7 Must-Visit Pagosa Springs Hot Springs (Local’s Guide)
Pagosa Springs, Colorado has some of the most amazing hot springs, from three paid hot springs resorts to countless free hot springs located throughout the San Juan River and Piedra River.
Hundreds of years ago, the Southern Ute Indian tribe discovered the water bubbling from the world’s deepest hottest springs, located right in Pagosa Springs, and they named it Pagosa - from the Ute word meaning “healing waters.”
Please be responsible when visiting any hot springs.
Pagosa Springs Hot Springs
Starting with the best paid hot springs in Pagosa are three resorts you can’t miss.
1) The Springs Resort - Pagosa
Location: 323 Hot Springs Blvd
Price: $67/adult, $35/child
Website: The Springs Resort
It doesn’t get more luxurious and iconic for hot springs than the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, CO.
I honestly think it’s the best hot springs resort in all of Colorado given the versatile twenty-five hot springs. Not to mention, you’re soaking right next to the tranquil San Juan River with the stunning San Juan mountains in the background.
Mother Spring outside Pagosa Springs Resort
All the pools are naturally fed by the Mother Spring, the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002 feet, located just outside the resort.
The Mother Spring’s geothermal waters contain 13 minerals altogether and have been proven to promote healthy skin, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase energy.
Each of the twenty-five pools varies in size and temperature from 45°F to 114°F.
You don’t need to make a reservation for the standard daily pass that gives you access to 20 of the 25 pools.
If you want access to all 25 pools, including the adult-only terrace, and in and out privileges for the entire day you’ll looking at double the price but it really is worth the price.
There is also the option to stay at the resort. All rooms include 24-hour access to the soaking pools, complimentary robes and towels, and access to the adult-only Relaxation Terrace.
If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend staying at the resort across the street and just buying the day pass at The Springs Resort.
Keep in mind the Springs Resort does not allow any outside food or drink (you can bring your own water bottle). The resort does offer a dedicated line to text your drink and food order that will provide service right to you at whichever pool you’re currently soaking in.
Let’s not forget to discuss this resort's luxurious spa side. If you are planning to come to this resort, definitely consider getting a massage here as well. All 60+ minute treatments receive a complimentary same-day general admission soaking pass too!
I’d recommend the neuro-muscular massage or magnesium muscle melt for those who recently have been hitting the trails or slopes hard.
There are few times in life when you will get the chance to experience a spa like The Springs Resort, especially at this price point. This is one of those times the money is well worth the experience of Pagosa Hot Springs and a memory you will never forget.
2) Healing Waters Resort & Spa
Location: 317 Hot Springs Blvd
Price: $20/adult, $17/seniors, $15/child and military
Website: Healing Waters Day Pass
If you want to experience staying at a hot springs resort with unlimited access but you need something more affordable than the Springs Resort, look just across the street to Healing Waters Resort & Spa.
With lodging options spanning from an RV park to cabins with full kitchens, Healing Waters has a plethora of rentals to accommodate most guests. All overnight guests soak in the hot springs free of charge as well.
If you are just wanting to enjoy a daily soak in their hot springs without staying overnight, you can pay for daily use and a reservation is not required.
Their hot spring options include a very large outdoor swimming pool full of 100% mineral water, an outdoor hot tub and separate men's and women's indoor hot baths.
If you really want the full experience, consider an Aquastretch treatment in one of the warm-water pools to soothe sore muscles after hiking or skiing any of Pagosa’s immaculate trails.
For day pass users, there are lockers to store your belongings. You can also bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drink at Healing Waters Resort as long as you aren’t using any glass containers.
Be sure to read to the end for our must-have items when visiting hot springs.
3) Overlook Hot Springs
Location: 432 Pagosa St.
Price: $30/adult, $24/child or senior
You’ve probably walked right by this Victorian-themed storefront as you’ve gone shopping in downtown Pagosa Springs.
In their courtyard, you will find 7 hot tubs, 6 of the 7 being smaller in size and ideal for 1-2 people. Out on the rooftop deck, you will find 2 hot spring tubs that overlook the picturesque San Juan River and 1 semi-hidden tub that is steamy hot!
While smaller than the other two hot spring resorts in town, this is nice alternative and budget-friendly option to The Springs Resort.
Overlook Hot Springs is only a spa and does not have rooms for overnight stays.
Free Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
It is an entirely different experience if you decide to go to one of Pagosa’s free hot springs. Some of the free hot springs are right next to the paid resorts, while others require a hike to a remote and serene setting within nature.
4) Hippie Dip Hot Springs
Location: Downtown
One of our favorite and free hot springs to access in Pagosa Springs year-round is the Hippie Dip Hot Springs.
Located just below the Hot Springs Blvd bridge on the east side, you’ll find two hot springs worth soaking in after a full day of exploring downtown Pagosa Springs.
