Pagosa Springs Colorado

Lakes, Waterfalls, Hot Air Balloons and Beyond

In Pagosa Springs, you don’t just visit – you engage. Whether you come to experience stunning fall foliage, the wonderland of winter snow, a rainbow of wildflowers in the spring or the perfect temperatures of summer, the call to explore the outdoors is impossible to resist.

Wolf Creek Ski Area receives an average of 12 meters of snowfall annually, making for some of the area’s best skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. When the weather warms, spring is the perfect time to set off on waterfall-spotting excursions. Four incredible falls are located within close proximity of downtown Pagosa Springs, each offering a unique chance to connect with the natural landscape. Treasure Falls and Piedra Falls are both accessible via short, easygoing hikes, making them idyllic destinations for family outings; Silver Falls and the double cascade of Fourmile Falls offer more challenging routes for experienced hikers. In summer, get out on the water with fishing excursions on Pagosa Lake, Echo Lake and the Williams Creek Reservoir, where you can enjoy a day afloat reeling in trout, bass, catfish and more. Nearby, the San Juan River beckons with more opportunities for trout fishing along with whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking.

For a one-of-a-kind voyage, take to the skies over Pagosa Springs in a hot air balloon. Ballooning is big here, and once you experience your first flight above the Rocky Mountains, you’ll understand exactly why. Take part in community events like ColorFest in September or book a private tour any time of year.

Hot Springs for Health and Fun

The natural hot springs for which the city is named are open year round, whether the sun is shining or snow is falling. Used by ancient Puebloan tribes for centuries, the mineral-rich waters offer replenishing benefits to soothe the body and soul. There are three downtown hot springs, each with its own features. The “mother springs” at The Springs Resort & Spa features 23 spring pools right on the banks of the San Juan River; Overlook Hot Springs boasts mountain and river views from its rooftop hot tubs; and Healing Waters Resort & Spa has a naturally heated mineral springs swimming pool.

History, Art and Culture

For a small mountain town, Pagosa Springs delivers big on culture. Catch a performance at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, where the resident Thingamajig Theatre Company stages dramas, musicals and comedies. Nearby historic railroads offer a glimpse into the region’s pioneer and mining past. Don’t miss a visit to Chimney Rock National Monument, a fascinating site replete with ancient archaeological finds from ancestral Puebloans. The streets of downtown Pagosa Springs have plenty of diversions and amenities without a chain store in sight. Browse galleries, jewelry shops and boutiques featuring work by local artisans – you’re sure to find the perfect memento to take home. Finish the day sampling the flavors of locally owned restaurants, breweries and cafes.