Ouray Hot Springs: Have A Soak In Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Capital

How much do you know about the Switzerland of America? Did you know that it’s one of the top recreation areas in the US? 

Okay, let us eliminate your confusion. Nestled in the center of the mighty and stunning San Juan mountains, the town of Ouray, CO is considered the favorite recreational getaway for Colorado locals. Because of its majestic mountainous setting – which is ten times more beautiful during the snowy months – Ouray is deemed the Switzerland of America, rightly so. 

This historic town is also home to Ouray Hot Springs, which is one of the biggest attractions in the whole area. With its large territory housing five thermal springs, one Olympic-size pool, and massive water slides on top of activities for people of almost all ages, Ouray Hot Springs deserves such a title.

And we’re here to tell you all about it.

Address1220 Main St, Ouray, CO, United States, Colorado
Location100 miles from Grand Junction
OpenAll-year-round
ClothingRequired
Temperature75°F-106°F
Road AccessEasy; Any vehicle
AdmissionRequired ($16-$26)
Ouray Hot Springs at night.

All You Need To Know

Ouray Hot Springs is burrowed right at the base of Mt. Abrams, making for incredible scenery. It consists of six pools, five of which are thermal. Surprisingly enough, the springs do not contain sulfur, so visitors won’t have to worry about the odor of ‘rotten eggs.’ However, don’t let the lack of sulfur discourage you because Ouray HS is rich with plenty of other minerals to soothe your body and soul, such as Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, etc.

Mt. Abram towering over Ouray Hot Springs

It is a very family-friendly facility that is much loved and cherished by the local community, kind of like Old Town Hot Springs also located in Colorado. It also offers a fitness center, and massages and includes amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms. 

The appearance of the outdoor area is pretty neat. All kinds of pools are situated next to one another, with all thermal pools being fabulously curved-shaped. They differ in temperature as well as depth. 

The Shallow Pool is… well, shallow. Or at least shallower than the rest of the pools. It’s enjoyed by families and designed to be safe for kids. It also has a volleyball net stretched overhead. If volleyball is your thing, you’ll have lots of fun there. The temperature of the shallow pool ranges between 92°F-98°F.

Then we have the Hot Pool, the most curved-shaped of the bunch, boasting a temperature of 100°F-106°F.

The Overlook Pool, with a temperature of 104°F-106°F, is their visitors’ favorite because of its absolutely stunning appearance created by the infinity edge waterfall that divides the pool.

The Activity Pool of 76°F-82°F is almost every kid’s dream with a climbing wall that’s almost 12 feet tall and an obstacle course.

And last but not least, we have the 8-lane, Olympic-size Lap Pool with the ADA access lift. 

The absolute best thing about all these pools is their location because it gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the gorgeous San Juan mountain views while soaking in mineral-rich lagoons. Well, doesn’t that sound like utter bliss?
Also a note for those interested: Ouray Hot Springs also offers swimming lessons for only $45. If you want to learn more you can email Maggie at [email protected]

Admission Fees

Ages 18-61$26/day
Ages 62-74$18/day
Ages 4-17$16/day
Ages under 4No charge
Ages 75 and olderNo charge
Slides (unlimited)$5/day
Click here to learn more.

Working hours:

Public Pool Hours

Wednesday – Monday: 12 pm-9 pm

Tuesday: 12 pm-2 pm

Member Pool Hours

Everyday 11 am-12 am 

*Must have a VALID 3 or 12-month membership to enter during Members Only times.

Additional Information To Take Into Account

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the facility rules before planning your visit. 

Buckle up, cause there’s much to take into consideration.

Pool Rules

  • Children 12 and under wishing to enter the Activity Pool and or Lap Lanes must pass the deep water test, which is basically a method to test kids’ swimming abilities. Learn more here. 
  • Children 6 and under must stay within arm’s reach of an adult at all times, regardless of a child’s swimming ability.
  • Children aged 2 and under must wear swim diapers.
  • Running on the pool deck is not allowed
  • Swimsuits must be worn at all times. Lingerie, cut-offs, jean shorts, athletic shorts, sports bras, etc. are not permitted. A T-shirt may be worn over a bathing suit.
  • Guests who may have infectious or communicable diseases, which can be transmitted by water, are excluded from the public pools. Guests with open cuts, wounds, or blisters are warned of infection and advised not to use the pool.
  • Children 6 and under may be in the locker room of the opposite sex only when under the direct supervision of a parent or responsible adult—and then only for the minimal time necessary. Under all circumstances, parents must be aware of the need to protect the privacy of others.

