The Hot Springs Loop: Colorado’s Resorts for Relaxation

If arriving from Denver, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to Chaffee County, which is our first stop on the Historic Hot Springs Loop. The communities of Buena Vista, Nathrop and Salida are all located on mountainous terrain, which provides a stunning backdrop for their hot springs. Relax in the country’s largest indoor hot spring pool at Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Or, soak in natural geothermal pools at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and Cottonwood Hot Springs.

Three hours southwest, the pools in Pagosa Springs are used for rest and relaxation, as well as a heating source for some of the downtown shops and businesses, like the Riff Raff Brewing Company — offering “Earth-powered” craft beer. The mother spring, known as the “World’s Deepest,” supplies the mineral pools at Overlook Hot Springs Spa, Healing Waters Resort & Spa and the Springs Resort & Spa, which offers visitors a choice of 23 pools at varying temperatures and sizes. To cool down, take advantage of Wolf Creek Ski Area’s highest snowfall in Colorado, less than half an hour from downtown.

So called for its iconic mountainous scenery, Ouray County is home to an eclectic community of locally-owned businesses housed in Victorian-styled buildings along Main Street. Ouray's sulfur-free hot springs offer all the benefits of natural mineral hot springs without the typical sulfur-smell. Kick back at the family-friendly Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Or enjoy the healing vapor caves at the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa. And for a natural experience, visit the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs.

Over 200 kilometers north is Glenwood Springs, which boasts the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Water from the Yampah Hot Spring supplies the award-winning Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the natural steam baths at Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, while three other springs along the Colorado River supply healing waters to 16 pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. For a unique thrill, try the Cliffhanger – the highest elevation rollercoaster in North America at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park!

For more family-friendly activities, Steamboat Springs’ Old Town Hot Springs offers kiddie pools, water slides and climbing walls. And if traveling without the kids, the downtown facility also features energizing fitness, yoga and massage. If you’re looking to connect with nature, enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique surroundings when camping in a converted train car at the Strawberry Hot Springs.

Western Colorado is breathtaking with its plentiful, naturally-occurring hot springs and charming resort areas. Embrace the rich culture of traditional healing, and discover Colorado’s Historic Hot Springs Loop.

Continue south and arrive in Saguache County, a scenic region framed by the majestic San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains. One of the least populated places in Colorado, the region boasts plenty of wide open spaces for outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to horseback riding, motorsports and wildlife viewing. A diverse slate of attractions make the region truly one-of-a-kind: Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, encounter reptiles at Colorado Gators, take a unique climb up a UFO Watchtower and sightsee at historical sites along the Old Spanish Trail. You'll find no shortage of springs amid the stunning scenery. Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, Sand Dunes Swimming Pool, Splashland Hot Springs and Valley View Hot Springs all offer visitors the opportunity to refresh and relax at their own pace.