10 Best Hot Springs Near Denver (By a Local)

I’m a Denver local who loves a good wellness retreat. Fortunately, I never have to go far to find hot springs, cold plunges, and sweltering saunas. 

This guide highlights ten of the top hot springs in Colorado. These places feature all kinds of amenities, including on-site lodging. Many are well-known, but you might not realize that several have undergone extensive renovations in recent years. I’ve also included a few hidden gems where you can enjoy crowd-free relaxation. Ready to dive in?

10 Best Hot Springs to Visit Near Denver

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Buena Vista 

📍 Google Maps | Website | (719) 395-2447 | 👉 Book a Stay on Booking

There are so many fun things to do in Buena Vista, one of the most popular day trips from Denver. Whether planning to hike, raft, or simply explore downtown, the nearby hot springs are a great itinerary inclusion. 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs is an upscale hot springs resort featuring various pools and amenities for all types of visitors. There’s a family-friendly atmosphere and children will love the 400-foot water slide that’s open in the summer months. 

The creekside hot springs are my favorite place to soak, though there’s also a large heated pool. Take advantage of spa treatments and fitness classes, as well as on-site dining and lodging. The private cabins can’t be beat.

🎟️ Admission: $40 adults ($45 on Fri-Sun), $35 children and seniors
🌡️ Temp: 90-120 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: creekside hot springs, multiple pools, water slide, spa services, fitness classes, juice bar, lodging 

👉 Love Water Activities? Take a nearby guided rafting trip for the ultimate Buena Vista getaway!

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (970) 879-0342 

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a personal favorite. Regardless of the season, it’s one of the best things to do in Steamboat Springs. Set in the beautiful Routt National Forest, this rustic attraction is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle from November to May. Sweet Pea Tours and The Hot Springs Shuttle both offer rides should you need one. 

Families are welcome but in the evenings, visitors must be 18+ years of age as clothing is optional. Those looking to spend the night can pitch a tent or book a private cabin on the property.

🎟️ Admission: $20 per person for 2 hours (cash only)
🌡️ Temp: 102-106 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: clothing-optional evenings, massage treatments, camping spots, cabins, shuttle service

🚗 Need a car? Consider renting a 4×4 vehicle through Discover Cars, our preferred partner.

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

Hot Sulphur Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (970) 725-3306

This small mountain town has been a place of healing for hundreds of years. The Ute tribe first discovered the seven natural springs that now feed 21 man-made pools at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort. The water in each of its soaking pools varies in temperature, ranging from 95-112 °F. 

Lodging at the resort includes access to the mineral-rich hot springs. Booking a Swedish or deep tissue massage comes with one hour of complimentary soaking, too. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains at this destination located just 2 hours from Denver.

🎟️ Admission: $30 adults, $16 children (4-11), free under 4
🌡️ Temp: 95-112 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: private pools, bathhouse with lockers, massage treatments, lodging 

♨️ Pro Tip: Your heart rate and circulation increase when soaking in hot water, especially at higher altitudes. Be sure to include a water bottle on your Colorado packing list!

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (970) 947-2955 | 👉 Book a Stay on Booking

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is famed for having the world’s largest mineral water pool. It acts as a lap pool for athletes and, simultaneously, a playground for children. In the summer months, kids can also ride the large water slide into the main hot springs pool. Three additional water slides and a tube ride add to the family amenities. 

This Glenwood Springs attraction also recently debuted the Yampah Mineral Baths, a collection of five pools that are adults-only during evening hours. Hotel 1888 opened its boutique suites in the past year, too, adding to a wide range of lodging options on-site.

🎟️ Admission: $38-$55 adults, $27-$34 children
🌡️ Temp: 90 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: pool, waterslides, and children play areas, spa treatments, private cabanas, lodging 

📚 Related Reading: Interested in other family-friendly activities near Denver? Check out Laura’s guide on 23 Fun Things to Do in Denver with Kids!

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (970) 945-4766 

Iron Mountain offers a more adults-centric experience in Glenwood Springs. While its original 18 soaking pools are family-friendly, the resort recently debuted WorldSprings, a 21+ section with a cold plunge, plus 12 newer pools. Each features a minimal makeup designed to mimic famous hot springs around the world, like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and those in Hokkaido, Japan. 

Regardless of where you soak, enjoy views of the Colorado River and concessions from its on-site cafes, which also serve alcoholic beverages.  

