Numerous ponds, a sauna, and a swimming pool where you can let it all hang out (or not) in the beautiful heart of nature. Enjoy stunning views over the San Luis Valley as you soak in dappled sunlight. Where better than to reclaim yourself, relax, rejuvenate, and show total love and respect for the wilderness?
| Address | 64393 County Road GG, Moffat, CO |
| Location | Moffat, Colorado |
| Open | 11 am – 8 pm |
| Clothing | Optional |
| Road Access | Easy. All vehicles |
| Water Temperature | 93 – 107°F |
| Admission | $15 – $17 (Day Pass) |
What To Expect
Valley View Hot Springs is an isolated resort operated by the nonprofit Orient Land Trust. It lies in the wilderness at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo range and lives up to its name – there are several hot springs pools situated around the woods with glorious views over the San Luis Valley.
Valley View Hot Springs is renowned and loved for its natural environs, culture of kindness and acceptance, and tradition of open-air naturism. Clothing is totally optional throughout the property. To find out more about how this works, click here.
The owners say:
“Our professional staff clean the pool each week or so, the rooms before each visit, and the communal bathrooms and kitchens daily. The fresh spring water and natural ponds flow fast and clean, all without the use of chemical disinfectants. Nudity is always optional in all spaces and not deemed unhygienic by us nor the Health Department.”
The swimsuit-optional resort offers lodging and year-round semi-man-made hot mineral ponds with warm waters bubbling directly up through the gravel base. Visitors are immersed in nature right alongside the flora and fauna.
The biggest soaking pond is 4 feet deep, while other ponds are around 2 feet deep. Temperatures vary depending on the pond and season but average 93°F to 107°F.
What We Love About This Resort
- There is no artificial light, allowing for unbelievably clear star-gazing at night.
- The water is not only used for guests to bathe, relax and have fun in – it is also used to heat the buildings via under-floor pipes.
- The hot springs water is used to generate 100% of the site’s power through a hydroelectric system. What’s more, water flowing downstream from the hydroelectric plant provides a habitat for the Rio Grande Chub, a federally protected species, as well as other wildlife.
- Valley View Hot Springs is housed in a diverse ecosystem rich in wildlife, birds, bats, and plants.
- Its series of natural, body-temperature soaking ponds are spread out along lush wilderness trails.
- Guests can enjoy a geothermally and hydroelectrically heated hot tub, sauna, and “village”.
About The Hot Springs Ponds
The three cascading “Top Ponds” are a walk away from the rest, up a steep 20-minute trail. Believe us, it’s worth it for the tranquility you’ll feel as you soak in the 2-feet deep bubbling waters. Depending on the season (snow melt, spring runoff), water temperatures here sit at around 98°F to 107°F.
Right near the cabins is the property’s largest and deepest pond at 4 feet deep, surrounded by soothing greenery. Have a float, if the mood takes you, or just sit on the conveniently placed rocks. There’s a large fire pit by this pool, ideal for late-night socializing. Expect hot mineral temperatures between 95°F and 97°F.
The Waterfall Pond offers guests a pounding hot mineral massage, the perfect wake-up call in the morning, or to bring you back to life after a day exploring or hiking. Temperatures here run between 95°F and 97°F.
Though generally the coolest of those on offer, at 91°F to 94°F, Meadow Pond is our favorite for the views. Follow the boardwalk through the wetland pulsing with the heartbeat of wild nature to this hot springs soaker with unbelievable year-round panoramic views of the valley.
Ok, we said Meadow Pond was our favorite…but then there’s the Swimming Pool like you just stepped into a Mediterranean garden. The stone-surround, chlorine-free pool offers a constant flow of fresh hot spring water for swimming and diving that stays warm 24/7. In winter, expect it to be in the mid-80s, and in summer around 90°F.
Also be sure to check out the kids’ pool and the Apple Tree pools, which regulate the hydroelectric power system. Excess energy is used to heat a tank of clean hot spring water which then flows through a cascade of pools, each providing extra hot water for guests.
And if all that isn’t enough, there’s the Hydroelectric Sauna!
Said to be one of the US’s most unique saunas, powered entirely by the on-site hydroelectric power plant, it offers 130°F to 160°F of wet or dry warmth, and boasts a super clean cool basin of water inside, allowing visitors to cool off without leaving the room.
A heated changing room helps guests transition between the sauna and outdoors comfortably.
You can also book a massage!
