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

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.

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

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.