Denver sits at the doorstep of some of North America's finest hot springs. Within a few hours' drive, you can soak in everything from historic mineral pools to wild riverside springs tucked into mountain canyons. This guide covers every hot spring worth visiting from Denver, organized by drive time, budget, and experience type.

Quick Reference: Hot Springs by Drive Time

Before diving into details, here's a snapshot of your options:

Under 1 Hour

• Indian Hot Springs (Idaho Springs) – 45 min

1-2 Hours

• Hot Sulphur Springs Resort – 1 hr 45 min
• SunWater Spa (Manitou Springs) – 1 hr 15 min

2-3 Hours

• Mount Princeton Hot Springs – 2 hr 15 min
• Cottonwood Hot Springs – 2 hr 15 min
• Glenwood Hot Springs – 2 hr 30 min
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs – 2 hr 30 min
• Penny Hot Springs (free) – 2 hr 45 min
• South Canyon Hot Springs (free) – 2 hr 30 min

3+ Hours

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs – 3 hr
• Old Town Hot Springs (Steamboat) – 3 hr
• Ouray Hot Springs – 4 hr
• Pagosa Hot Springs – 4 hr 15 min
• Orvis Hot Springs – 4 hr
• Dunton Hot Springs – 5 hr 30 min

Best Hot Springs Near Denver

Closest Option: Indian Hot Springs

Distance: 45 minutes via I-70 West Day Pass: $25-30 Best For: Quick escapes, unique cave experience

Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs offers the fastest hot spring fix from Denver. The resort has operated since 1863, making it one of Colorado's oldest continuously running hot springs.

The main draw here is the underground geothermal caves—a series of tunnels carved into the mountainside where natural hot mineral water flows through rock pools. The caves maintain temperatures between 100-112°F and create an atmosphere unlike any other Colorado hot spring. It's dark, steamy, and genuinely unusual.

Above ground, you'll find a large outdoor swimming pool (kept cooler for laps), private indoor baths, and mud baths. The facility shows its age in places, but that's part of the historic charm.

Tips:

• Caves can get crowded on weekends; arrive early or visit weekdays
• The outdoor pool is too cool for winter soaking—stick to caves
• Combine with a stop at Beau Jo's for Colorado-style pizza

Best Overall Experience: Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Distance: 2 hours 15 minutes via US-285 South Day Pass: $25-35 (varies by pool access) Best For: Families, scenic soaking, overnight trips

Mount Princeton consistently ranks as Colorado's best hot spring resort, and the drive alone justifies the trip. You'll cross Kenosha Pass with views of South Park before dropping into the Arkansas River valley with the Collegiate Peaks towering above.

The resort sits at the base of 14,197-foot Mount Princeton, and hot water emerges directly from the mountainside. The highlight is Chalk Creek, where geothermal water mixes with the cold creek, creating dozens of natural pools along the riverbank. You can adjust your temperature by moving between pools or repositioning rocks—it's the closest thing to a natural hot spring experience at a developed resort.

The main facility includes several large pools at varying temperatures (94-106°F), a lap pool, and spa services. The creekside pools are included with general admission.

Tips:

• Creekside pools are best in summer and fall when creek levels allow
• Winter visits offer snow-covered peaks as your backdrop
• Book overnight stays well in advance for peak season
• The on-site restaurant is solid but Buena Vista has more options

Best Natural Setting: Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Distance: 3 hours via I-70 West to Steamboat Springs Day Pass: $25 (cash only) Best For: Natural aesthetics, adults-only evening soaks

Strawberry Park delivers the most beautiful developed hot spring setting in Colorado. Stone-lined pools of varying temperatures blend into a forested hillside, with Hot Springs Creek running alongside. In winter, steam rises through snow-covered trees. The design feels organic rather than constructed.

Water temperatures range from 101-106°F in the main pools, with a cold plunge option. After dark, the springs become clothing-optional and adults-only (18+), attracting a different crowd than the family-friendly daytime hours.

The catch: access is challenging. The final 4 miles are on an unpaved road that becomes treacherous in winter. Without 4WD or chains, you'll need to take the resort's shuttle from Steamboat Springs ($10 round trip).

Tips:

• Cash only—no cards accepted
• No reservations for day use; arrive early on weekends
• The access road is genuinely difficult in snow; don't risk it without proper vehicle
• Cabins available for overnight stays but book months ahead

Best for Lap Swimming: Glenwood Hot Springs

Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes via I-70 West Day Pass: $32-40 Best For: Active soaking, large groups, families with kids

Glenwood Hot Springs operates the world's largest hot springs pool—a 405-foot-long swimming pool fed by natural geothermal water. It's kept at 90-93°F year-round, making it comfortable for actual swimming rather than just soaking. A smaller therapy pool sits at 104°F for those wanting more heat.

