Stepping into a mineral-rich hot spring, while surrounded by towering peaks and crisp alpine air, is a quintessential Colorado experience. It’s also a profound tradition that stretches back centuries. Long before becoming modern resorts, Colorado’s hot springs were revered as sacred spaces for healing by the Ute and other Indigenous peoples. Now, visitors flock to Denver from all over the world as a basecamp for experiencing these natural wonders.  

When you anchor your stay in Denver, you can find tranquility from the moment you arrive at one of our luxurious soaking spots in the city. And once you’ve settled in for a few days, acclimated to the altitude, had some amazing food and are ready to venture beyond the city for a soul-warming soak, use this comprehensive list of Colorado hot springs, organized from closest to farthest from Denver, to plan your trip.

Where to Soak in Denver


Oakwell Beer Spa 

What’s more Denver-coded than steamy soaking tubs, wellness rituals and craft beer, all in one place? Think of Oakwell as the city’s own hot spring, but instead of water coming from an underground aquifer, it’s a bubbly bath in a cedar tub infused with hops, barley and seasonal herbs. Soaking recipes are expertly curated by an in-house master herbalist to nourish hair and skin, increase circulation, and alleviate muscle tension and joint pressure. Before, during or after your soak, toast the experience with a glass of wine, cider or beer on draft at the spa’s own taproom.
 

RÖK SPAS 

Right in the heart of downtown near Union Station, the Nordic-inspired RÖK SPAS pairs sleek design with a simple, feel-good ritual: heat, cool, repeat. Start in the largest custom-designed sauna in Colorado, then try a quick cold plunge (if you dare) for a refreshing reset. But the real draw after a long travel day is slipping into their thermal soaking tubs. You’ll feel immediate, restorative heat envelop your tired muscles.
 

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Soak your travel-weary muscles in the opulent whirlpools of the Ritz’s 6,000-square-foot downtown sanctuary. After an adventurous day walking around the city or playing outdoors, retreat to this dimly lit, luxurious spa to recharge. Drift between eucalyptus-scented steam rooms and plush relaxation lounges. If you want to take the relaxation a step further, indulge in one of their innovative treatments powered by oxygen, craft beer or CBD oil.
 

The Four Seasons Spa

Known for world-class luxury, it’s no surprise that the Four Seasons is on this list, thanks to its beautifully landscaped, lush rooftop terrace with a heated swimming pool and whirlpool surrounded by greenery. Sit back in a plush lounge chair with a glass of champagne from the pool bar. The spa features a natural stone steam room and dedicated indoor whirlpools in each of the locker rooms.
 

Hot Springs Near Denver 

Few states do hot springs like Colorado, home to nearly 100 geothermal areas, including the world’s deepest geothermal spring and the largest mineral hot springs pool anywhere. Denver makes an easy basecamp for exploring them all — from quick mountain soaks on a day-trip escape to far-flung resorts worth the drive. With options like rustic, back-to-nature pools and polished retreats, all are organized here from closest to farthest from the Mile High City.
 

Indian Hot Springs 

Distance From Denver: 32 miles (51 km)
Nearest Town: Idaho Springs 

Descending into a subterranean geothermal cave carved directly into rock, you’ll be amazed that you’re just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Soak in private baths and outdoor hot tubs or swim in an indoor mineral-water pool in a glass dome surrounded by tropical plants, banana trees and moss. Being kid-friendly and so close to the city, this historic hot spring resort has been a quick Denver getaway for more than 150 years. Keep in mind, it’s clothing optional in private indoor baths and gender-specific geothermal caves. 
 

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa 

Nearest Town: Hot Sulphur Springs 
Distance From Denver: 97 miles (156 km)

This unassuming, peaceful hot spring resort uses zero chemicals, filters or pumps on-site — water gets cleansed through its natural flow of five gallons per 40 seconds. The springs have been flowing for hundreds of years and were originally used for healing by the Ute people, who called it “big medicine.” During your trip, try out their 20 multi-tiered rustic stone pools to find the temperature and view you like best. 
 

Desert Reef Hot Spring 

Distance From Denver: 111 miles (179 km)
Nearest Town: Florence 

Bookable tiny homes with their own private hot-springs pool and mid-century modern Airstreams dot the arid landscape in this vibey, high-desert bohemian setting. Soak in bright turquoise adults-only (and clothing optional) pools that are surrounded by sunbaked earth, where every angle has unobstructed, open-sky views.
 

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

Distance From Denver: 128 miles (206 km)
Nearest Town: Buena Vista 

With no WiFi or cell service, this inn-and-spa’s geothermal mineral waters create an ideal setting for a remote, tech-free escape. Gravity-fed stone pools sit in absolute quiet underneath the Collegiate Peaks mountains. Pair your hot springs soak with a cold river plunge for the full experience. 
 

Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens

Distance From Denver: 128 miles (206 km)
Nearest Town: Buena Vista

Set along the contours of Cottonwood Creek near Buena Vista, this hidden gem offers a quaint, accessible hot springs experience within a beautifully manicured, wood-fenced setting. It’s a private and serene place to lift your face to the sun, take in glimpses of dramatic mountain peaks and make time to explore the lush indoor botanical garden — a lovely place to linger and relax.  
 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Distance From Denver: 130 miles (209 km)
Nearest Town: Nathrop (between Buena Vista and Salida) 

Breathe in crisp alpine air while steam rises from these 30 small, creek-side pools, or sit in the 1800s bathhouse beneath the sheer, towering Chalk Cliffs. In the summertime, two 700-foot waterslides bring energy and moments of family-friendly glee to this luxurious, historic mountain resort and lodge. 
 

Antero Hot Springs Cabins

Distance From Denver: 130 miles (209 km)
Nearest Town: Nathrop 

Each of these rustic, historic, hand-hewn log cabins has its own private, hand-shaped hot-spring pool just out the door. You get remote, sweeping wetland views under rustling cottonwood trees and clean mountain air with Mount Princeton towering on the horizon. 
 

Aqua Hot Spring & Cabin

Distance From Denver: 131 miles (210 km)
Nearest Town: Nathrop  

Intimate and exclusive with total mountain solitude, this private cabin has its own hot-spring soaking tub, breathtaking views and access to Chalk Creek, which you can hear burbling in the background while soaking. With thoughtful small touches, like soft robes and fresh flowers, it’s no wonder this under-the-radar retreat gets rave reviews from anyone who has stayed. 
 

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center

Distance From Denver: 145 miles (233 km)
Nearest Town: Salida 

This unpretentious community hot spring feels nostalgic, with echoing acoustics of a classic 1930s indoor community pool. One of the largest indoor hot-springs facilities in North America, it’s fed by Poncha Springs and features lap lanes and diving boards. A smaller leisure pool has higher temps (97–100 degrees Fahrenheit, 36–38 degrees Celsius) and a calmer ambience for relaxation. 

Old Town Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 156 miles (251 km)
Nearest Town: Steamboat Springs

This high-energy, family-friendly recreation center is a historic downtown community hub in Steamboat Springs. Anchored by the “Heart Spring,” pumping 250 gallons of 102–103-degree Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) water out of the ground per minute, you’ll be surrounded by all the joyful sounds of a lively family pool, along with stunning views of the Steamboat ski hill across town.

 

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Distance From Denver: 157 miles (253 km)
Nearest Town: Glenwood Springs 

Grand in scale (with one pool spanning two city blocks in length!), Glenwood is the world’s largest mineral hot-springs pool, fed by the legendary Yampah spring. Indigenous Ute people used the springs for centuries for healing, and it’s been a destination spa site since the late 1800s. You get the bustling energy of a luxe resort — ideal for families — along with moments of utter peace, like being in the higher temperature, open-air “therapy pools” while snow falls all around.
 

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 158 miles (254 km)
Nearest Town: Glenwood Springs 

Watch the swirling Colorado River flow by just inches away while you’re in one of Iron Mountain’s 35 tear-drop-shaped hot-springs pools that each feature distinct mineral recipes. Bundle up in a fluffy rented robe for the day as you bop between the hot pools, a jetted spa, cold plunges, the bathhouse, and food and drink cafes. 
 

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 163 miles (262 km)
Nearest Town: Steamboat Springs 

A collection of terraced, hand-built stonemasonry pools cascade beneath a dense grove of aspen and pine trees at the secluded Strawberry Park Hot Springs. You can soak under the stars while listening to the icy roar of the river beside the steaming pools with varying degrees of temperature. During the day, it’s a family-friendly spot and after dark it’s adults only and clothing optional. 
 

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

Distance From Denver: 169 miles (272 km)
Nearest Town: Moffat (near Crestone) 

Find total stillness in the bowl of the sweeping San Luis Valley at this wellness retreat with yurts, quaint rooms, campsites and walking labyrinths on peaceful grounds. Protective plexiglass shields the outdoor hot-springs pools from valley breezes, so you can comfortably soak while gazing out at the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains as they turn crimson in the sunset glow.
 

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

Distance From Denver: 190 miles (306 km)
Nearest Town: Gunnison 

This remote, high-country dude ranch setting has a massive hot springs-fed pool and two smaller tubs. Breathe in the rustic smell of pine and saddle leather baking in the sun while watching horses graze in sweeping pastoral ranch views — all from the gorgeous expanse of this high-altitude pool. 
 

Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool

Distance From Denver: 198 miles (319 km)
Nearest Town: Hooper (near Crestone)

There’s something truly magical about stepping out of a cool landscape and into a humid, tropical oasis at The Greenhouse, an adults-only, 10,000-square-foot space filled to the brim with plants and four hot-springs pools. Sip a drink from the in-pool bar on the patio while taking in distant views of the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 30 minutes away). For families, the large outdoor 50-by-100-foot pool is maintained at a delightful 98 degrees year-round.  
 

