Hot springs are the perfect aprés ski or hiking activity to soothe your sore muscles, and Colorado has plenty of them. From luxurious resorts to natural hot springs in the middle of trees, boulders, and mountains, get ready for hot spring season, as it’s right around the corner. Here are 6 of our favorite for this upcoming winter season.
1. Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
95 miles northwest of Denver is Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa During the colder months, the steaming springs are surrounded by powdery snow and ice drippings, making it easy to pretend you just stepped into Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoons. Founded in the 1840s and originally used as a medicinal spring by Native Americans, the resort has expanded over the years, and now there are 15 man made pools all using natural water from the Rockies, with zero chemicals included. The pools are open 365 days a year from 8am to 9:45pm, with day passes costing $26 for adults and $14 for kids 4-11. Kids under 4 have free entry.
Where: 5609 Spring Rd, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
2. Mount Princeton
Mt. Princeton is a 70 acre hot springs resort that has steaming hot springs, around 140 degree Fahrenheit with water that naturally bubbles up from the ground. Near some of the best skiing around, like Monarch Mountain, Mt. Princeton is a glorious choice for an aprés ski activity. The soaking pool, exercise pool, and creekside hot springs are all available from 9am to 9pm with ranging rates for adults (week days cost $35 and weekends cost $40). While the natural pools are amazing, a stand out feature of Mt. Princeton is their rushing Creekside Hot Springs where you can bathe right in the rushing warm water of Chalk Creek.
Where: 15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
3. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
Become one with nature at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a natural hot springs nestled in the mountains near Steamboat Springs. The natural springs are surrounded by trees, frosted with snow during the winter months, and you can stay in one of the cute, rustic cabins during your stay. And a quick note if you’re into this sort of thing: the natural pools become clothing optional after dark. As of now, pool reservations are mandatory and pool usage costs $20, cash only. You can make a reservation on their website.
Where: 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
4. Indian Hot Springs
A popular day trip from Denver, Indian Hot Springs resides in Idaho Springs, which is only about 40 minutes away. A more modern style of hot springs, Indian Hot Springs is a great place for relaxation when you need to get away. From Geo Thermal caves to a Mineral Water Swimming Pool (pictured above) to outdoor jacuzzi and indoor private baths, there’s a little something for every one’s taste. You can check the rates for their different amenities here.
Where: 302 Soda Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
5. Antero Hot Springs Cabins
Coming in around 2 and a half hours from Denver are these hot springs over in Buena Vista that have spectacular mountain views to go with your soak. Perfect for a romantic getaway, Antero has 3 accommodations to stay in, each with their own “hand-shaped, private hot spring pool” right outside the door. The location makes these springs feel remote with nothing but nature sprawling as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect place to make a getaway out of it and unwind, and you can book a reservation on their website.
Where: 16120 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
6. Glenwood Hot Springs
The world’s biggest natural hot springs just happen to be 3 hours from Denver. Glenwood Hot Springs is a beautiful, secluded resort that’s a short drive away from some of the best skiing in Colorado, like Snowmass and Aspen, and is the shortest drive from Sunlight Mountain Resort.The springs are perfect year-round, sitting at a comfortable 92 degrees during all seasons, and is open daily from 9am to 9pm. The pools, big enough that the entire family can soak, are also first-come, first serve and don’t require a reservation.
Where: 415 E 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601