You can park in the Mary Fisher Park parking lot and walk 50 feet to get here.
Keep in mind, this is a free hot spring located right in the middle of downtown Pagosa Springs so chances are you won’t have it to yourself, but I still think it’s worth dipping your toes into and relaxing while you watch people float down the river in all sorts of vessels.
If the pools get too hot you can always go for a cold water plunge and jump right into the San Juan River as there is a small access point right next to these springs.
Related: Best Things to do in Pagosa Springs
5) Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs
Location: across river from The Springs Resort
Another popular free hot spring located in downtown Pagosa Springs is Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs. To access these hot springs you can park in central downtown next to Tequilas Restaurant.
These hot springs right off the river are easy to locate as they usually have someone relaxing in there, but if not, just look for a circle formed by rocks and some steam coming off the top of the water.
The scenery from these hot springs is truly spectacular. You’re right in the middle of downtown, along the beautiful San Juan River. With prime people watching from those floating down the river to those across the way at The Springs Resort.
If you really want a unique and special experience, get here for sunrise where you’ll have the best chance of getting the hot spring to yourself and watching a magical sunrise over the breathtaking Pagosa Springs.
6) Piedra River (Sheep Creek) Hot Springs
Location: 37.30295,-107.3361
Hiking Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip
A beautiful 45 minutes drive west of downtown Pagosa Springs, is where the trailhead for Piedra River Hot Springs or, as some call it, Sheep Creek Hot Springs.
Please note that the road (USFS 622) to this trail is closed seasonally during winter usually from November to late April.
From the trailhead, you’ll hike downhill just over 600 feet to get to the river and hot springs. Keep that in mind as the hike back to your car can be steep and tough for the last mile.
During Spring the river is higher and not as many pools are visible or as warm, but when the river is lower during summer and fall that is when the springs are warmest! Some even say this is the hottest spring in Pagosa when the river is low.
This trail is dog, horse, and kid-friendly as well.
7) Rainbow Hot Springs
GPS Coordinates: 37.45775,-106.91939
Hiking Distance: 10 miles roundtrip
If you’re looking for a remote setting in nature to enjoy the hot springs and not scared of a sweaty hike to get there, put Rainbow Hot Springs to the top of your list.
To reach this hot spring, you will need to drive about 30 minutes east of downtown Pagosa Springs and turn off on Rd 648 just before Treasure Falls.
Once you park at the trailhead, you’ll hike a beautiful yet grueling 5 miles to get to the campsites and hot springs.
You can find a nice hot spring between campsites 6 and 7, but you’ll have to go down a steeper rocky path to get there. A few other hot springs are by the river outside campsites 7 and 8.
Depending on the height of the river some of the hot springs may be covered or totally dried out.
If you want to camp at the hot springs, make sure to get there earlier than later during the peak summer season, especially if you’re going on Saturday. You do not need a backcountry permit or reservation to camp here.
The best time to access this hot spring is from June to early October when the snow has fully melted and Pagosa is out of mud season.
Some people do like to hike this trail in the winter, but you’ll have to hike further as the road won’t be open and you will need cross-country skis or snow shoes to get there.
No matter what time of year, I highly recommend using an app like All Trails to make sure you’re staying on the trail.
The trail doesn’t offer much shade coverage either due to the 2013 forest fires so make sure to wear sunblock and a nice hiking hat.
Dogs are allowed on this trail too, but be aware hot springs are not good for dogs as they overheat easily and can’t regulate their internal temperature as well as humans.
Packing List for Hot Springs
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Water Bottle: you need to drink extra water when soaking in a hot spring. At resorts, an insulated water bottle that stays ice cold is perfect.
Electrolytes: help you absorb more water and even better, help with altitude sickness
Sunglasses
Pool Shoes: you’ll want a pair of slip-resistant sandals
Bag: these packable backpacks are perfect for traveling light
Towel: we swear by the Nomadix towels since they pack down small and are very absorbent
Sunscreen: you are high in elevation no matter the temperature outside
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs
Hot springs have been used for hundreds of years by indigenous communities for their healing properties.
Please be respectful of these ancient traditions and do your part to keep the healing waters around for all the generations to come.
Do not bring anything made of glass
Dehydration is more prevalent when soaking (similar to a sauna), drink plenty of water
Don’t forget a towel, unless you are staying overnight at one of the resorts
While the resorts in Pagosa Springs are clothing required, it is common for people to enjoy remote hot springs naked
Arrive early so you can relax before the crowd
Be mindful of bringing kids, hot springs are a relaxing environment, not a pool party
Keep it natural, wash off any lotion or oils before entering the hot springs
Leave no trace in the wild; pack it in and pack it out
Share the hot springs; do not hog the pool for just your group
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