Splashland

Distance From Denver: 216 miles (348 km)
Nearest Town: Alamosa

You’ll feel like a kid on summer break again when you visit this classic outdoor swimming pool teeming with vintage charm. It’s open seasonally and kept a toasty temperature thanks to geothermal springs. The nostalgic aesthetic of diving boards, a big blue twisty water slide, retro highway signage and a brightly painted concession stand selling soft pretzels contrasts against the wide-open backdrop of the San Luis Valley. 
 

Juniper Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 224 miles (360 km)
Nearest Town: Craig 

Wild, rustic, modest — the unpolished remnants of a 1920s bathhouse offer a truly unique soak at Juniper Hot Springs, far off the beaten path. Here, the faint scent of desert sagebrush rolls in on the high-prairie winds while you soak in historic, raw concrete basins. 
 

Overlook Hot Springs Spa

Distance From Denver: 277 miles (446 km)
Nearest Town: Pagosa Springs 

Unpretentious and quaint, Overlook Hot Springs Spa sits right in downtown Pagosa Springs, where you can pop by for a soak in their rooftop tubs as you watch the town bustle below and the San Juan River flow by. In the backyard, you’ll find a few other courtyard mineral pools, as well as speakeasy-style indoor tubs dripping in Victorian charm. 
 

Healing Waters Resort & Spa

Distance From Denver: 277 miles (446 km)
Nearest Town: Pagosa Springs 

It’s all about the simple act of soaking in the 100% natural mineral water hot springs at the retro, no-frills Healing Waters Resort & Spa. If you decide to stay at their motor-court-style motel, you get free access to a large outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub and separate men's and women's indoor hot baths.
 

The Springs Resort

Distance From Denver: 277 miles (446 km)
Nearest Town: Pagosa Springs 

Luxury riverfront terracing connects 25 soaking pools at this high-end resort, all fed by the sulfurous steam of the “Mother Spring" — the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world at more than 1,002 feet deep. Thick, colorful mineral crusts form on the pool edges as you climb out to weave around the scenic resort grounds. If you dare, try a cold plunge in the San Juan River between soaks. 
 

Orvis Hot Springs 

Distance From Denver: 292 miles (470 km)
Nearest Town: Ridgway

Long a sacred place of healing for the Tabeguache band of the Ute people, these springs are famous for silky, lithium-rich waters that melt away stress and anxiety. The beautifully landscaped property — clothing optional in outdoor spaces — offers sweeping views of Mount Sneffels and the rugged San Juan mountains. 

 

Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center

Distance From Denver: 300 miles (483 km)
Nearest Town: Ouray 

Stare out at towering, jagged granite walls and lush forests from these family-friendly, sulphur-free mineral pools. Set in the “Switzerland of America,” a nickname inspired by its dramatic, alpine setting, this historic 1920s facility features perfectly clear, completely odorless water thanks to the area’s unique mineral content and geology. 
 

Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 301 miles (484 km)
Nearest Town: Ouray 

Located on a quiet end of a road near the entrance of Box Canyon, seven red cedar tubs collect medicinal mineral water that trickles off the steep mountainside. Intimate and quiet, surrounded by the scent of warm, damp wood and pine needles, only guests of the lodge are able to access these tubs. 
 

Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs 

Distance From Denver: 301 miles (484 km)
Nearest Town: Ouray

Sip a mixed drink from the Tiki bar juxtaposed by a backdrop of rugged, snow-capped peaks at this uniquely landscaped retreat. Surrounded by aspen trees and bright, potted flowers, the resort-style outdoor area makes for an ideal place to sunbathe, soak and spend a day getting much-needed R&R. 

 

The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings

Distance From Denver: 301 miles (484 km)
Nearest Town: Ouray

This European-style spa has three different soaking options. Descend into an enveloping subterranean vapor cave deep inside the mountain to soak in a shallow pool amidst the stalactite-like mineral formations. There are also options to soak in the large, outdoor communal pool or a more intimate pool hand-built with river stones. With a strict no-kids policy, Wiesbaden is a zen-like retreat for those who crave undisturbed quiet.
 

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Distance From Denver: 345 miles (555 km)
Nearest Town: Durango

Your skin will feel incredibly soft in these oxygen-infused pools, which use nano-bubble technology to give the water an effervescence. Soak in one of the 32 natural mineral hot springs under the shade of ponderosa pine trees or get a bit more active in the resort-style pool. Five Japanese-style cedar ofuro tubs — with just enough space for one or two — can be booked for extra privacy and quietude. 
 

Dunton Hot Springs

Distance From Denver: 355 miles (571 km)
Nearest Town: Dolores 

Set in a restored 1800s ghost town, this ultra-luxury, exclusive retreat features a 19th-century bathhouse with hot springs that have Colorado’s only geyser bubbling up every 45 minutes or so. At night, 15 hand-hewn log cabins’ windows glow in the valley, and the scent of wood burning in stoves fills the air as stars shine bright above. 

 

Hero and article imagery courtesy of Lumenati Productions and Visit Colorado.