8 Best Hot Springs in Colorado With Stunning Mountain Views and Healing Waters

There's hardly a more relaxing pastime than soaking in a pool fed by hot water that bubbles up naturally from under the earth’s crust. Colorado is home to 93 thermal sites, and approximately 30 have been developed into enchanting hot springs facilities — many set in the open air with stunning mountain views.

Colorado's hot springs have long been places of healing and peace. Indigenous peoples historically called them “medicine waters” because they're naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and lithium. Today, people travel from all over the U.S. for a soothing soak.

These Colorado hot springs are some of the country's best places for soaking away any worries — and aches or pains — while enjoying the fresh mountain air and stunning vistas.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop

This hot springs resort has a little something for everyone. There’s a waterslide, an exercise pool, an infinity pool, a historic bathhouse, and even overnight lodging. But the real stars of the property are the sandy-bottom pools perched on the edge of the river, surrounded by rock. In these natural pools, hot water bubbles up from the creek bed, and you can move stones to allow more or less cold river water into your hot water oasis. Tip: the creekside hot springs can be booked for private use for a romantic soak with a special someone.

Valley View Hot Springs, Moffat

Head to Valley View Hot Springs if you're looking for more of a wilderness experience. You won't find waterslides or a fancy lodge at these remote pools in the tiny town of Moffat (population: 108). The site comprises six soaking ponds set along wilderness trails, plus a swimming pool, hot tub, and electric sauna. A few of the pools are perched up on the mountain with incredible views over the valley. Note that clothing is optional, so this probably isn't the best destination for kids.

The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s renowned hot spring towns, and this resort is one of the community’s standout soaking spots. The springs are set along the roaring river and fed by what's thought to be the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer. If you're out at night, make sure to look up — Pagosa Springs offers next-level stargazing. For unobstructed dark skies, book an overnight stay, which comes with 24-hour access to the hot springs.

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

There’s nothing quaint about the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, which has a whopping 32 soaking pools, including cold plunges and Japanese-inspired soaking tubs. Of those pools, 13 are for adults only, ensuring peace and quiet is always on the menu. Perhaps most notably, the Durango facility is the first to incorporate oxygen bubbles into its waters, which it claims are beneficial to blood flow and skin.

Ouray Hot Springs

The beautiful landscape surrounding this pool makes it tough to resist a soak. Set in the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," Ouray's namesake spring is tucked in a canyon amid the towering San Juan Mountains, sure to take your breath away. Kids can play on the waterslides and climbing wall while adults make their way to the warmer waters of the terraced springs on the far end of the pool.

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs, Carbondale

Day visitors are welcome at Avalanche Ranch, but staying overnight is the way to go if you're looking for an immersive experience (pun intended). On the property, there are three tiered hot springs, and the largest is fed by a three-foot waterfall. Soaking with views of Mount Sopris is an epic way to end a day of biking, hiking, kayaking, or beer tasting around Carbondale. Accommodations include a 100-square-foot tiny house, several cabins, and two-person chuck wagons — all with 24-hour access to the springs.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs

As its name implies, Glenwood Springs is one of the state’s true hot spring towns. You’ll find a handful of sites here, but it’s hard to beat Iron Mountain Hot Springs, ideally located right on the banks of the Colorado River. The facility’s 16 geothermal soaking pools, large freshwater and cold plunge pools, and jetted tub ensure there’s space for everyone. One of the highlights of this family-friendly spot is the "world experience" pools, designed to replicate famous hot springs around the globe, from Iceland's Blue Lagoon to the Soda Springs in New Zealand.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a 15-minute drive from the town of Steamboat Springs, and the pools are a short hike from the parking lot. The trails melt away as you arrive at a series of pools set right along the river. Communal lounge chairs offer a cozy place to cool off and enjoy the Colorado sunshine. You can also stay overnight in one of the property’s cabins, covered wagons, or tent sites, all set near the springs.