On That Nudity
Message from the managers:
“OLT promotes a vibrant, safe, family-oriented naturism. Naturism, or the option to choose whether or not to wear clothing, is a natural, personal choice that is appropriate for people of any age or setting, most especially pristine natural spaces like Valley View Hot Springs. Nudity is simply a state of nature, and at OLT it is promoted in an environment of non-sexual, child, and family safety. Naturism allows each of us to be one layer closer to nature, to discover ourselves as we are without the expectations and pressures of the greater culture. There is no shame, no expectation, nothing but the natural state of being.”
Reserving Your Spot
Valley View Hot Springs is housed in a delicate and peaceful ecosystem, and in order to protect it, OLT has a guest quota in place. As such, advanced reservations are highly recommended.
If you’re in love with the place and have the option to go regularly, why not get an OLT Membership with a donation of $35+? 100% of your donations will be put toward the conservation mission to preserve this amazing site and experience for generations to come, while you, as a Member, will get the benefit of advance reservation, “Quick Dip” access to the pools, and more.
Admission Rates
We highly recommend reserving your spot at Valley View Hot Springs due to its limited capacity. Even if accommodations are available, admission is not guaranteed without a reservation.
| Under 16s | FREE |
| Quick Dip (2 hour soak – Members Only*) | Winter $11, Summer $13 |
| Day Visit (11 am – 8 pm) | Winter $15, Summer $17 |
| Overnight Stay (base rate, see below for additional “+accommodation” rates) | Winter $30/person, Summer $34/person |
Prices may be subject to change. Check with the property before you go. There is a charge for pets ($5 – $15 each).
Overnighters have the bonus of all-night access to the ponds and pool.
Interesting History
Saguache County, officially founded as such in 1866, has for centuries been home to the Ute and other native tribes, and, since the 1800s, to explorers, fur trappers, miners, and homesteaders. In the Ute language, “Saguache” means, “water at the blue earth.”
In the 1870s, gold, silver, and other mineral deposits were discovered in the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. Mining activity dried up over time, though, and from the 1930s, the area’s inhabitants turned to ranching, a tradition that continued to this day.
To find out more, check out OLT’s small museum, or stop by the Saguache County Museum, just a 20-minute drive away. It includes historical artifacts and interesting tales relating to local colorful characters of the late 19th – early 20th century.
Interested in where the water comes from? Click here to find out all about it.
How To Get There
From Pueblo, Colorado (south of Colorado Springs), it will take you around 2.5 hours to travel the 136 miles to Valley View Hot Springs. Take the US-50 W for 129 miles. At Poncha Springs, head south on US Hwy 285 S. Turn left off this between the towns of Villa Grove and Saguache, onto County Road “GG.” This will take you the 7.5 miles to the hot springs resort.
If you’re heading north from Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’ll need around 4.5 hours to cover the 261 miles. Take the I-25 N, skip around Santa Fe via US Hwy 599, and join the US-84 W. At Pojoaque, get on US Hwy 285 N, and stay on this all the way to Alamosa. Switch to the CO-17 for the hour’s drive to County Road “GG” and Valley View Hot Springs.
Can I Stay There?
Yes. Choose from tent camping on any of the 24 tent sites spread out across the property (first-come, first-serve, some on a trail, some further into the trees or meadows), or reserve a cabin or room in a house.
Choose where you want to set up your tent based on whether you want to be secluded, claim a great view, or be closer to parking, closer to the bathrooms, or closer to the pools. Most sites are shaded and level and include a picnic table.
Campfires are not allowed on individual campsites, but there is a big community fire pit and free firewood in the Picnic Pavilion in the middle of the Vehicle Camping Loop. Camping guests can use all facilities, including the Oak House kitchen and dining area. Campers can also cook on their own propane stoves or make use of the property’s (hydro)electric grills.
23 spaces are reserved for vehicle camping. Most sites enjoy a great view of the valley while others are set back in the trees. The weather may limit access to some sites, so check with the property before you go. Several sites have nearby electrical outlets.
NOTE: There are no pull-through sites, no hook-ups, no dump stations, and generators and private site fires are forbidden (for noise pollution and safety concerns respectively).
If you want to “go rustic” and stay in a cabin, Oak House Community Lodge offers a bed in a private room with a shared kitchen and dining room, while Sunset House has two beds in a private room with a shared kitchen and half-bath.
