Soak in the Colorado Hot Springs Loop

Back in 2016, representatives from five Colorado destination marketing organizations got together and brainstormed. What did they all have in common? It wasn’t long before Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Chaffee County, and Steamboat Springs came to the realization that each destinations have long withstanding histories of hot springs. Enter: the Colorado Hot Springs Loop.

Looking at a map, you can connect the dots with these five locations. These destinations did the very same, officially forming a 720-mile loop. It was aptly named the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop (CHHSL).

For several years, I worked for the public relations firm that does the project management for the loop. On my second day ever on the job, I even embarked on a four-day road trip. On it, we traveled along the loop, stopping at every destination.

With over 19 different hot springs attractions and facilities, the CHHSL is an amazing piece of Colorado tourism. As a hot springs connoisseur myself, I love this loop and the amazing diversity at each and every stop.

If you ever find your way to Colorado, this scenic road trip is an incredible way to experience the state through healing waters. Each hot springs offers a little something for everyone.

Hot springs loop: five incredible destinations

Each of the five incredible destinations are located in the western part of Colorado. They’re connected by road-trip worthy drives and scenic byways.

Glenwood Springs

I was lucky enough to live nearby Glenwood Springs, and am even luckier to have an intimate knowledge of the area’s hot springs.

There is immense history in this valley, as Native Americans considered the geothermal waters sacred and healing. The historic sandstone bathhouse in town is a reminder of Glenwood’s booming past. It welcomed former presidents, outlaws, and world-renowned figures to the hot springs and the also-historic Hotel Colorado.

Each of the three hot springs facilities offers completely different soaking experiences.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the world’s largest hot springs pool. It’s the size of a football field, and has a family-focused vibe (especially with the recent addition of the Sopris Splash Zone water ride). It’s a cultural landmark, and is a significant connection to so many family histories and memories.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is an incredibly relaxing experience. They have 16 smaller soaking pools overlooking the Colorado River (we usually took our visiting guests here to impress), allow alcohol, and have a spa-like atmosphere. There are adult-only sections, which varies drastically from the large hot springs.

And last, Yampah Vapor Caves has the only naturally occurring vapor caves in North America. Plus, the site has a rich and sacred Native American history centered on the healing attributes of the caves.

Hot spring sites

• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort – established in 1888
• Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves – established in 1893
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs – established in 2015

Chaffee County

Within Chaffee County, the towns of Salida, Nathrop, and Buena Vista await, each with their own unique hot springs.

In addition to the stunning geothermal waters, Chaffee County is known for its incredible access to the Rocky Mountains. The Collegiate Peaks—a mountain range with more 14,000′ peaks than any other county in Colorado—is both breathtaking and ready to be explored.

There are several hot springs in Chaffee County.

Mount Princeton is a high-caliber resort with a spa, showstopping mountain views and river hot pocket soaking. It’s known as a high-end destination and is popular for weddings and getaways, with cabins on-site.

Cottonwood Hot Springs is a low-key and rustic option with crystal-clear waters and camping options on the property.

Last, the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is home to the country’s largest indoor hot springs pool, with private tub opportunities as well. It’s a recreation center and hub for the town.

Hot spring sites

• Mount Princeton Resort – established in 1868
• Cottonwood Hot Springs – established in 1878
• Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center – established in 1937

Pagosa Springs

Located in southwest Colorado, Pagosa Springs is a quiet town with endless recreation possibilities. It’s surrounded by the Weminuche Wilderness, San Juan National Forest, and the majestic San Juan Mountains. Plus, the area is packed full of history.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is famous for getting the most snow in Colorado each year, Chimney Rock National Monument is close by, and Pagosa’s geothermal aquifer holds the official world record for the deepest hot springs in the world.

The Springs Resort and Spa sits on the banks of the San Juan River, featuring 23 small mineral pools, a hotel, and a full-service day spa. Note: hotel guests get 24-hour soaking access, which is incredibly worth it in my experience.

Healing Waters Resort and Spa is non-pretentious and affordable, and offers lodging on-site.

Last, Overlook Hot Springs is housed in a Victorian building on the strip of downtown’s main street Pagosa Street, with outstanding rooftop views overlooking the San Juan Mountains.

Hot spring sites

• The Springs Resort and Spa – established in 1881
• Healing Waters Resort and Spa – established in 1950
• Overlook Hot Springs – established in 2013

Ouray and Ridgway

Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a small mountain town in southwest Colorado, with Ridgway less than a few miles away. These towns are an iconic vision of the state’s mountain scenery, with endless opportunities to explore—hiking, Jeeping, ice climbing, or walking through the quaint downtown areas.

Ouray Hot Springs is a gorgeous facility with historic local roots. In fact, my first-ever hot springs experience took place here with my family, when we decided to take a day-trip on New Year’s Day. With a longstanding history, Ouray’s facility has an iconic oval shape and in-your-face mountain views.

Just a few miles down the road, Orvis Hot Springs is a secluded clothing-optional facility that has lodging and a technology-free policy. There are also private soaking experiences and vapor caves at lodges and hotels in the area.

Hot spring sites

• Ouray Hot Springs – established in 1927
• Orvis Hot Springs – established in 1920

Steamboat Springs

Known for its trademarked Champagne Powder snow and its western heritage, Steamboat Springs is a recreational paradise. Chad and I have traveled to Steamboat to celebrate several special occasions, including our first wedding anniversary, a summer birthday trip, and a patriotic beer festival.

I have been lucky enough to collaborate with both of Steamboat Springs’ famed hot springs.

Old Town Hot Springs is a multi-use, family-oriented complex with water slides and a splash-friendly vibe. It’s located right in town and is easily accessible and available, with many amenities on-site.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. It’s a secluded and rustic site with more of a low-key, all-natural setting, with close to zero amenities (not even a changing room), but a definite must-see vibe.

Both are amazing and fun in vastly different ways.

Hot spring sites

• Old Town Hot Springs – established in 1935
• Strawberry Park Hot Springs – established in 1981

Road trip fever

For more information about the Colorado hot springs loop, head to www.cohotspringsloop.com. Where will you start your hot springs loop journey?