DON’T

  • Disobey the lifeguard. 
  • Run on the pool deck.
  • Store your personal belongings on interior walkaways
  • Prolong holding your breath underwater
  • Bring glass containers, alcohol, food, and cigarettes / E-cigarettes of any kind on the premises.
  • Lose your receipt

Slide Rules

  • Read and obey all posted signs.
  • Adhere to all instructions given by the attendants and operators.
  • Must be 48” (1.22m) tall to ride the slides. 
  • Riders must wait for the attendant’s start signal before going down the slide.
  • Only one rider is to enter the flume at a time. Single riders only!
  • Speed slide: Slide must be ridden feet first lying on your back with legs firmly crossed at the ankles and arms folded across the chest.
  • All other slides: Feet first! Riders must slide down in the seated position or lie on their back.
  • No standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling, or stopping while on the slide. 
  • Keep arms and hands inside the flumes at all times.
  • Be quick to leave the landing areas after getting to the bottom. 
  • Goggles and glasses must be securely worn at all times
  • Swimwear with exposed zippers; buckles, rivets, or metal ornamentation are not permitted.
  • No personal flotation devices, pool noodles, or lifejackets are allowed on the slide.
  • No masks or water shoes are allowed on slides.
  • For safety reasons, pregnant women and people with heart conditions or back trouble should not ride this slide.
  • The maximum operational load is 300 lbs. (136 kg).
  • Slides will close during periods of inclement weather.
  • Failure to follow the slide rules can lead to serious injury and/or loss of slide privileges. 
  • Ride at your own risk.

Obstacle Course Rules

  • You must be 13 years of age or have passed the deep water test 
  • Move in one direction only
  • No head-first entries off the slide
  • No jumping off the slide
  • No excessive horseplay

Etiquette Guidelines

Don’t forget that this facility is not clothing optional. Swimsuits should be worn at all times. Make sure to respect other people’s privacy. No glass containers, alcohol, and smoking of any kind are allowed anywhere on the premises. This is a very family-friendly retreat center so expect a lot of kids to have fun.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on appropriate behavior tips at hot springs.

How Do I Get To Ouray Hot Springs?

From Grand Junction, Colorado take US-50 E/S 5th St for 2 min (0.8 miles).  Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US-50 E/S 5th St. Then continue to follow US-50 E for 33.1 miles. After that, continue on G50 Rd. Take G Rd. to US-50 E/S Main St. in Delta and stay there for 5.6 miles, and then follow US-50 E to US-550 S in Ouray. You’ll reach your destination in 56.6 miles.

Review on Yelp!

Accommodation

Unfortunately, Ouray Hot Springs doesn’t offer overnight accommodation, but considering what a well-known town it’s located in, you can find plenty of options in Ouray.

Click here to find accommodation options in Ouray, CO. 

The second best option would be Grand Junction. Obviously, most of the lodgings there are a bit more pricey than that of Ouray, but it’s totally understandable to prefer a bit of luxury. 

Click here for accommodation options in Grand Junction, CO.

Camping Options

Being the Switzerland of America, as well as one of the most famous mountain towns of the state, Ouray offers plenty of camping opportunities. The visitor’s favorite picks are:

  • Amphitheater Campground
  • 4J+1+1 RV Park 
  • Ouray Riverside Resort
  • Angel Creek Campground 
  • Thistledown Campground

What You Can Explore

There is no trip without sightseeing. Fortunately for you, a little trip to Ouray offers a lot for the traveler’s eye. If you’re heading here through Grand Junction, make sure to stop there and thoroughly explore the area. Grand Junction is one of the biggest sightseeing destinations in Colorado! 

When it comes to Ouray specifically, Ouray Hot Springs is one of the most popular destinations as it is, but there are quite a few more that you can explore, such as:

  • Box Canyon Waterfall & Park
  • Bachelor Syracuse Mine 
  • Yankee Boy Basin
  • Ouray Alchemist Museum
  • Perimeter Trail
  • Imogene Pass
  • Ouray Ice Park
  • Red Mountain Pass

Before You Go

As you already know, there is much to consider with Ouray Hot Springs. Apart from rules and etiquette guidelines, it is important to realize that this is an extremely family-friendly establishment, and despite all the comprehensive rules regarding underage supervision, there will be a lot of kids having their innocent fun the way they usually do. 

Those who are uncomfortable with this type of setting and would like to have more solitude can always take advantage of the membership benefits that include Members Only pool hours designated specifically for them, or you can visit other hot springs in Colorado such as Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, which is all about the healing of body, mind, and soul.

Beautiful Ouray Hot Springs next to the San Juan Mountain Range.

The Final Take-away

Ouray Hot Springs is the perfect place for those looking to have a little retreat with their family or just chill with their friends. Thermal waters, fresh air, and beautiful mountain landscapes can do wonders for anyone.

A little dip in Ouray Hot Springs can easily turn into a trip that, as you can see, will not leave travelers disappointed. 

If you vibe with such settings and would like to engage in some interesting conversations with some friendly strangers, then Ouray Hot Springs is definitely a place to add to your list. Just be sure to follow the etiquette tips and familiarize yourself with the facility rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ouray Hot Springs open?

It opens at 12 pm to the public and at 11 am for those who have membership.

What time does Ouray Hot Springs close?

From Wednesday through Monday, it closes at 9 pm. On Tuesdays, the time is up at 2 pm.

What should be worn at Ouray Hot Springs?

Swimsuits should be worn at all times. This is not a clothing-optional facility. Children aged 2 and under must wear swim diapers. A T-shirt or a tank is allowed to be worn in pools.

What are the prices of Ouray Hot Springs?

18-61 – $26 
62-74 – $18 
4-17 – $16
Under 4 – free
75 and older – free

Scroll up to learn more.

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!

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