Colorado has plenty of fancy hot spring resorts, but the real magic happens when you leave the crowds behind and hike a little. These seven springs make you work for the soak, and that effort keeps them quiet and wild.
Some sit right along rushing rivers, others wait at the end of long mountain trails. If you like the idea of soaking in warm water with mountain views and hardly anyone around, this list is for you.
Lace up your boots, pack a towel, and get ready to earn one of the best soaks in the state.
1. Radium Hot Spring, Kremmling, CO
A short but scrappy trail is all that stands between you and this warm little pool along the Colorado River. The hike runs about 15 to 30 minutes, moderately steep, with a rocky climb near the end that keeps casual visitors away.
The spring itself is small and sits right next to the cold river, which makes for a classic hot and cold combo. The warm pool hovers around the mid 90s while the river runs closer to 50, so you can soak and then take a bracing plunge.
There is a tall cliff here that draws jumpers, plus fishing along the river and free camping nearby. The setting is a rugged river canyon with big views, and the spring stays warm even when the river ices over in winter.
Open 24 hours, this one is great for a night soak under the stars. Dogs are allowed outside, and you will find free street parking plus a paid lot.
Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest time to have it to yourself.
2. South Canyon Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Springs is famous for its giant developed pool, but a short hike outside town leads to something far more raw and free. South Canyon is undeveloped, rustic, and about as real as a natural spring gets.
You will find two pools at different temperatures, with a top warmth in the low 70s Fahrenheit range. The water is gentle and soothing, and the pools sit only a couple feet deep with rocks beneath the surface.
The setting is a secluded canyon with views of the surrounding hills, and a nearby stream gives you a cool refresh between soaks. Do not expect any comforts here, since there is no restroom and no restaurant.
Open around the clock, it works well for an early morning visit when things are calmest. Parking includes a free lot, free street spots, and a paid option.
Pack out everything you bring, and treat the primitive setup with care so it stays this pleasant.
3. Rainbow Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs, CO
If you want a soak that truly feels earned, this is the one that asks the most of you. The trail runs roughly 10 to 11 miles round trip with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so plan on a long day or an overnight.
The reward sits at the end of an out and back trail deep in the San Juan National Forest, complete with a waterfall nearby. The path is clear and easy to follow through a burn area, though the distance pushes it into moderate to hard territory.
The pools are found near the river’s edge close to backcountry campsites, and they make a welcome finish after miles on foot. The trail connects to a whole wilderness system, so you might spot deer, horses, mules, or even black bears along the way.
Bring rain gear and real backcountry clothing, since mountain weather turns fast out here. Dogs are allowed, and it can work for older kids who handle long hikes.
Weekday afternoons tend to see the fewest people.
4. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen, CO
High in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness sits a soaking pool that hikers dream about for years before they ever reach it. The trail runs about 9 miles from the trailhead, climbing steadily toward the alpine springs.
The main pool is warm rather than scalding, with a mucky bottom that comes with the primitive territory. That muck is part of the deal here, because this is an actual natural spring, not a scrubbed resort tub.
Above the main pool you will find two smaller springs, one lukewarm and one very hot, so there is a little variety once you arrive. The temperature in the big pool is often just right for lounging for hours with mountain peaks all around.
Campsites near the springs let you turn the trip into an overnight, which many hikers do given the distance. Permits are required to camp, so check the wilderness rules before you go.
Wildlife roams this valley, including moose, so keep your distance and enjoy the wild setting.
5. Piedra River Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs, CO
Along the Piedra River, primitive rock-walled pools wait at the end of a fairly friendly hike. The route from the Sheep Creek Trailhead runs about 1.5 miles each way, roughly 2.8 miles round trip with around 616 feet of elevation gain.
The pools are natural and river-fed, and while they run warm rather than hot, the river valley setting makes up for it. Some of the warmer pools get a bit mossy, and bringing a small shovel can help you dig down to warmer water.
The scene is classic San Juan National Forest, with the river cutting through a quiet valley. It does not feel dirty, just natural, which is exactly what you sign up for at a primitive spring.
The access road works for a passenger car when it is dry, so you do not need a rugged rig to reach the trailhead. This is a solid pick when you want a real soak without committing to an all-day march into the backcountry.
6. Penny Hot Springs, Carbondale, CO
Sitting right in the Crystal River Canyon, this free spring rewards you with a soak without a punishing hike. A short descent and quick scramble from the pull-off gets you down to the riverbed and into the water.
Several pools offer different temperatures, all fed directly by geothermal water rising from the earth. Be careful near the source, since the water coming straight from the ground can be scalding, and soakers often mix in cool river water to find the right balance.
Some visitors use the natural mud here for a bit of exfoliation, adding to the wild spa feel. The canyon views are the real draw, with the creek running right alongside the pools.
Location is a big plus, landing about 30 minutes from both Glenwood Springs and Aspen. As one of the few free hot springs with genuinely easy access, it stays popular, so early or off-peak visits give you more elbow room.
Treat the spot gently to help keep it open and clean.
7. Orient Land Trust/Valley View Hot Springs, Moffat, CO
Nestled along the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range, this nature sanctuary blends true wilderness soaking with a touch of civilization. It is an all-ages, clothing-optional retreat with hot springs, trails, campsites, and rustic lodging.
The springs are spread across the hillside and connected by short hikes, so you can wander from one pool to the next. You will find several temperatures, from natural pools to a man-made pool and a hot tub, all fed by the springs.
There is even a sauna with a pool inside for cooling off when you get too warm. The setting is secluded and rural, about as close as you can get to soaking in raw nature while still having a few comforts.
Amenities set this one apart, with public restrooms, showers, running water, tent sites, and RV camping. Dogs are allowed, and there is free on-site parking.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM daily, and you can plan ahead through the Orient Land Trust website at olt.org.
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