Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a beautiful historic mining town nestled between the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. Originally home to the Ute Indians, Ouray and its numerous hot springs continue to draw guests looking to experience a tranquil retreat within the forest or an adventurous getaway hiking and off-road driving. Ouray is also known as the “ice-climbing capital of the US,” pulling in its fair share of winter tourists.
We’ve picked out our 6 favorite hot springs in and near Ouray – all of which happen to be commercial. If you’re looking for free soaks, check out our articles on the best hot mineral soaks in and around Colorado’s other top hot spring towns – Pagosa Springs and Glenwood Springs.
1. Ouray Hot Springs – 0.2 Miles
We’re starting our list with the biggest and most visited – a sulfur-free hot springs that has been a popular resort for nearly 100 years: Ouray Hot Springs, where it’s always a treat to soak in the hot pools while gazing up at the surrounding mountains.
What To Expect
The large property of Ouray Hot Springs has three sulfur-free soak pools ranging from 80-106℉. The water here is not only odor-free, but is packed with minerals, among them sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The 104 – 106°F Overlook Pool is our favorite soak here due to the infinity edge waterfall that divides it.
Other great things about Ouray Hot Springs are its adults-only soaking area, its spa/massage services, its fitness center, the Olympic-size Lap Pool, the 98°F Shallow Pool with an overhead volleyball net, and the 82°F Activity Pool with a 12-foot climbing wall. And, of course, the two waterslides!
Don’t Miss…
- The Overlook Pool
Good To Know
No accommodation on-site, but there is plenty of choice in both Ouray, and Grand Junction. Or choose from these campgrounds: Amphitheater Campground, Ouray Riverside Resort, Angel Creek Campground, Thistledown Campground.
Pool hours: Daily 11am – 10pm, waterslides 12pm – 6pm.
Soaking rates: Adult $26/day, Children $16 (under 4s soak for free), unlimited slides $5/day.
Towel rental is not available, but you can purchase one for $10 if you forget to bring your own.
You should read the pool rules before you go.
Clothing required.
Where: 1220 Main St., Ouray, Colorado.
2. The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings – 0.2 Miles
The hot springs of the Wiesbaden resort have been flowing from the depths of the San Juan Mountains for thousands of years; waters revered by the Ute tribe, whose chief Ouray the town was named after. Today, the Wiesbaden springs are still used for ceremonial purposes by the Ute descendants of that Chief.
But the long, important history is not the only thing that makes The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs & Lodgings another favorite soaking-and-swimming spot of ours in Ouray – we love going there for its numerous pools, rustic infrastructure, and cleansing vapor cave, all rich in quiet, healing vibes.
What To Expect
The Wiesbaden’s untreated, totally natural hot spring pools range in temperature from 102-108℉, and offer a surrounding of impressive mountain scenery to enjoy. Their untreated geothermal-heated water contains eight minerals for softer skin and better circulation- among which silica, sulfur and bicarbonate top the list.
The large swimming pool is kept at a comfortable 99-102℉ (adjusted according to the season) and offers paved decking and sun loungers.
The vapor cave, underneath the main lodge building, is another popular feature here, and has hot mineral water flowing through it at 107-109℉, filling a super-warm pool and producing steam to cleanse and relax you. While in there, pay attention to your body so as not to become overheated or dehydrated – seek out the nearby cold showers to cool off in when needed.
A secluded, rock-based, man-made and waterfall-fed soaking pool, The Lorelei, can be rented out hourly for a truly special experience.
Don’t Miss…
- The Lorelei Pool
Good To Know
The resort offers a choice of accommodation. There are hotel rooms of varying sizes (all with a full bath), a cottage, a small house on the Historic Register, and a 3-bed, 2 bath house on the hill. Overnighters get unlimited use of the hot springs, discounts on spa treatments and use of the private Lorelei Pool.
Walk-ins are welcome.
Soaking rates: $25/person/2-hour session
Lorelei pool rates: $35/hour for overnighters, $75/hour for day-guests.
Changing rooms, bathrooms and lockers are available, and towels can be bought if you forget your own.
Children under 6 are not allowed in the hot pools, but the resort kindly provides a small plastic pool which can be placed next to the pool you are soaking in for your little ones to splash around in with water from the outdoor pool.
Open 8am to 10pm.
Address: 625 5th St, Ouray, Colorado.
3. Twin Peaks Lodge And Hot Springs – 0.3 Miles
The 3.5-star, 100-year-old Twin Peaks Lodge offers both indoor and outdoor hot springs pools with picturesque views, and a fenced hot tub area…but the real treat here is the Sage Spa!
What To Expect
Twin Peaks offers two outdoor free-form mineral soaking pools – one slightly larger than the other, both easy to access and with plenty of seating in the pools and on the paved decking poolside. There are also nine 102 – 109℉ soaking tubs, two of which are handicap-accessible, a cold plunge, and an adults-only soaking area.
The hotel’s Sage Spa offers a variety of massages and wellness treatments.
Don’t Miss…
- A massage or facial at Sage Spa
Good To Know
If you want to stay longer, book a room at Twin Peaks, which has queen and king standard rooms, and large honeymoon and family suites.
Overnight guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast from 7am – 10.30am in the Sun Room. Alternatively, grab an all-you-can-eat breakfast in the Mineshaft Restaurant from 7am – 10am with a 10% discount.
Check-ins are done online at reception.
Hungry? Check out the on-site Mineshaft Restaurant & Pizzeria for fast-food favorites.
Soaking rates: Adults $39, Children (3-12) $20, Seniors $34.
Open 8am – 10pm.
Address: 125 3rd Avenue, Ouray, Colorado.
