Pagosa Springs in Colorado will see you practically tripping over hot springs at every turn – not surprising, as the town boasts “Mother” – the world’s deepest geothermal water source, which not only feeds the hot spring pools, but also provides geothermal energy to the schools, municipal, county buildings, and breweries in the town. Once used by native tribes for healing purposes, most of the hot springs in Pagosa have since been developed by private owners into commercial properties. But there is something for everyone here- for those looking for a full-on spa day (or spa-stay) and for those on a tight budget wanting to try a natural hot soak for free.
Here are our 6 top picks for the town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. You might also like to check out the best hot springs in other Colorado towns, too – head on over to our articles on the best hot springs near Ouray and perfect soaks in Glenwood Springs.
1. Healing Waters Resort & Spa – 0.2 Miles
The small, family-owned hot springs of Healing Waters Resort & Spa has been running since 1950, and offers natural, untreated, mineral-packed soaks for both overnighters and day use guests.
What To Expect
There’s a large, lukewarm outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor sulfur-water hot tub surrounded by concrete decking in a walled yard, and separate clothing optional men’s and women’s hot baths indoors. Amenities are cleaned regularly. You’ll notice that the atmosphere and decor overall is somehow reminiscent of the 1970s. Some will find that cute, others not.The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of restaurants and other tourist attractions.
Don’t Miss…
- A Raindrop massage
- A Swedish massage
- A water exercise class
- Their 18-Hole Golf Course
- Taking a dip before 10pm under the stars
See their full list of spa treatments to add extra rejuvenative experiences to your visit.
Good To Know
Lodging options include simple motel rooms with a double queen bed, coffee-maker, a basic TV set-up and a microwave, suites with kitchenettes, cabins, and RV spaces (seasonal). Overnight guests get complimentary access to the pool. Note – rooms in the older building are dated and have no soundproofing.
Overnight Quiet Time 10pm – 8am.
Day-use guests don’t need a reservation.
Soaking rates: Adults (13+) $20, Children (2-12) $15, Unders 2s swim for free.
The swimming pool is closed for cleaning every other Wednesday, and hot tubs are cleaned often – Check the resort calendar before you go for possible closures.
No pets allowed.
Clothing required in all outdoor soaking areas, optional in the indoor men’s / women’s bathing areas.
Open 8am – 10pm.
Address: 140 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
2. The Overlook Hot Springs Spa – 0.3 Miles
If you’re just passing through and want a soak or massage with a difference, head to the welcoming comfort of The Overlook in Pagosa Springs, appropriately named to describe the rooftop tubs looking down over the quaint town and surrounded by wooden decking and white balustrade. Sit and soak away your stress and aches as you enjoy stunning views of the San Juan River and Mountains.
What To Expect
The Overlook offers a sauna, and both indoor and outdoor, 2-8 person, (up to) 106°F sulfur hot tubs, our favorite being the ones on the roof- offering not only great views of the town but also perfect for star-gazing at night! The courtyard tubs allow for a more private soaking experience and relaxation in garden surroundings. For those looking for a quick cool-off after (or between) your hot mineral soaking, there’s a cold plunge indoors.
Don’t Miss…
- A Deep Tissue or Hot Stone massage
- A Couples Massage for the ultimate treat.
Good To Know
No accommodation is available at this hot springs destination – there are plenty of options to choose from in town.
Walk-ins welcome, as are private bookings
The Outlook provides locker rooms with cubbies, restrooms, and showers.
Towel, robe and swimsuit rental offered from $4.
Craft beer and wine are served on the property. No outside alcohol allowed.
Soaking rates (per day): Adult $24, Senior and Children $16.
Open: 9am – 10pm.
Clothing required.
Address: 432 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
3. Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring – 0.4 Miles
The riverside Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs is for the freebie-lovers out there, and is very popular with locals, being super easy to access from a road-side parking area.
What To Expect
A PVC pipe allows hot mineral water to flow into a rock-walled, 10-person pool. The water then runs off into the San Juan River beside it, keeping the mineral-rich water circulating and clean at a constant 104-105℉. The source is some 1000 feet below ground. There are also other pools to explore along the river bank, all of them, like the main pool, sand and pebble-bottomed, with rocks aplenty to rest on if you get too hot.
Don’t Miss…
- The town of Pagosa Springs boasts a long list of activities to try, from wildlife exploration, geological history, and tubing, biking and hiking, to horseback-riding, winter skiing and more.
