Quick Answer
Best experience: Winter — cold air + hot water = magic. Steam rising, snow falling, fewer crowds. Easiest visits: Fall (Sept-Oct) — perfect weather, all roads open, moderate crowds. Avoid: Summer weekends at popular springs — packed with tourists.
Hot springs are open year-round, but the experience varies dramatically by season. Winter offers the most dramatic soaking — steam billowing into cold air, snow on surrounding peaks, the contrast between frigid temperatures and hot water. Summer is the easiest to plan but also the most crowded.
Here's when to visit each hot spring for the best experience.
Season by Season
Winter (December - February)
The experience: This is hot springs season in Colorado. There's nothing quite like soaking in 104°F water while snowflakes melt on your face. The visual drama — steam rising against mountain peaks, possibly during a snowfall — makes winter the most memorable time to visit.
Crowds: Significantly lighter than summer, except holiday weeks. Weekday visits are especially quiet.
The trade-offs:
- Road conditions. Mountain passes can be challenging or closed. Some hot springs (Strawberry Park) require 4WD by law in winter.
- Shorter days. Less daylight for the drive and outdoor activities.
- Cold between soaks. The walk from changing rooms to pools is brisk. Hair freezes. It's all part of the experience.
Best winter picks:
- Glenwood Hot Springs — easy highway access, huge pool, mountain town atmosphere
- Mount Princeton — stunning snowy views, creek-side soaking in winter is magical
- Strawberry Park — if you have 4WD, winter nights here are unforgettable
Spring (March - May)
The experience: A transitional season. Early spring still feels like winter in the mountains; late spring brings warmer weather and melting snow. Conditions are unpredictable.
Crowds: Light in early spring, building toward summer by Memorial Day.
The trade-offs:
- Mud season. March-April in the mountains means muddy trails and slushy roads.
- Runoff affects primitive springs. Free hot springs like Penny can flood or cool down with snowmelt.
- Weather variability. Expect anything from snow to sunshine in a single day.
Best spring picks:
- Indian Hot Springs — close to Denver, easy access regardless of mountain conditions
- Iron Mountain — lower elevation, reliable road access
Summer (June - August)
The experience: All roads are open, weather is reliable, planning is easy. But hot springs in hot weather is a different vibe — less dramatic contrast, more like swimming than soaking. It's still enjoyable, just different.
Crowds: Peak tourist season. Popular hot springs are packed, especially on weekends. Expect lines for parking at places like Glenwood.
The trade-offs:
- Heat. Soaking in 104°F water when it's 85°F outside can feel too hot. Look for springs with cooler pools.
- Crowds. School's out, tourists are in. Weekend afternoons are the worst.
- Higher prices. Peak season rates at lodges and resorts.
Summer tips:
- Visit early morning or after dinner to beat crowds and heat
- Choose springs with cooler pool options (Glenwood main pool, Mount Princeton creek)
- Weekday visits make a huge difference
Best summer picks:
- Glenwood Hot Springs — the main pool runs cooler (90-93°F), and the size accommodates crowds
- Mount Princeton — creek pools offer cold water mixing with hot, perfect for summer
Fall (September - October)
The experience: The sweet spot. Summer crowds have dispersed, weather is crisp but not cold, all roads remain open, and aspen leaves add spectacular color to mountain drives.
Crowds: Moderate. Busy on weekends during peak leaf season (late September), but much lighter than summer overall.
The trade-offs:
- Leaf-peeper traffic. Mountain roads can be busy on fall color weekends.
- Shorter days. Sunset comes earlier, affecting evening soaks.
- Weather shifts. Snow can arrive early in the mountains.
Best fall picks:
- Strawberry Park — aspens surrounding the springs turn golden
- Ouray — spectacular fall color on the San Juan Skyway drive
- Primitive springs like Penny — low water levels mean the best pool conditions
Best Time of Day
Sunrise: Quiet, peaceful, often the least crowded time. Watch the morning light hit the mountains from the water. Great for photography.
Mid-morning to afternoon: Peak crowd times, especially on weekends. The hot springs equivalent of rush hour.
Sunset: Romantic and dramatic. Popular but worth the crowds. Many springs offer the best lighting as the sun drops.
After dark: Stargazing from hot water is incredible. Some springs (Strawberry Park) become adults-only and clothing-optional after sundown. Check policies before planning evening visits.
Best Day of the Week
Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the quietest days at every hot springs. If you can swing a midweek visit, do it.
Thursday starts picking up as weekend visitors arrive early.
Friday and Saturday are the busiest days everywhere.
Sunday morning is quieter than Saturday as people head home; Sunday afternoon picks up slightly.
When to Book Ahead
Holiday weekends: Book lodging and sometimes pool reservations 2-3 months ahead for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Christmas week.
Valentine's Day weekend: Romantic hot springs (Strawberry Park, Iron Mountain) fill up fast.
Powder days: After big snowstorms, skiers combine skiing and soaking. Glenwood area fills up.
Fall color weekends: Late September and early October are busy in mountain towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Colorado hot springs?
Winter is the best time for the experience. The contrast between cold air and hot water creates unforgettable soaking. Just plan for mountain driving conditions and shorter days.
What's the best time to visit hot springs to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday-Thursday, are quietest at every hot springs. Winter weekdays are the ultimate for solitude. Avoid summer weekends at popular springs.
Are hot springs too hot in summer?
Therapy pools (104°F+) can feel uncomfortable in summer heat. Stick to cooler pools — Glenwood's main pool at 90-93°F is comfortable even on hot days. Mount Princeton's creek pools let you mix temperatures.
Do Colorado hot springs close in winter?
Commercial hot springs stay open year-round. Some primitive/free hot springs become inaccessible when roads close. Strawberry Park requires 4WD by law in winter but remains open.