Website: twinpeakslodging.com
4. Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs – 0.4 Miles
The charming Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs offers overnight guests redwood tubs surrounded by a green garden. Tucked away from (but within easy reach of) the town, by day you can enjoy being surrounded by the mountains, at night – enjoy a soak under the stars.
What To Expect
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs offers eager hot-springers seven delightful red cedar tubs on terraces up the hillside, surrounded by wooden decking with a view. Experience the ultimate relaxation in 100% pure, untreated 103 – 108℉ mineral-rich water, which circulates completely every 24 hours. The higher up the hill you soak, the closer you’ll be to the hot spring source and the hotter the water will be. Note that use of the amenities here is only available to overnight guests.
Don’t Miss…
- The sun deck and picnic area overlooking the town
Good To Know
No walk-ins.
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs offers beautifully decorated mountain lodge accommodation, each room/suite coming with a TV and microwave.
Guests get a complimentary continental breakfast included in the price of their stay – be sure to get there early (from 7.30am) to grab your share of delicious premade omelets, pancakes and waffles. There is also cereal, yogurts and muffins too!
Pay-as-you-go laundry facilities available.
Soaking available 8am-9pm.
Clothing required.
Address: 45 3rd Ave.,Ouray, Colorado.
5. Orvis Hot Springs – 9 Miles
Orvis Hot Springs presents a wonderland of soaking opportunities in lithium-rich mineral water.
What To Expect
Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing-optional property that boasts 10 soaking areas with natural, free-flowing mineral water. All the 98-112℉ pools vary in size and temperature. Seven are outdoor and free-form, with paved decking and plenty of seating both in the water and poolside.
The 40 foot long, 5 foot deep Pond is our favorite place to soak and swim on the property, closely followed by the 20-foot Island Pond. If you really want to test your tolerance for heat, take a dip in the Lobster Pot, which can reach temperatures of 114°F (be sure to pay attention to your body and stay well hydrated!). If you like waterfall features with your soak, head to the 103 – 107°F Smoker’s Pond- and yes, you can smoke tobacco here. North Pond offers a comfortable 100°F, 4-feet deep place to soak or float, while the creatively painted Pool House has a 101°F, three-foot deep pool and two private 110°F hot tubs. There is also a sauna and cold plunge. Check out the photos and details of all the pools before you go.
Don’t Miss…
- A Watsu massage in the Watsu Pond
Good To Know
Accommodation here includes simple lodge rooms and an unshaded camping area for tents and RVs. Note that the campground is made up of crushed stone, so bring a padded ground mat with you as well as good pegs!
Orvis Hot Springs encourages its guests to leave their tech at home to take full advantage of the chance to rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
Open: 9am – 9pm.
Soaking Rates: Adult $28/all day, $24/quick-dip, Children $12.
Towel rental available.
Clothing optional.
Where: 1585 County Road 3, Ridgway, Colorado
Website: facebook.com/Orvishotsprings
6. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa – 62.2 Miles
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa has a rich history, from the Ancient Puebloan tribe which lived (and soaked) in the region between 1000-1200 AD, to the previous owners who hosted Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
Today, you can be the stars of the soaking show – Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa (previously known as Trimble Hot Springs) has so much going for it, it’s almost hard to believe! With breathtaking views of the Animas River Valley and San Juan National Forest, families, friends, couples and individuals will find something for every taste here to inspire relaxation and excite their sense of adventure.
What To Expect
In 2019, the green, grassy and ponderosa-surrounded resort was taken on by new owners and extensively renovated. It now boasts more than 40 unique water features, including hot mineral pools (designated almost equally between “family-friendly,” or “adults only”), with 10 of them being ADA accessible, two cold plunges, a 25-meter saltwater swimming pool, 5 Japanese-inspired cedar “Ofuro” tubs, a reflexology walking path, and our favorite- the mineral water “rain tower.”
The 99-112°F waters at Durango Hot Springs contain 32 minerals, with plenty of silica for smooth, silky skin, and decidedly lacking in sulfur. The smaller soaking tubs have individual temperature controls and are cleaned and refilled after each use to guarantee you a clean, mineral-packed soak.
At the sloping (to 4.5 feet) swimming pool, depending on the time of day, you can enjoy lap swimming, exercise classes, and aquatic training.
Durango is the only hot spring spa in the world to make use of AquaGen, a nano-oxygen particle infusion system, for their water.
The site offers grassy areas with picnic tables within ponderosa pine-enveloped landscaping for the perfect mountain-resort getaway.
Don’t Miss…
- A Stone Cold Fire massage
- A Salt Scrub
- A Skin Authority Facial
- A Body Indulgence with either salt, or pomegranate, rosehip and sugar.
Good To Know
Reservations required.
Rates: Adults $39, Children $19. Check rates and reserve here before you go.
Buy a towel at the front desk if you forget to bring your own (no rentals available).
Read the pool rules before you go.
Soaking pool hours: 9am – 10pm, Spa services: 9am – 7pm daily.
Two 30-minute hot spring soaks are included with any spa service you book that is 50 minutes or longer.
Clothing required.
Where: County Road 203 near the intersection of Highway 550 and Trimble Lane, Durango.
What Else To Do And See In Or Near Ouray
Rent a jeep, mountain bike or Polaris Ranger 1000 and get exploring!
Go skiing at Telluride Ski Resort
Enjoy a trip to Box Canyon Waterfall & Park
Tour the Bachelor Syracuse Mine
Hike along the stunning Yankee Boy Basin trail
Delve into Ouray’s interesting past at the Ouray Alchemist Museum
In winter, try out your ice climbing skills at the Ouray Ice Park
