Springtime in the Rockies is a special time to witness a great transformation. Snow becomes less and less frequent, days get longer, and birds, plants, and animals start emerging from the long winter. The human residents of the mountains start emerging too- looking for ways to enjoy the spring weather.
While the weather can be a mixed bag and trails aren’t quite dried out for hiking and biking, there are still ways that you can enjoy the great outdoors. One great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains is with a relaxing soak in one of the many hot springs in Colorado! Hot springs are filled with naturally occurring elements with a plethora of health benefits. Not only does the hot water relieve your aches and pains, but the minerals are known to improve circulation, eliminate toxins, aid nerve and muscle function, improve digestive and immune system health, and more!
While visiting hot springs it is important to know the following:
- Hydrate, rest, and limit alcohol! Especially in the mountains, it can be easy to become dehydrated. Take care of your body.
- The minerals in hot springs can discolor clothing and tarnish jewelry. Be sure to remove all jewelry and wear an older swimsuit!
- Hot springs are not recommended for pregnant women, children, or people with heart conditions. Avoid soaking alone.
- Hot springs are a place for rejuvenation and relaxation. Be mindful of your noise level and respectful to those around you.
- Many resorts have rentals available, but you should plan to bring your own swimwear and towels with you. Sandals, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended!
There are not any natural hot springs in Breckenridge, but here are a few within a couple of hour’s drive- make a day trip of it!
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
Between Kremmling and Granby lies a small town named Hot Sulphur Springs. Hot Sulphur Springs and the resort are named after the hot springs that line the canyon along this stretch of the upper Colorado River. The series of small pools of varying temperatures provide opportunities for solitude. Hot Sulphur Springs Spa offers options of deep tissue and swedish massage!
- Address: 5609 Spring Rd, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
- Distance from Breckenridge: 68 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Hours: 8:00 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
- Cost: Adults $26, Children $14
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs, CO
This location is sure to be on the bucket list of any hot spring lover! Located just outside of Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park is built to accentuate and maintain the beautiful, natural environment surroundings. This resort attempts to be as off-grid as possible, located up a dirt road (AWD or 4WD required November 1-May 1), void of many extra amenities, and do not accept credit cards. These large, scenic, open-air pools will get you right into relaxation mode.
- Address: 44200 County Road #36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
- Distance from Breckenridge: 110 miles, ~2 hours 20 minutes
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-Midnight
- Cost: $20 per 2-hour session
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Nathrop, CO
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is located about an hour and a half south of town, between Buena Vista and Salida. They are surrounded by some of Colorado’s most scenic peaks, alongside Chalk Creek. With a large soaking pool, exercise pool, saunas, and steam rooms, this resort has a little bit of everything. The star of the show is their creekside hot springs which allow you to control the temperature with the cool, flowing river.
- Address: 15870 County Road 162, Nathrop, CO 81236
- Distance from Breckenridge: 68 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
- Cost: Monday-Thursday $40, Friday-Sunday $45
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Buena Vista, CO
To reach Cottonwood Hot Springs, you will head south towards the beautiful Sawatch Range. Their geothermal, gravity-fed springs are full of naturally occurring elements and minerals. The mission of Cottonwood is to operate in harmony with the land of this ancient, sacred site to create a holistic and spiritual center and sustainable community. Their aims are to be a haven for healing, growth, rejuvenation, and restoration. With a variety of pool temperatures and spa services, Cottonwood would be a day well spent!
- Address: 18999 County Road 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Distance from Breckenridge: 66 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Hours: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
- Cost: Monday-Thursday $30, Friday-Sunday $34
Avalanche Ranch
Redstone, CO
Avalanche Ranch is the furthest away from Breckenridge on this list, but is worth the journey! Located in Redstone, between Glenwood Springs and Aspen, Avalanche Ranch is built into the natural landscape and rock formations of the Crystal River Valley. There are three pools with a tiered layout offering gradient temperatures. To ensure a relaxing experience, reservations are required. They offer two timed entries per day- be sure to book in advance!
- Address: 12863 St. Hwy 131, Redstone, CO 81623
- Distance from Breckenridge: 120 miles, ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Hours: Reservations required (4-hour time slots) 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays
- Cost: $32
Indian Hot Springs
Idaho Springs, CO
Indian Hot Springs is like a tropical paradise in the mountains! The large mineral water swimming pool sits beneath a large translucent dome alongside flowering plants and live banana trees. The geothermal cave pools were hewn into the cavern walls around 1903-1911. For added benefit, you can purchase club mud to absorb toxins and smooth your skin. Their spa offers a wide variety of massages- the Fire Dancer massage features heated river rocks!
- Address: 302 Soda Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
- Distance from Breckenridge: 48 miles, ~1 hour
- Hours: Pools- 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Caves- 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Cost: $25-$55
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Springs, CO
This well-known hot spring resort was established in 1888 and is the world’s largest hot springs pool! The resort is close to downtown- take the pedestrian bridge and stroll downtown Glenwood Springs after your soak! Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of extra amenities such as the Sopris Splash Zone for kids, cabana rentals, and a grill and snack bar.
- Address: 401 N River St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Distance from Breckenridge: 96 miles, ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
- Cost: $32-$43
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs, CO
West of Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs overlooks the Colorado River. There are sixteen unique geothermal soaking pools- each one has a different temperature, shape, and experience. There is also a large, cooler, freshwater family pool for kids! Their bathhouse has changing rooms, lockers, showers with shower products, and other amenities. Grab a drink at the Sopris cafe and enjoy the relaxing spa music and river sounds. Iron Mountain also recently added 11 adults-only pools, one freshwater pool with waterfalls, and one cold plunge pool. These new ‘WorldSprings’ pools are inspired by hot springs from around the world!
- Address: 281 Centennial St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Distance from Breckenridge: 96 miles, ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- Cost: $40-$52 (three-hour soak)