown brewery and features artisan ales handcrafted in... 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 4

Breakfast

The Rose

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

Sustainability Activity

Head to Buena Vista:

Once there, donate time or money at the Ark-Valley Humane Society before exploring the area. The lifesaving work of Ark-Valley Humane Society is only possible because of donors and volunteers.

Lunch

Eddyline Restaurant, Brewery & Taphouse

Wood-fired pizza & grill, Award winning Ales & Lagers, Colorado's only 16oz micro-cannery! Read More

Activity

Snowshoe at Browns Creek

Embark on a snowshoeing adventure on this challenging trail near Nathrop in the San Isabel National Forest. From parts of the trail you can see the huge 14er mountains and Browns Canyon across the valley. About 3 miles up the trail is an amazing waterfall that is way bigger than you would expect.

COTREX

Insider's Tip

Insider's Tip

Rent your snowshoes from The Trailhead.

Dinner

216 Ferraro's

Specializing in fresh house-made pasta daily, including spaghetti, fettuccine, linguini, pappardelle, rigatoni and ravioli. Fresh Oysters & Daily Chef Specials!

Activity

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

These Colorado hot springs are located in Nathrop, Colorado between the towns of Buena Vista and 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 5

Breakfast

The Patio Pancake Place

The Patio Pancake Place strives to deliver the best in wholesome breakfast and lunch fare.

Insider's Tip

Head North After Breakfast: Wake up with breakfast in Salida and then head 3 hours north to Steamboat Springs' winter wonderland.

Activity

Howelsen Hill

Strap on your Nordic skis and head out to Howelsen Hill, the oldest operating ski hill in North America. Explore their 13 miles of Nordic trails and experience a piece of Steamboat’s winter Olympic heritage.

Lunch

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

Dinner

The Cabin

The Cabin features a menu of fresh favorites for every palate including great burgers, steaks, salads and appetizers. Read More

Activity

Night Skiing at Steamboat Resort

The Christie Peak Express high-speed chairlift whisks you to top of Christie Peak (8,000’) to embark on your night adventure across five trails including Sitz, See Me, Vogue, Stampede and Lil’ Rodeo. All levels of skiing and riding will be available.

Lodging

The Steamboat Grand

With the resort right out the front door, The Steamboat Grand Hotel has lodging to fit every need, from five-bedroom penthouses to hotel rooms. Just steps away from mountain activities and a... Read More