by Radka Silva @EndlessFamilyAdventure on IG
When it comes to outdoor recreation opportunities, Colorado has a lot to offer. From world class ski resorts in the winter, to incredible wildflower hikes in the summer, camping, paddle-boarding on alpine lakes, or exploring 4 National Parks, the possibilities are endless. One of our favorite family activities that you can enjoy in any season are hot springs and Colorado has plenty of options to choose from.
We put together this guide to help you find the perfect one for your next family adventure.
Public Pools & Resorts Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool
Your visit to Colorado wouldn’t be complete without visiting the World’s largest hot springs pool located in Glenwood Springs, just about 2.5 hours west from Denver. The water in this pool contains 15 different minerals that have numerous health and wellness benefits.
This hot spring pool is very popular and can get busy, but thanks to its large size, you can always find a spot for your family to enjoy it. If you only have time for one hot spring pool, this would be what I would recommend.
There is a therapy pool with temperature of 104⁰F, the main pool that is about 90⁰-93⁰F and the Sopris Splash Zone that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and contains inner-tube rides, water slides, and a splash fountain.
Day passes range between $29 -$39 for adults and $25 for kids, children 2 and under are free.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
This newly renovated pool is a great way to soak up the beauty of Ouray, a small Colorado town about 6-hour drive from Denver, often referred to as Switzerland of America. This hot spring is a favorite for families because it doesn’t contain any sulfur and therefore doesn’t have that ‘rotten-eggs’ smell. The pool temperatures range from 75⁰F to 104⁰F.
Day passes are $21 for adults and $14 for kids, children 4 and under are free.
Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
This fun and family-friendly hot spring pool is right on the edge of downtown Steamboat Springs. It features the main hot pool at 98⁰F, lap pool, water slides, kiddie pool and several smaller spa pools ranging from 102⁰F - 104⁰F.
Steamboat Springs is a charming mountain town about 4 hours northwest from Denver with incredible recreation opportunities such as skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
Day passes are $29 for adults and $23 for kids, children 2 and under are free.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Sulphur hot springs is another amazing resort nestled in the Colorado Rockies only 2 hours’ drive from Denver. These gravity-fed pools are 100% natural without any chemicals and full of healing minerals. There are 15 pools to choose from fed from 7 different natural springs.
This resort offers affordable lodging options making it the perfect family weekend spot. If you book a one night stay, your hots springs pool passes are included on the day of check in and the day of check out, making it an amazing deal for a relaxing weekend getaway!
Day passes are $26 for adults and $14 for kids, children 4 and under are free.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Mount Princeton is a world class resort with a variety of larger pools for soaking and exercise, smaller creekside hot springs pools, infinity pool and seasonal water slide all with incredible mountain views of some iconic Colorado fourteeners.
The resort also offers a variety of lodges, suites and cabins that come in with two days of hot springs access, complimentary bike, cross country ski or snowshoe rental and other benefits. This is a popular resort so plan ahead if you want to take advantage of this deal.
Day passes are $35 for adults and $30 for kids from Monday – Thursday; $40 for adults Friday – Sunday; children 4 and under are free.
The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs
If you find yourself in the southern part of Colorado, I highly recommend trying out this hot spring resort. It is the home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring that feeds 25 different pools at varying temperatures; every member of your family can find one perfect just for them.
This beautiful and serene resort has a spa feel but is still a great choice for a family with a large swimming pool and a variety of smaller pools to discover.
Since these hot springs are more expensive than some others in this guide, you want to make sure to soak in the experience and stay the whole day. There is an on-site Canteen for poolside drinks and smoothies, Café for quick bites, and a Grill with many delicious options for any eater (Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free Options).
Day passes are $65 for adults and $35 for kids.
Wild (Free) Hot Springs
Penny Hot Springs
These wild hot springs are man-made rock pools on the side of the Crystal River about 12 miles south from Carbondale. The temperature range is quite large depending on the various pools and the ones closest to the mountain side can be scorching hot, so use caution especially when visiting with kids.
This is a popular local’s hangout, and you can occasionally see some nudity in the evenings; the best time to visit for a family is in the early morning when you can get lucky and have the hot springs to yourself.
The spring runoff washes out the pools rendering them unusable until later in the summer.
Pagosa Springs
If you don’t want to splurge on The Springs Resort & Spa when in Pagosa Springs, you can still enjoy some hot springs for free. Just across the San Juan River from the Resort are 2 or 3 free hot springs tubs with the most amazing blue hue.
BONUS!!:
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch
This family-owned ranch is located in the beautiful Colorado Rockies approximately 3.5 hours southwest from Denver. Surrounded by Gunnison National Forest, this remote ranch makes an excellent family vacation destination.
The large swimming pool is solely fed by a natural hot spring ranging from 95⁰F to 102⁰F. Other activities at the ranch include hiking, mountain biking, ping-pong, horseshoe, games, and puzzles.
Stay at this ranch is best suited for larger groups (25+) such as bigger family gatherings, company retreats, or weddings, but they also offer individual reservations when available. Family of 4 can expect to pay approximately $180 for a room which includes unlimited hot springs pool access.
Radka Silva is mother of two and the co-founder of @EndlessFamilyAdventure, an Instagram account that follows her family’s travels throughout Colorado and beyond. Her family is dedicated to spending time outdoors, learning from nature, and experiencing all the beauty the world has to offer.