🎟️ Admission: $48-$116 per person for 3 hours
🌡️ Temp: 99-108 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: family pool, 31 soaking pools, cold plunge, adults-only area, concessions, lockers, showers 

Indian Hot Springs

Idaho Springs 

📍 Google Maps | Website | (303) 989-6666 

Located in Idaho Springs, Indian Hot Springs are the closest hot springs to Denver. Its main hot springs pool is encased within a glass dome. It acts as a sort of greenhouse, creating a warm, humid atmosphere that allows the tropical plants surrounding the pool to thrive. 

Those seeking privacy can reserve an indoor bath or outdoor jacuzzi. Adults may opt for a clothing-optional experience inside the unique geothermal caves on site. Spa services and accommodations are also available, including resort rooms and cabin rentals.

🎟️ Admission (mineral pool): $30-$35 per person; additional attractions vary
🌡️ Temp: 90-112 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: indoor pools, private baths, geothermal caves, spa services, cabins, hotel lodging

Old Town Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (970) 879-1828 

Compared to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat Springs is more accommodating to children. It features multiple pools including a shallow kiddie pool. From two slides and a climbing wall, kids can also splash into the main hot springs pool. 

Adults will appreciate the lap pool, cold plunge, and three private hot springs, as well as the massage services and large fitness center. Plan to stop here after a day at one of the best Colorado ski areas.

🎟️ Admission: $35 adults, $32 seniors, $27 children (3-14), free under 3
🌡️ Temp: 80-103 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: multiple pools, children areas, gym, climbing wall, fitness classes, massage therapy 

♨️ Read Next: 9 Best Hot Springs Close to Boulder

Cottonwood Hot Springs

Buena Vista

📍 Google Maps | Website | (719) 395-6434 

Tucked away in the San Isabel National Forest, Cottonwood Hot Springs is a nature lover’s paradise. Its mineral hot springs vary in size and temperature. After a sweltering soak or visit to its dry sauna, you’ll appreciate a dip in the cold plunge pool. 

The resort promotes total relaxation, encouraging a quiet, technology-free atmosphere. Cottonwood is also highly eco-conscious, using natural energy and sustainable building materials. You can book spa treatments, as well as campsites, lodge rooms, and private cabins — which are among the best places to stay in Buena Vista.

🎟️ Admission: $35-$45 adults, $25-$35 children under 16
🌡️ Temp: 80-106 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: quiet pools, cold plunge, sauna, spa amenities, camping spots, cabins

Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens

Buena Vista

📍 Google Maps | Website | (719) 395-6015

Charlotte Hot Springs is the newest destination on this list, with its three outdoor pools having opened in 2024. Seemingly, the secret isn’t yet out as this spot is far less crowded than Mount Princeton and even Cottonwood, which is just a mile away. 

From its tiled pools to its changing facilities, everything here is sparkling and new. That said, the plants in the indoor botanical garden are still relatively small, but lush and well-kept. Escape to this little, green oasis in the winter months and say hello to the resident parrots. 

Note that while Charlotte Hot Springs is open to the public, the sister company to this spot features private pools and overnight lodging. Look up Merrifield Homestead Cabins if you’re interested; they’re just a mile further up Cottonwood Pass. 

🎟️ Admission: $30-$35 adults, $25-$30 seniors and youth (4-17), free under 4
🌡️ Temp: 80-106 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: outdoor pools, botanical garden, lockers, showers; private pools and lodging available through sister company

The Springs Resort

Pagosa Springs

📍 Google Maps | Website | (800) 225-0934 | 👉 Book a Stay at The Springs Resort

The Springs Resort requires the furthest drive from Denver. However, those willing to make the 5-hour trip to Pagosa Springs won’t be disappointed. 

With 52 soaking pools and cold plunges, it features the greatest variety of all other hot springs in Colorado. The pools are fed by the Mother Spring, the deepest geothermal spring in the world. Visitors can purchase day passes or book an overnight stay. The resort also features spa services, wellness classes, fine dining, poolside drink service, and more. 

🎟️ Admission: $69-$159 adults, $37 children
🌡️ Temp: 95-112 °F
📅 Season: year-round
♨️ Features: private hot springs, spa treatments, yoga and wellness activities, restaurants, lodging

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I hope this guide has helped you find your next getaway. Leave me a comment if you have any questions and for more fun experiences, see our ultimate list of things to do in Denver next.