Cabins have one to three beds, are separated by a room or stairs, a kitchenette, and a living area, and are hydroelectrically heated. Some allow pets and are more cozily decorated with wooden decor than others – see the photos on the property page for details and photos.
Another option is a room in Spruce House, with its shared kitchen, shared dining and living rooms, choice of a single or double bedroom, and shared bathrooms.
Shared bathrooms are across the parking lot from the cabins, at the swimming pool and Welcome Center. Dishes (bring your own) can be washed in the main bathroom or in the Pavilion. The private showers and stalls are cleaned daily, and all drinking faucets flow with clean, natural spring water. Check out their recycling center here.
+Accommodation Rates (Per Night, Additional To The Above Per Person Rates)
| Summer (May-Sept) | Winter (Oct – April) | |
| Tent space | $10 | No charge |
| Vehicle camping | $15 | $10 |
| Oak Room | $30 | $20 |
| Sunset Room | $70 | $55 |
| Spruce House Room 1 (single) | $60 | $45 |
| Spruce House Room 2 (double) | $70 | $55 |
| Small Cabin (Cedar, Aspen) | $60 | $50 |
| Large Cabin (Cottonwood, Willow, Elm) | $75 | $75 |
Check-in: 11 am – 9 pm (vehicles after 12 pm, indoor accommodations after 4 pm)
Checkout: 12 pm (but you can continue to enjoy the site until 4 pm)
Day Visitors can check in between 11 am and 6 pm, departing by 8 pm.
What Else Can I Do In The Area?
The 3170 square miles, high-altitude desert in Saguache County boasts 75% public land, among which you’ll find plenty of national forests, wildlife areas and refuges, national parks, and wilderness areas to explore.
The Valley View Hot Springs property itself offers Bat Hikes to the Orient Mine (home to some 250,000 migratory bats), Naturist Hikes, Plant and Wildlife Hikes, talks on Alternative Energy and Fault Scarp Geology, and wonderful Astronomy Shows, with hosts sharing the science and wonder of the night sky with guests through their 8″ telescope.
Check out OLT’s on-site small museum, or stop by the Saguache County Museum, just a 20-minute drive away. It includes historical artifacts and interesting tales relating to local colorful characters of the late 19th – early 20th century.
Why not take a walking tour of Saguache’s Historic District? Here is a PDF that you can print out and take a walk through history with.
The Saguache Museum also manages the restored Hazard House Museum depicting the affluent lifestyle and furnishings of the wealthier Saguache families of the early 20th century.
OLT’s 760-acre historic Everson Ranch is a 150-year-old ranch designed to function as “an educational and living agricultural facility showcasing sustainable agricultural processes.”
If you’re a dedicated hot springer, why not try some other Colorado soaks? We particularly like Ouray Hot Springs, nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains and boasting five thermal springs, one Olympic-size pool, and huge water slides – fun for all the family! Cottonwood Inn & Spa offers a plethora of pools, temperatures, and therapeutic and tranquil massages, while the 130-year-old resort of Old Town Hot Springs, a non-profit facility with a wide range of health and wellness opportunities, promises weary travelers several pools (for both swimming and thermal soaking), and a full-service fitness center. Want more? Just click on the search bar and type “Colorado” – or any hot springs state that might take your fancy – we’re visiting them all!
The Takeaway
Valley View Hot Springs offers stunning, natural, and clean soaking options for all tastes and ages. Get back to basics in this beautiful hot springs resort – your body and mind will thank you for it!
The Dos And Don’ts Of Visiting A Hot Springs
Every hot springs has its own quirks. Visitors to Valley View Hot Springs, for example, should be ready for off-grid living and lots of nudity, as this site is a respectable naturist destination. For more general and very important “hot springs etiquette,” we highly recommend you take a moment to check out our carefully compiled easy-to-read list of “dos and don’ts” here. And always, always respect our nature – pack out what you pack in and LEAVE NO TRACE.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s in Saguache County, Colorado. Address: 64393 County Road GG, Moffat, CO
Saguache County boasts 75% public land, among which you’ll find plenty of national forests, wildlife areas and refuges, national parks, and wilderness areas to explore. Check out OLT’s on-site small museum, or stop by the Saguache County Museum.
Non-OLT members can make reservations up to two weeks in advance. Members can reserve up to 3 months ahead of time.
Valley View Hot Springs is owned and operated by Orient Land Trust, a charitable non-profit organization.
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!
