15 Fun Things to Do in Pagosa Springs (Summer to Winter)
Pagosa Springs, CO is one of those quaint mountain towns that somehow is still mostly off the beaten path, making it a perfect vacation destination.
Pagosa Springs has become our second home and we come back year after year for the incredible hiking trails, world class snow for skiing, and most amazing hot springs in all of Colorado!
While this list will heavily include the best things to do in Pagosa Springs for outdoor adventurists, you’ll find plenty of options for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs.
Things to do in Pagosa Springs
Summer in Pagosa Springs —
1) Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
There is a multitude of hot springs in Pagosa Springs, with the most popular being The Springs Resort in downtown Pagosa Springs.
The Springs Resort offers a state of the art experience with 25 varying hot spring pools, massages and beautiful scenery as you soak.
The unique thing about Pagosa Springs is there are so many free hot spring easily accessible from town, such as Nathan’s Hippy Dip in downtown or the most beautiful Piedra River Hot Springs.
2) Treasure Falls - Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs has what seems to be an endless amount of waterfalls, but Treasure Falls is one you have to see!
Treasure Falls is located right off Highway 160.
This 105 foot waterfall was named Treasure Falls after a local legend about "a treasure of gold" buried in the mountain from Frenchman back in the late 1700s when they were on Spanish-turf at the time.
While you can see the falls somewhat from the parking lot, you should take the scenic 0.25 mile trail up to the viewing deck for a front row view.
3) San Juan River Walk - Downtown Pagosa Springs
Mother Spring in Downtown Pagosa Springs
The San Juan River Walk in downtown Pagosa Springs is an easy, flat 2 mile walk with picturesque mountain views and great family photo spots.
You can park right across the river from the Springs Resort or by the visitor center to hop on the trail.
You will walk alongside the river most of way enjoying views of people rafting down the rapids, pass by the hot springs right off the river, and wonder into the geodesic domes that are used as garden greenhouses.
After you’ve reached the bridge on the west side of downtown, it’s best to cross and walk towards the Mother Springs right outside The Springs Resort for a look at the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002 feet deep!
4) Unique Art Studios - Downtown Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs Downtown has incredible local art studios and galleries.
Check out Handcrafted Interiors Art Gallery for quality handcrafted furniture.
You can’t miss FABA, my personal favorite art studio in Pagosa Springs. The owners are down to earth and display inspiring metal-crafted art, oil paintings, unique stone sculptures (as pictured), and quality hand-made pottery.
Plus, unlike most mountain towns, the art here is actually affordable!
5) Hike Piedra River Trail - Pagosa Springs
The Piedra River Trail is one of the best leisurely hikes in the Southwest. You walk right next to the San Juan River your entire hike as you traverse through narrow canyon walls with huge boulders and then, into lush meadows with views of the Continental Divide.
If your dog is a swimmer like ours, they will be in for a treat as there are multiple openings to jump into the river right off the trail.
Piedra River Trail is an out and back trail where you can go as far as 11 miles one way if you’d like. Be aware this is a popular hike for the area so make sure to get to the trailhead before 10am if you want to get parking and not become a part of an ant hill while hiking.
Piedra River Trail is also a great place to go backpacking and camp right along the river.
If you want to see incredible aerial views of the Piedra River, make sure to hike the Ice Cave Fissures Trail that forks off to the right at beginning of the Piedra River Trail.
6) Piedra Falls - Pagosa Springs
This is probably the easiest and most beautiful waterfall hike in Pagosa Springs! Another 11 miles past the Piedra River Trail parking lot and down a windy road will lead you to the Piedra Waterfall.
Once at the trailhead, it is a short 1 mile roundtrip hike to this mesmerizing waterfall.
If you are already planning to hike the Piedra River Trail or swim at Williams Creek Reservoir I would recommend adding this waterfall hike to your itinerary. Piedra Fall Trail is kid and dog-friendly!
7) Swim or Kayak at Williams Creek Reservoir
Most of the lakes and reservoirs in Pagosa are actually private and used only for fishing.
Good news is the most beautiful lake nearby is Williams Creek Reservoir and it’s open to the public!
Williams Creek Reservoir is down Piedra Road, about 45 minutes from downtown Pagosa Springs.
You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, SUP, and swimming here with jaw-dropping mountain views.
8) Mountain Bike on Turkey Springs Trail
There are a multitude of hiking and biking trails, including some ATV trails throughout the Turkey Springs Trail System.
The inside loop Trail 301 is a 5 mile loop that is great for beginner riders or hiking with your dog. Try out the outer loop for a more difficult mountain bike ride!
You can also camp at Turkey Springs for free in your tent or RV, which makes hitting the trails every day a dream!
9) Hike Fourmile Falls - Pagosa Springs
Fourmile Falls via Fourmile Stock Drive Trail is a 6.7 mile roundtrip, moderately difficult level trail that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you for years to come!
In the late spring to early summer you can see a massive waterfall crashing down one side of the mountain. Additionally, a short scramble up to the other side of the mountain will give you panoramic views of two other waterfalls cascading down the cliffside.
Fourmile Falls is located 30 minutes north of downtown Pagosa Springs.
Make sure to start the hike early as this is a popular hike. This trail is also dog-friendly!
10) Float the San Juan River
Floating the San Juan River in a tube or rafting in a kayak is a unique thing to do in Pagosa Springs and you will be sure to have some fun!
You can bring your own (quality) tube or rent one across the street at Pagosa Outside.
Make sure to check the flow rate of the San Juan River before going as it doesn’t become safe for tubing until the river flows drop below 300 cubic feet per second, and it’s ideal when the river flows 90-180 cubic feet per second.
Only those with experience in white water rafting should plan to raft the San Juan River without a guide.
Winter in Pagosa Springs —
11) Ski at Wolf Creek
Not only does Pagosa Springs carry the title for “best snow in Colorado” but this ski resort is almost never busy! Because it’s a trek from those living in the bigger cities, this gem of a ski resort can be enjoyable all day long and you won’t be waisting your day standing in lines.
There are numerous Colorado-worthy runs from beginner to expert, as well as cross-country skiing and backcountry skinning. A full day pass will only cost you $91.
We have a full guide to Wolf Creek Ski Area if this is your first time.
12) Cross Country Ski
While most places make you pay a fee to utilize their XC ski tracks, the city and Pagosa Nordic Club generously provide incredibly groomed trails at no charge.
Additionally, Pagosa Nordic Club offers free lesson clinics if this is your first time or need a refresher course.
We also recommend renting XC skis (or anything else) from Ski and Bow Rack for the best experience.
13) Snowmobile Tour
One of the more thrilling things to do in Pagosa Springs during winter is go on a snowmobile ride throughout the stunning trail systems of Pagosa Springs.
You can sign up for a 2 hour snowmobile tour through Wolf Creek or Snow Country.
14) Snowshoe in Pagosa Springs
If you love hiking, you will absolutely love walking through the stunning forests full of fluffy snow throughout Pagosa Springs.
We love snowshoeing at Coyote Hill and the East Fork Winter Trail.
You can rent snowshoes from Ski and Bow if you don’t have your own.
15) Local Food & Breweries
As you would expect of any town in Colorado, there are incredible breweries to visit like Riff Raff Brewing .
We highly recommend Higher Grounds for coffee and pastries, Rosie’s for apres-ski dining, and Chavolos for delicious mexican food.
Here is a list of our 10 favorite restaurants in Pagosa Springs.
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