The end of the year is upon us, a time to reflect and adjust for a better future, but before all that, a little relaxing and unwinding after a long year is just what the Dr. ordered. What better way to unwind than one of the many amazing, natural hot springs that Colorado has to offer. We put together a list for you of the best hot springs that are not too far of a drive from Denver.

Indian Hot Springs – Idaho Springs

Location: 302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Distance from Denver: 32 miles
Admission: Rates vary by activity, age and day. Details can be found here.

Located in Idaho Springs, Indian Hot Springs has a rich history and is the closest hot springs resort to Denver.

Thanks to a magical sparkling dome, the main swimming pool acts like a greenhouse and gives off tropical vacation vibes in the middle of the mountains all year round.

PRO Tips:

• Private indoor baths can be reserved.
• There is an (adult only) clothing-optional experience inside the unique geothermal caves.
• Spa services and accommodations are also available. 

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa – Hot Sulphur Springs

Location: 5609 Spring Rd, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Distance from Denver: 97 miles
Admission: Adult Day Pass $26.00, Children(4-11) $14.00, Seniors(65 & up) $20.00, Children under 4 are Free

Located just 2 hours from Denver, the Hot Sulphur Springs started as a bath house in the 1850s and utilizes water from 7 springs from the mountain that flow through 15 man made pools. The pools vary in temperature ranging from 95 to 112 °F. 

PRO Tips: 

• Lodging at the resort includes access to the mineral-rich hot springs.
• Booking a massage comes with one hour of complimentary soaking.

Cottonwood Hot Springs  – Buena Vista

Location: 18999 County Road 306, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
Distance from Denver: 126 miles
Admission: $20 Adults, $18 Children Mon-Thu and $24 Adults, $20 Children Fri-Sun and holidays

Cottonwood Hot Springs is not your typical holiday hotel, instead, they offer a quiet, comfortable place in the San Isabel National Forest, to get away from our tech rich day-to-day lives. Their lodge rooms do not have televisions, refrigerators or phones and they do not offer Wi-Fi on property.

Cottonwood is also highly eco-conscious, using natural energy and sustainable building materials.

PRO Tips:

• You can book spa treatments as well as an overnight stay at their lodge, private cabins, or campsites. 
• They also offer a cold plunge pool, which is rare to see at hot spring sites.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs – Buena Vista

Location: 15870 County Road 162, Nathrop, Colorado 81236
Distance from Denver: 128 miles
Admission: $35 Adults, $30 Children and Seniors on Mon-Thu and $30 Adults, $25 Children and Seniors on Fri-Sun

Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a year-round, high-end hot springs resort offering various pools and amenities for all ages. It’s been around since 1897 and now features multiple pools of varying temperatures, a (seasonal) 400-foot slide, spa services, fitness classes and so much more.

PRO Tips:

• Private hot spring infinity pools are available for rent.
• Dining and lodging are also available at Mt Princeton.

Old Town Hot Springs – Steamboat Springs

Location: 281 Centennial St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Distance from Denver: 157 miles
Admission: $25 Adults, $19 Children, $22 Seniors

Out of the two best hot springs in Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs is the more accommodating to children. It features multiple pools including a shallow kiddie pool, two slides, a climbing wall, and kids are allowed to splash into the main hot springs pool too. 

Adults can enjoy the lap pool and three private hot springs.

PRO Tip: Old Town Hot Springs also offers massage services and a large fitness center.

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge – Glenwood Springs

Location: 415 East 6th Street Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Distance from Denver: 157 miles
Admission: Rates vary by season – more info can be found here

With the world’s largest mineral water (lap) pool, waterslides, children play areas, spa treatments, private cabanas and lodging, Glenwood Hot Springs is one of the best family friendly natural hot springs resorts you can find.

PRO Tips:

• Check out the many special packages you can book online for your stay.
• Plan on going as a group? Discounted group rates are available by contacting the resort.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs

Location: 281 Centennial St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Distance from Denver: 158 miles
Admission: $48 per person (ages 3+) for 3 hours (confirm pricing here)

Situated alongside the beautiful Colorado River, surrounded by Rocky Mountain views, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers 16 geothermal soaking pools.

New in 2022, is their experience pool, using unique mineral water recipes inspired by some of the most famous hot springs across the globe. They also have a freshwater family pool which is cooler and ideal for all ages.

PRO Tips:

• Reservations are required for a 3-hour visit slot.
• Note that clothing is optional in this resort.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Steamboat Springs

Location: 44200 County Road #36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Distance from Denver: 164 miles
Admission: $20 per person for 2 hours (cash only)

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is unique in many ways. The pools are carved out of the side of the mountain in Routt National Forest, giving the hot springs a more authentic feel, being in nature, and while families are welcome during the day, in the evenings, visitors must be 18+ years of age as clothing is optional.

PRO Tips: 

• A 4×4 vehicle is required to get to the location in winter. There are shuttle services that can transport you from Steamboat Springs to the hot springs.
• Those looking to spend the night can pitch a tent or book a private cabin on the property.
• Reservations are required and can be made online.

The Springs Resort and Spa – Pagosa Springs

Location: 323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Distance from Denver: 275 miles
Admission: $65 Adults, $30 Children, Seniors get a $3 discount

While Pagosa Springs is not as close to Denver as some of the other hot springs, the trip is worth the effort. The Springs Resort features 25 private soaking pools along the San Juan River. The natural hot springs pools are fed by the Mother Spring, the deepest geothermal spring in the world. 

PRO Tips:

• An overnight stay includes hot springs access.
• Poolside drink service is available.
• Plan your stay with a variety of packages on offer.
• Find out what the locals are saying.