Schofield Hot Springs Colorado

Ultimate Guide to Secluded Soaking in the Mountains

Schofield Hot Springs sits tucked away in the Colorado mountains. I found the spot after a long day on the trails. The water stays warm all year, even when snow covers the ground.

People visit for the quiet and the view. Steam rises from the pools while pine trees line the banks. You can soak and watch the sky turn pink at sunset.

Getting there takes effort. The road stays rough and narrow. The reward? A peaceful soak far from crowds. Have you ever wanted a hot spring all to yourself? This place comes close.

Overview of Schofield Hot Springs Colorado

Schofield Hot Springs sits deep in the Colorado mountains. Water stays warm throughout all seasons, even if snow covers the ground.

Steam rises from the pools in winter. Early morning swims let you soak under the mountain’s quiet.

Water temps at Schofield Hot Springs usually reach 100°F. Locals often visit after hiking. Travelers come for sunsets that paint the valley red and orange.

Few amenities exist here. No marked parking lots. No changing rooms. You park along a rough road, then walk over rocks and roots to reach the pools.

Silence surrounds you, broken only by the river below. Wildlife sometimes appears—deer on the ridges or birds above the trees.

You’ll find most people visit solo or in pairs for privacy. Crowds rarely gather. Group sizes usually stay under four.

Hot spring tubs hold two to four people each. Most are rock-lined and shallow.

Spring runoff sometimes changes the water’s clarity. After heavy rain, pools can turn cloudy.

Big trips here often combine camping and soaking. Visitors set up tents along the nearby trails. Fires aren’t allowed, so campers bring their own stoves.

Phone signal is weak. Plan your visit before you go.

Schofield Hot Springs stays under the radar. If you want a quiet soak with mountain air and clear skies, this spot draws you in.

Location and Accessibility

Schofield Hot Springs sits in a quiet valley between Marble and Crested Butte, Colorado. The springs rest at the edge of the Elk Mountains, about 10 miles from Crystal Mill by trail.

How to Get There

Drive to Marble, CO, on County Road 3. Follow signs to Crystal, a historic mining town. The road after Marble turns to rocky dirt—most vehicles stop at Crystal or before Schofield Pass. Four-wheel-drive helps on rough sections.

Walk or use an off-road vehicle for the last stretch along Schofield Pass Road, also called Forest Road 317. Expect water crossings and steep drop-offs.

No marked parking lot exists. Park along the road without blocking traffic or driveways. The trail to the springs begins near a creek bend—look for a footpath through aspens and boulders.

I cross uneven terrain with sharp rocks and roots for about 0.25 miles before reaching the pools.

Best Time to Visit

Plan a visit in summer or early fall. Snow lingers late into June, blocking access. By July, trails dry out, and temperatures stay comfortable for soaking.

Arrive at sunrise or late afternoon for privacy. Most weekends stay empty except for holiday periods. Weekdays draw fewer people.

Melting snow in late spring swells the creek and sometimes clouds the water. If clear water matters, late August or September works best.

Night sky views draw some to the springs after sunset—bring a flashlight for the walk back.

Features and Amenities

Schofield Hot Springs gives you natural soaking pools and a barebones wilderness setup. Expect basic comforts and plenty of peace in the Colorado mountains.

Natural Springs and Pools

Hot spring pools at Schofield fill with mineral water averaging 100°F. Water stays warm through winter. Pools fit two to four people each, like the concrete and rock tubs hidden along the hillside.

Mineral stains color the pool edges, with clear water possible in late August or September. You'll sometimes see runoff in early spring clouding the pools, especially after rain.

Pick between morning steam with mountain shadows or evening light that matches the quiet setting. Some pools have a faint sulfur scent. Locals and solo visitors often spend an hour or two soaking, then let others step in.

Facilities Available

Facilities near Schofield Hot Springs are sparse.

No toilets, changing rooms, or trash bins stand nearby. Cell signal drops off as you reach the pools. Bring water, food, and anything else you need. The nearest supplies sit back in Marble, about 9 miles away.

Flat spots for tents and hammocks appear along surrounding trails. No fire pits or grills—open flames aren't allowed along the creek. Basic benches made from downed logs provide spots to rest near the water.

Bring a flashlight if you plan a night visit. Trails turn dark fast after sunset. Carry out all your trash. The quiet, rugged site draws people looking for time off the grid with just the basics and clean water.

Experience at Schofield Hot Springs

Steam rises from the water even in summer. The only sounds come from the creek and the wind.

Water Temperature and Quality

Water holds heat close to 100°F. I dip a hand to check, steam visible on cold mornings. In late summer, the clarity improves. During spring runoff, water sometimes turns cloudy. I notice mineral streaks on the rocks. You get clean, mineral-rich water in most months. Runoff flow brings in silt, so September gives the clearest soak.

Scenery and Atmosphere

Rugged rock walls rise around you. Trees line the banks, casting patterns on the pools. At sunset, orange light reflects off the steam. Mountains keep the place shaded early and late. I spot deer across the clearing. Even with a friend nearby, the area feels private. The valley traps quiet, broken only by small talk or wildlife sounds. At dawn, I get mountain views with my soak. Low clouds sometimes drift by, hanging close to the water.

Pros and Cons of Visiting

Steam rises from Schofield Hot Springs even on cool Colorado mornings. Orange light hits the water at sunset. You get mountain views, quiet surroundings, and a steady 100°F soak.

You walk a rough quarter mile over rocks and dirt. Most drive up in a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive SUV or truck—compact cars often struggle.

Only about four people fit in the warmest tub. If spring runoff hits, the water turns cloudy. Late August or September brings the clearest soak.

Wildlife sometimes wanders into view. Expect deer or the occasional fox. Most days you hear only water and wind.

You won’t find toilets, changing rooms, or bins. Pack out all trash. No fires allowed. Bring your own food and water from Marble, nine miles away.

Camping is allowed on flat patches, but options are basic. No crowds means privacy for your group or solo visit.

Ask yourself: do you want solitude and mountain scenery, or do you need amenities and easy access? Schofield Hot Springs gives you the first—don’t count on the second.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Dress in layers. The mountain air drops quickly after sunset. I wore a light jacket in June and felt comfortable in the evening.

Bring water and snacks. You won't find shops or vending machines here. I packed a bottle and a granola bar for my afternoon soak.

Arrive with a high-clearance vehicle, such as a 4x4 truck or SUV. Regular sedans struggle with the rocky dirt road. I parked about a quarter mile away and walked the last stretch.

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk from your car to the pools. The path has loose rocks and roots. I saw visitors slip while wearing sandals.

Pack out all trash. This area has no bins or services. I took everything I brought, including small wrappers.

Arrive early or close to sunset for the quietest experience. I went at 7 AM and shared the springs with just one other person.

Bring a towel. The air cools your skin fast as soon as you get out. Sprinting to my clothes wasn't pleasant without one.

Respect other visitors' privacy. Pools fit small groups, so wait your turn if they're full. I hung back until others finished their soak.

Plan for no cell service. My phone couldn't send texts or load maps between Marble and the springs.

Ask yourself: do you prefer solitude and wild settings, or do you need amenities close at hand? Schofield Hot Springs rewards those seeking the first.

Schofield Hot Springs really stands apart from other Colorado hot springs I’ve visited. It’s not for everyone but if you’re craving a peaceful soak surrounded by wild scenery and don’t mind a bit of a trek you’ll probably fall in love with this hidden spot.

For me the best part is how quiet and untouched it feels. If you’re willing to trade a few comforts for a truly serene experience this mountain valley is absolutely worth the adventure.