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 of their destinations all have long histories of hot springs.
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, aptly naming it the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop (CHHSL).
For the past several years, I’ve worked for the public relations firm that does the project management for the loop. On my second day of work, I even embarked on a four-day road trip, where we were able to stop 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 its healing waters, with a little something for everyone.
5 Incredible Destinations
These incredible destinations are located in the western part of Colorado, connected by incredible drives and scenic byways.
Glenwood Springs
I’m 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, welcoming former presidents, outlaws, and world-renowned figures to the hot springs and the also-historic Hotel Colorado.
The three hot springs facilities offer completely different experiences. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the world’s largest hot springs pool—the size of a football field, and has a family-focused vibe (especially with the recent addition of the Sopris Splash Zone), along with the award-winning Spa of the Rockies. Iron Mountain is an incredibly relaxing experience, with 16 smaller soaking pools overlooking the Colorado River (we usually take visiting guests here). Yampah Vapor Caves has the only naturally occurring vapor caves in North America, and has a rich and sacred Native American history.
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. Cottonwood Hot Springs is a low-key and rustic option with crystal-clear waters. The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is home to the country’s largest indoor hot springs pool, with private tub opportunities as well.
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 and 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 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. Healing Waters Resort and Spa is non-pretentious, affordable, and offers lodging. Overlook Hot Springs is housed in a Victorian building downtown, 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; my first-ever hot springs experience was here with my family, when we decided to take a day-trip on New Year’s Day. It has an iconic oval shape and in-your-face mountain views. 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 a wedding anniversary, birthday trip, and 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. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a secluded and rustic site with more of a low-key, all-natural setting. 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 CHHSL, head to colorado.com/hotspringsloop. Where will you start your hot springs loop journey?
P.S. If you do intend to travel the CHHSL, let me know! I’ll meet you in Glenwood Springs and join you for a soak.
What a terrific guide! Bravo!
Thank you so much!
This is a great guide. Will need to make a trip to Colorado, this would be a great trip for my little ones.
It’s a super fun trip, and there are a lot of places with kid-oriented rides and pools, while offering relaxation for adults too. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Thank you. We are big fans of Colorado. Great camping and jeeping locations along with amazing scenery.
I’ve found Colorado to be incredibly camper-friendly! My parents recently got an Airstream, and it’s been so fun to tag along to several of these destinations, with the hot springs all close by. Thank you for reading and commenting!
This is such a useful guide, I loved reading it! I’ve always wanted to go to Colorado! Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
melissakacar.blogspot.com
I’ve never been to Colorado before! But now I really want to! This is a really useful guide so I’ll make sure to use it! Thank you! x
I hope that you’re someday able to visit Colorado! It’s such an epic destination. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Wow, all of these hot springs look amazing and beautiful too! It looks like a fantastic experience, so calming and relaxing. Thank you for sharing your guide and gorgeous photos too! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
There are some stunning resorts across the board! I love how much it showcases the diversity of each area. Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words! <3
This looks like such an amazing trip to take! How wonderful to be able to take advantage of naturally occurring hot water, what a treat. Fab post, lucky you to be the PR for the loop 🙂
It’s quite fantastic! The minerals and health benefits that come from soaking are also so neat. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
I’ve always wanted to visit America and definitely Colorado, it looks incredible
I hope that you’re able to visit some time. Thanks for reading!
It has been years since I have been to Colorado. I definitely want to plan a trip back now!
Living here, I feel like I experience something new almost all the time. Such a cool state. I hope you’re able to visit some time! Thank you so much for reading.
This is such a fantastic guide! I really want to visit Colorado now haha x
I hope that you’re able to some day! Thank you for reading and for your kind feedback. x
Hot springs look very nice, I visited some in Italy. Beautiful
mountains, nice area to visit if in America..
That sounds wonderful! Thank you for reading and commenting.
If I was ever in Colorado I’d definitely go to all these hot springs. The scenery behind them all looks staggering and they look like great places to chill out!
They are definitely set in some of the most scenic areas I’ve ever seen, which is incredible. I hope you’re able to visit some day! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a kind comment.