Quick Info
Options: Old Town Hot Springs (downtown, family-friendly) and Strawberry Park (rustic, adults-only at night). Best for: Après-ski relaxation. Year-round: Both open all seasons.
Steamboat Springs earned its name from the natural hot springs bubbling up along the Yampa River. Early settlers thought the hissing steam sounded like a steamboat. Today, you have two main options for soaking—each with a completely different vibe.
Old Town Hot Springs
The convenient option. Located right downtown, Old Town is easy to access after a day of skiing. It's also the family-friendly choice, with waterslides, a lap pool, and climbing wall alongside the hot springs pools.
The pools: Multiple hot springs pools at varying temperatures (101°F-104°F), plus a large recreation pool. The Heart Spring is the hottest and most intimate.
Facilities: This is a full recreation center. Beyond the springs, there's a fitness center, tennis courts, and a climbing wall. Locals use it as their gym.
Atmosphere: Active and social. Families with kids, locals working out, tourists soaking après-ski. Not the quietest option, but accessible and convenient.
Practical info: Open 5:30am-9:45pm. Day passes around $25 adults. Towel and locker rentals available. Five-minute walk from Lincoln Avenue.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
The special one. Seven miles north of town, Strawberry Park is worth the drive. Natural stone pools in a mountain setting, surrounded by aspens and evergreens. Steam rises into cold air, stars emerge overhead. This is what you imagined when you thought "Colorado hot springs."
The pools: Multiple natural pools fed by 104°F mineral water. The temperature varies by location—find your perfect spot. A creek runs alongside for cold plunging.
Atmosphere: Rustic and natural. No concrete, no chlorine, minimal development. During the day, families are welcome. After dark, it's adults-only (18+) and clothing-optional.
Getting there: The access road is unpaved and can be rough. In winter, 4WD or chains are required—the last few miles are steep and can be icy. Shuttle services are available from town.
Practical info: Open 10am-10:30pm. Day passes around $20. Cash only. Reservations required. Limited changing facilities—bring a robe for the walk from your car.
Tips
Strawberry Park requires planning. Make reservations online in advance, especially for evening visits. Bring cash—no cards accepted.
Consider the shuttle. If you don't have 4WD or aren't comfortable on mountain roads, take the shuttle to Strawberry Park. The road is genuinely challenging in winter.
Bring layers for Strawberry Park. The walk from the parking lot takes a few minutes, and you'll be wet on the way back. A warm robe and sandals help.
Old Town for families. The waterslides and activity pool keep kids entertained. Strawberry Park is better for adults seeking quiet.
Go at night. Both springs are magical after dark—steam, stars, and mountain silence. Strawberry Park's adults-only evening hours are particularly atmospheric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hot springs is better?
Strawberry Park for atmosphere and natural beauty. Old Town for convenience and families. Both are excellent—try both if you have time.
Is Strawberry Park really clothing-optional?
After dark, yes. During the day (until dark), swimsuits are required. The evening sessions (adults-only) are clothing-optional, though not everyone opts out.
Do I need 4WD for Strawberry Park?
In winter, yes—or chains. The access road has steep, unpaved sections that can be icy. Take the shuttle if unsure. Summer is fine with any vehicle.
How do Steamboat's springs compare to Glenwood Springs?
Glenwood has the world's largest hot springs pool—bigger and more developed. Steamboat's Strawberry Park is more natural and intimate. Old Town is somewhere in between.
Can I soak after skiing?
Perfect use case. Old Town is five minutes from downtown. Strawberry Park works too—just plan for the drive and make reservations.