8 Closest Hot Springs to Denver: Complete 2026 Guide

Colorado has some of the best natural hot springs in the United States. From quick escapes 45 minutes from Denver to world-class resorts in the San Juan Mountains, there's a hot springs experience for every type of traveler.

Here's a complete guide to the closest hot springs to Denver, ranked by distance.

The Close Ones (Under an Hour)

1. Eldorado Springs Pool (30 miles)

Eldorado Springs isn't technically a "hot" spring - the water stays around 70°F. It's more of a naturally heated pool that's been welcoming visitors since 1905.

Perfect for families with kids who want to swim, not just soak. The canyon setting is beautiful. However, for that therapeutic hot spring experience, look elsewhere.

Pro tip: Pack lunch - the snack bar options are limited. On summer weekends, arrive before noon to secure a spot.

2. Indian Hot Springs (35 miles) - The Go-To Spot

Indian Hot Springs is the closest true hot springs to Denver. The geothermal caves are the highlight - underground chambers reaching 110°F, like sitting in a private underground sauna carved into the mountain.

The main pool under the dome stays around 90-100°F, perfect for actual swimming rather than just soaking. Private mineral baths are available for couples or solo relaxation.

Reality check: Weekends are packed, especially the caves. Tuesday-Thursday afternoons offer the most peaceful experience. Bring your own towel - the rental ones are thin.

Read the full Indian Hot Springs guide →

3. Raspberry Hot Springs (35 miles) - The Private Experience

Raspberry Hot Springs offers a completely different experience - private soaking with just your group. No crowds, no strangers, just mountain views and hot water.

Warning: 4WD or AWD is absolutely required. The last mile up Chinook Road is steep and narrow. If meeting another car, someone's backing up.

Once there, visitors enjoy total isolation with stunning mountain views. Worth the challenging drive for those who want to avoid crowds. Book a soak here - reservations fill up weeks in advance.

The Weekend Trip Ones (2-3 Hours)

4. Mount Princeton Hot Springs (135 miles)

For an overnight hot springs trip from Denver, Mount Princeton is the top choice. Multiple pools overlook Mount Princeton (14,197 ft), and there's even a waterslide.

The real highlight is the creek-side soaking along Chalk Creek. Hot springs bubble up through the creek bed, mixing with cold creek water. Dig into the gravel to find your perfect temperature. This natural experience is included with admission.

Best approach: Stay overnight in the cabins or lodge. Wake up early, walk to the hot springs before day-trippers arrive, then enjoy the spa. The drive through the Arkansas River Valley is beautiful on its own.

Read the full Mount Princeton guide →

5. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort (157 miles)

Glenwood Hot Springs holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest hot springs pool - two city blocks of warm mineral water. It's the most famous hot springs in Colorado.

The main pool (90-93°F) is enormous and allows actual swimming. The smaller therapy pool (104°F) provides the traditional hot soak experience.

Honest assessment: It's impressive to see once, but the experience feels more like a crowded public pool than a serene hot springs. Weekdays are significantly less crowded. Iron Mountain Hot Springs nearby offers a more intimate alternative with 16 smaller pools.

Pro tip: Staying at the lodge includes unlimited pool access and avoids entry lines.

Read the full Glenwood Hot Springs guide →

6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs (157 miles)

Strawberry Park is what people picture when they think "Colorado hot springs." Natural stone pools surrounded by forest, steam rising through the trees, completely rustic atmosphere.

At only $20, it's also one of the most affordable options. The cold plunge stream provides the perfect contrast - alternating between 105°F pools and 40°F stream creates a powerful therapeutic experience.

Important note for families: After dark, Strawberry Park becomes clothing-optional and adults-only (18+). During daytime hours, families with children are welcome and swimsuits are required.

Winter access: The dirt road to Strawberry Park requires 4WD/AWD by law from November through May. Many visitors book shuttle service from Steamboat Springs instead of driving.

Read the full Strawberry Park guide →

The Road Trip Ones (5+ Hours)

7. Pagosa Springs (276 miles)

Pagosa Springs is home to the world's deepest geothermal hot spring - verified by Guinness World Records. The "Mother Spring" feeds multiple resort facilities along the San Juan River.

The Springs Resort offers 25 pools ranging from 83°F to 114°F. Visitors can literally walk between pools to find their perfect temperature. The views of the San Juan Mountains from the riverside pools are spectacular.

The five-hour drive through Wolf Creek Pass is beautiful on its own - one of Colorado's most scenic mountain passes.

Best approach: Make it a long weekend. Late September and early October offer ideal conditions - summer crowds are gone, fall colors are spectacular, and weather is still comfortable.

Read the full Pagosa Springs guide →

8. Ouray Hot Springs Pool (366 miles)

Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America," and the comparison is accurate. Dramatic 13,000+ foot peaks surround visitors on all sides, creating one of the most stunning hot springs settings in Colorado.

The recently renovated municipal pool features four different temperature zones, including an adults-only section. At $18-24, it's also the best value among major Colorado hot springs.

The 6.5-hour drive isn't a day trip - but for a San Juan Mountains road trip, Ouray makes an excellent destination. The town itself is charming, with Victorian architecture and excellent restaurants.

Note: The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Ouray and Silverton features steep cliff edges and minimal guardrails. It's one of America's most scenic drives, but not for nervous passengers.

Read the full Ouray Hot Springs guide →

Rankings at a Glance

Best Quick Escape: Indian Hot Springs (45 mins, actual hot water, unique caves)

Best for Families: Mount Princeton (waterslide, creek pools, lodging)

Best Natural Setting: Strawberry Park (stone pools, forest, authentic)

Best to Avoid Crowds: Raspberry Hot Springs (private, reservations only)

Best for Special Trip: Pagosa Springs (world's deepest, make it a weekend)

Most Iconic: Glenwood (world's largest, worth seeing once)

Skip Unless Nearby: Eldorado Springs (not actually hot)

Tips for Visiting Colorado Hot Springs

Bring your own towel. Rental towels at most facilities are small and thin. A full-size beach towel from home is worth the space.

Weekdays beat weekends. Tuesday through Thursday offers the most peaceful experience at any popular hot springs. Saturday mornings at places like Indian Hot Springs can be shoulder-to-shoulder.

Hydrate aggressively. The combination of altitude and hot water leads to rapid dehydration. Bring water bottles and drink before, during, and after soaking.

Skip the big meal beforehand. A light snack is fine, but a full lunch before hot springs isn't comfortable.

Winter soaking is the best. Cold air, hot water, steam rising, snow on the peaks - peak Colorado hot springs experience. Just be prepared for challenging driving conditions.

Book overnight stays directly. Third-party booking sites often don't include pool access. Call the resort directly.

---

Looking for more detailed information on a specific hot springs? Check out the individual guides linked throughout this article, or browse the complete Colorado Hot Springs guide.