The facility has a waterslide, diving area, and full athletic club on-site. It's more "pool complex" than "hot spring retreat," which works perfectly for families with kids who can't sit still in a 104° pool.

Downtown Glenwood Springs surrounds the facility, so you can walk to restaurants, the Hotel Colorado, and the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Tips:

• Swim caps required for long hair in the lap area
• Summer crowds can be intense; visit weekday mornings
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs is 10 minutes away for a completely different vibe
• The locker rooms recently underwent renovation and are much improved

Best Intimate Experience: Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes via I-70 West Day Pass: $35-45 Best For: Couples, relaxation-focused visits, river views

Iron Mountain opened in 2015 and represents the modern direction of Colorado hot springs: thoughtfully designed pools, upscale amenities, and a focus on relaxation over recreation.

Sixteen smaller pools (2-16 person capacity) terrace down toward the Colorado River, each maintained at different temperatures between 98-108°F. A freshwater family pool allows kids, but the overall atmosphere is quieter and more adult-oriented than Glenwood Hot Springs.

The smaller pool sizes mean you're often sharing with just a few other people rather than crowds. Reservations are recommended and often required for peak times.

Tips:

• Book 2+ weeks ahead for weekend visits
• Sunset sessions offer the best lighting and atmosphere
• The on-site restaurant serves solid food and local beer
• Easily combined with Glenwood Springs for a full day trip

Natural Hot Springs Near Denver

Developed resorts offer convenience, but Colorado's best-kept secrets are the primitive hot springs scattered through the mountains. These are free (or nearly free), clothing-optional by default, and require more effort to reach.

Penny Hot Springs

Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes via I-70 West to Carbondale Cost: Free Best For: Roadside accessibility, authentic primitive experience

Penny Hot Springs might be Colorado's most accessible natural hot spring. Located directly alongside the Crystal River on Highway 133, you can literally see the pools from your car.

Hot water seeps from the riverbank into several rock-lined pools that volunteers maintain. Pool temperatures depend on river levels—high water in spring can flood the pools entirely, while late summer offers the best soaking when cold river water mixes with 130°F+ source water.

What to Expect:

• 2-4 pools depending on river conditions and current rock arrangements
• Clothing optional (though swimsuits common during busy periods)
• Gravel pullout parking for about 10 cars
• No facilities—nearest restroom is in Redstone

Tips:

• Best conditions: August through October when river levels drop
• Arrive early on weekends; parking fills by mid-morning
• Bring a bag for trash—pack it out
• Check current conditions on Colorado hot springs forums before driving

South Canyon Hot Springs

Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes via I-70 West Cost: Free Best For: Easy hike, multiple pools, year-round access

South Canyon offers a more secluded experience than Penny with just a short hike required. Located on BLM land near Glenwood Springs, the springs sit in a narrow canyon about 0.5 miles from the parking area.

Three main pools hold 3-8 people each, with temperatures ranging from 100-105°F. The water runs continually, keeping the pools cleaner than stagnant springs. Volunteer-built rock walls contain the pools, and maintenance varies with visitor traffic.

What to Expect:

• 0.5-mile walk on established trail
• Clothing optional (standard practice at primitive springs)
• No facilities at the trailhead
• Can get busy on weekends, especially in shoulder seasons

Tips:

• GPS coordinates are widely available online—search before you go
• Winter access requires care on potentially icy trail sections
• Bring something to sit on; surrounding rocks are rough
• The springs are on public land but access crosses private property—stay on the established route

Conundrum Hot Springs

Distance: 3 hours plus 8.5-mile hike Cost: Free (permit may be required) Best For: Backcountry enthusiasts, alpine scenery, committed adventurers

Conundrum represents the pinnacle of Colorado primitive hot springs—spectacular alpine pools at 11,200 feet elevation, surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. The catch: you need to earn it with a 17-mile round trip hike gaining 2,500 feet of elevation.