Good To Know
There is a simple changing area nearby if you don’t want to get changed in your car.
Avoid weekends and holidays if you’re looking for a less crowded soak.
Clothing required.
Where: 321 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
4. The Springs Resort & Spa – 0.5 Miles
Elegantly set on a bank of the San Juan River, the 4-star Springs Resort & Spa is the perfect all-inclusive wellness destination, with 25 naturally heated mineral pools fed by the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer- The Mother Spring.
What To Expect
The Springs Resort has been arranged around the legendary 1000-foot-deep “Mother Spring,” which feeds 25 small, terraced pools above the San Juan River, and offers 13 minerals in waters that vary between 87-114°F. The cloudy, turquoise pools boast high levels of potassium, magnesium and zinc, and are cleaned daily on a schedule.
Don’t Miss…
- Their full-service spa, where you can indulge in a choice of treatments and massages
- Stargazing as you soak
- The Relaxation Terrace deck (extra charge)
- Yoga classes
Good To Know
Walk-ins welcome.
The Springs offers 79 rooms boasting fine Egyptian linens – choose from a budget-friendly room or a mountain suite with kitchenette.
Overnighters get 24/7 access to the waters within the price of their stay.
Pet-friendly.
Hungry? The Springs Resort has four on-site eateries and also offers poolside service.
Open: 9am – 9.30pm.
Soaking Rates: Adult $65/day, Children $35/day.
Clothing required.
Where: 323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
5. Piedra River Hot Springs (Sheep Creek) – 22 Miles
Another great freebie near Pagosa Springs is Piedra River Hot Springs (Sheep Creek), which offers a string of small hot mineral pools within the lush green surrounds of the San Juan National Forest. To get there, it takes a 3-mile (45 minute) hike along the beautiful river on the Sheep Creek Trail.
What To Expect
The Piedra River Hot Springs offers a choice of small, clearwater, shallow pools. Those closest to the river are cooler due to the mixed-in river water – at around 80°F, while those closer to the hot spring source tend to be around 100 – 105°F.
Downhill for the first mile, you will start your trek to the Piedra River Hot Springs at 7,500 ft and end up at 6,880 for your riverside hot spring soak.
Don’t Miss…
- Exploring the San Juan National Forest
- Wildlife spotting- particularly deers and badgers.
Good To Know
Campers and RV-ers can stay at the Lower Piedra Campground or Piedra Hunter Campground.
Avoid the high water levels after snow-melt, which often submerge these pools – aim to visit in summer or early fall.
Beware of hot pockets in the pools where the geothermal water bubbles up through the rocks and mud – take along water sandals and choose where to sit carefully.
Clothing optional.
6. Rainbow Hot Springs – 25 Miles
Rainbow Hot Springs is a primitive hot spring offering peaceful, wooded soaking isolation in the beautiful Weminuche Wilderness Area.
What To Expect
The two rock-walled pools at Rainbow Springs were built by previous visitors on the banks of the rapid-flowing San Juan River. The largest of the two, a 20 x 8-foot, 95°F pool, seats up to 10 people by the river, while the smaller 8 x 4-foot, 3-person pool is in a grassy meadow uphill from the river and, being closer to the source of the hot springs, offers a hotter soak at 105°F. Both pools are silt-bottomed, so tread lightly so as not to stir it up!
Don’t Miss…
- Wildlife spotting.
- Exploring the Weminuche Wilderness area.
Good To Know
Camping is possible nearby. There are fire-rings and picnic tables.
The 8-mile round trip trail offers limited shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection! Expect to walk up and downhill along old forest roads, across bridges, ford streams, and to have to balance on narrow ledges (it’s totally worth it, though!).
Bring bug spray and watch out for ticks!
The best time to visit is summer to early fall. Expect snow and/or flooding the rest of the year.
Clothing optional.
Where: Weminuche Wilderness Area, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado
What Else To Do And See In Or Near Pagosa Springs
Whitewater rafting on the San Juan River.
Kayaking or boating on the lakes.
Hiking on more than 500 nearby trails.
Rock climbing and horseback riding.
Driving to nearby waterfalls and scenic canyons.
Visiting the Chimney Rock Native American Archeological Area.
Enjoying the San Juan National Forest.
Taking a ride on the Durango/Silverton Railroad. In winter, go there for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and ice skating. Also, Pagosa Springs has over 50 km of Cross Country Ski Trails for you to enjoy.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
