Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado is not only renowned for its natural hot springs, but is also home to the world’s deepest hot spring! These geothermal wonders have been attracting visitors from all over the world for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. You can find a variety of both hot springs resorts and free hot springs in this Colorado mountain town, so there there is something here for everyone.
Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, this charming town offers a variety of outdoor activities and hot springs, making it the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.
Since I am a freshly relocated Coloradan myself, I’ve been on a mission to explore more of the beautiful scenes I now live around. And there definitely is no shortage of hot springs and outdoor activities out here in the mountains.
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Below I’m sharing my complete guide for visiting the hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado (both the resorts & free hot springs!):
Planning Your Visit to the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
Where to Stay
Pagosa Springs is a quaint town, but there are plenty of different accommodation options with easy access to the local hot springs.
Pagosa Springs Airbnb & Vacation Rentals
During our visit, we opted to stay in an Airbnb right on the main road, and only a 5-minute walk to the hot springs. (And this one was even kind enough to allow pets, so we were able to bring Bailey along for this weekend adventure!)
You can also check out more available Airbnb rentals in Pagosa Springs here.
Where to Eat
- Alley House Grille – New American cuisine, good for dinner
- Riff Raff Brewing Company – for drinks and live music
- Riff Raff on the Rio – the second location of Riff Raff located along the river, good for dinner
- Meander Riverside Eatery – for dinner and wine
- ROOT HOUSE Coffee + Shop – for coffee and breakfast
- Pagosa Baking Company – for coffee and breakfast
What to Bring to the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
Hot Springs Necessities
Here are a few essentials you may want to consider bringing with you to the hot springs:
– swimwear
– towels
– change of clothes: I usually will bring a pair of joggers to throw on – I have these ones in 4 different colors
– sunscreen: this tinted one is my favorite
– water & a reusable water bottle
– hair clip / hair tie: I love these hair clips
– beanie (if it’s cold!): I love these North Face beanies
– hat: this is the hat from the majority of my Instagram photos, lol
– sunglasses
– waterproof shoes: I usually bring my Crocs or Teva sandals
– snacks
All the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Hot Spring Resorts in Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs, Colorado is considered one of the top hot springs destinations in the United States. And it’s easy to see why with how many hot springs options there are in such a quaint mountain town.
Below I’m sharing all the hot springs in Pagosa Springs – from the resorts to the natural springs:
The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort is the largest hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs. It is home to 25 different individual hot springs pools at varying temperatures, ranging 45-114 degrees F.
All the geothermal waters for these pools is sourced from The Mother Spring. Which holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring:
Guinness World Record
The Mother Spring in Pagosa Springs, Colorado holds the Guinness World Record for being the World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring. It measures at a depth of 1,002 feet deep. Basically, we do not know just how deep the hot spring goes. The instruments that were sent down to measure it gave out at 1,002 feet deep. So we presently know that it is at least this deep.
The Mother Spring itself is not available to soak in. Its surface temperature stays at around 131 degrees F and is not safe for human exposure. But is open to the public for viewing. It is located on the property of The Springs Resort and is a quick walk from the parking lot.
Lodging at The Springs Resort would be the best way to enjoy these geothermal pools. This is because overnight guests of the hotel are offered 24-hour access to the springs. However, day passes are available for those just wanting to visit without accommodation.
You can also learn more about day passes at The Springs Resort here.
Healing Waters Resort & Spa
Healing Waters Resort is located next door to The Springs Resort and offers a variety of spa treatments and accommodations.
Day passes are available here as well, so you could even make a day of hot springs-hopping.
You can also find more information on day passes at Healing Waters Resort.
Overlook Hot Springs Spa
Overlook Hot Springs is located on the other side of the main road in downtown Pagosa Springs.
These mineral springs feature a more scenic view from their rooftop deck, where you will be able to see the San Juan River and surrounding mountains during your soak. Here they also offer a variety of massage treatments for the ultimate spa day.
You can also find more information on day passes for Overlook Hot Springs here.
Are there free hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado?
Yes! Colorado has no shortage of free hot springs around the entire state. But here are the ones that are the closest to Pagosa Springs:
Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring
Nathan’s Hippy Dip hot springs is a free hot spring that can be accessed for right along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs. While you’re walking along the river trail you will see steamy pools that are open to the public 24 hours a day.
These mineral-rich waters are also flowing from The Mother Spring. And you can find them right across the street from The Springs Resort.
We opted to wake up early on our last day in town to catch the sunrise from one of these free mineral springs pools. And it was well worth the wake-up call and chilly walk over from our Airbnb. Nathan’s Hippy Dip hot spring was one of my favorites in Pagosa Springs.
Piedra River Hot Springs
The Piedra River hot springs are located about 30 miles outside of Pagosa Springs, but they are worth including here for those of you looking for a day trip. These natural mineral water springs can be accessed by a 3-mile roundtrip hike.
It’s easier to reach these hot springs after the winter months when there is no snow present.
Rainbow Hot Springs
For those looking for an even bigger adventure, Rainbow hot springs are a much more remote option located about 18 miles north of Pagosa Springs. Getting to these hot springs takes a 10-mile out and back hike through the San Juan National Forest.
You can also find more information on this hike on AllTrails here.
Have you ever visited the hot springs in Pagosa Springs? Let me know which one was your favorite in the comments below!
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About the Author
Hi I’m Rylie – Welcome to my corner of the internet!
I’m a solo traveler & photographer turned full-time corporate travel agent – born and raised in Southern California but now based in Colorado.
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