The springs consist of several pools right at timberline, with the main pool holding 6-8 people at 102-104°F. Views extend to Castle Peak and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

What to Expect:

• Full day hike or overnight backpack
• Wilderness camping permit required for overnight stays
• Crowded on summer weekends despite the effort required
• Snow-free access typically July through September

Tips:

• Check current permit requirements at the Aspen Ranger District
• Start very early for a day hike; most people camp
• Carry all water; the springs contain minerals unsuitable for drinking
• Bear canisters required for food storage

Budget-Friendly Hot Springs

Hot springs don't have to drain your wallet. Here are the most affordable options from Denver:

Free Natural Springs

• Penny Hot Springs – free
• South Canyon Hot Springs – free
• Conundrum Hot Springs – free (permit required for camping)

Under $25

• Indian Hot Springs – $25 weekday
• Cottonwood Hot Springs – $22 day pass
• Hot Sulphur Springs – $22 day pass

Budget Tips:

• Many resorts offer twilight rates after 5-6 PM
• Weekday visits are typically $5-10 cheaper than weekends
• Annual passes pay for themselves in 3-4 visits at most resorts
• Cottonwood Hot Springs offers discounted "locals" rates for Colorado residents

Family-Friendly Hot Springs

Not all hot springs welcome kids, and not all kids can handle sitting in hot water. Here's where to take the family:

Best for Families:

1. Glenwood Hot Springs – The large pool size, waterslide, and cooler temperatures make this the most kid-friendly option. Children can actually swim and play rather than just soak.
2. Mount Princeton Hot Springs – The creekside pools let kids explore and adjust their own temperatures. The main resort pools work well for families too.
3. Old Town Hot Springs (Steamboat) – Features waterslides, a climbing wall, and a lap pool alongside traditional hot pools. Very recreation-oriented.
4. Ouray Hot Springs – The town-run facility includes a main swimming area, waterslide, and dedicated soaking pools. Affordable and family-focused.

Tips for Hot Springs with Kids:

• Keep soaking time under 15-20 minutes for young children
• The cooler pools (under 100°F) are safer for extended use
• Bring water bottles—hot soaking dehydrates quickly
• Avoid evening hours at clothing-optional springs with kids

Springs to Avoid with Young Children:

• Strawberry Park (adults-only after dark, remote access)
• Orvis Hot Springs (clothing-optional, adults-only pools)
• All primitive springs (no facilities, uncontrolled temperatures)

Hot Springs Near Denver Map

The major hot springs cluster in a few geographic areas:

I-70 Corridor (West of Denver) Follow I-70 through the mountains for access to Indian Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain, and several primitive springs. This route offers the most options for a day trip or weekend.

Highway 285/Arkansas Valley Head southwest toward Buena Vista for Mount Princeton, Cottonwood Hot Springs, and access to several lesser-known primitive springs.

Steamboat Springs Area A longer drive north delivers Strawberry Park and Old Town Hot Springs, plus some of the state's best skiing in winter.

San Juan Mountains The furthest options—Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Dunton—require a full weekend but offer spectacular mountain settings.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Go

Winter (December-March) Peak season for hot springs. Soaking in steaming water while snow falls around you is peak Colorado. Expect higher prices, crowds, and the need for reservations. Road conditions can complicate access to some locations.

Spring (April-May) Shoulder season with lighter crowds. Primitive springs may be flooded from snowmelt. Developed resorts are excellent choices.

Summer (June-August) Good for primitive springs as water levels drop and trails clear. Developed resorts stay busy with tourists. Some pools feel too warm when ambient temperatures climb.

Fall (September-November) Arguably the best overall season. Stable weather, changing colors, moderate crowds, and primitive springs in ideal condition. Book ahead for popular weekends.

What to Bring

For Developed Resorts:

• Swimsuit
• Towel (rentals usually available)
• Water bottle
• Flip-flops for walking between pools
• Cash for lockers at some locations

For Primitive Springs:

• Swimsuit (optional at most)
• Quick-dry towel
• Water shoes for rocky pools
• Trash bag for pack-out
• Water and snacks
• First aid basics
• Headlamp if visiting near dark

Hot Springs Etiquette

At Developed Resorts:

• Shower before entering pools
• Keep voices down in soaking areas
• Respect posted capacity limits
• No glass containers on pool decks

At Primitive Springs:

• Clothing-optional is the default; don't make it weird
• Pack out all trash including food scraps
• Don't rearrange rocks that others have placed
• Keep group sizes small
• Yield space to others when springs are busy

Conclusion

Denver's position at the base of the Rockies puts dozens of hot springs within reach. For a quick escape, Indian Hot Springs gets you soaking in under an hour. For the full experience, plan a weekend around Mount Princeton or Strawberry Park. And for adventure, the free primitive springs reward those willing to hike or navigate unpaved roads.

Whatever your preference—developed resort or wilderness pool, family-friendly or adults-only, budget or luxury—there's a Colorado hot spring waiting for you.

Last updated: January 2026. Prices and conditions change seasonally; confirm details before visiting.