Pagosa Springs Hot Springs: My Top Picks for Relaxation

If you want to check visiting a hot spring off your bucket list, there are several options across the United States to make your pick. 

Oregon, Utah, Montana, and New Mexico are all famous for their hot springs. Still, the hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado are some of the most popular.

A few hot springs in Colorado Springs that may come to mind are Glenwood Hot Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs, Pagosa Springs, and the likes. 

The Pagosa Springs Hot Springs is a prime destination spot for globetrotters seeking a calm and warm place but still wanting to make the most of their trip.

In this guide, I’ll provide everything you need to plan your trip to Pagosa Springs and what you can expect from the various hot springs scattered around. I’ll also cover other things to do around the area once you are ready to cool down.  

Why You Need to Visit

Pagosa Springs is home to some of the world’s warmest and most mineral-rich hot springs. This is a huge draw if you want the ultimate hot springs experience. 

You can even visit the deepest hot spring on earth, measuring over 1000 ft deep, at one of the resorts in Pagosa Springs. 

Other than a massive selection of free and paid hot springs to experience, there are plenty of different things to do in Pagosa Springs. These include taking in the natural wonders around the area. If you feel up to it, you can even take a tour, hike, or riverwalk. 

If you love the outdoors, Pagosa Springs is one of the most rewarding locations to visit. So if you’re all set to visit Pagosa Springs, time to explore the best hot springs and other attractions in the area!

Pagosa's Recommended Hot Springs 

The Pagosa Springs Hot Springs are famous for good reason, and I’ll talk about some key highlights that will excite you!

Best Free – Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs 

Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs, located off the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs, is the most popular free hot spring in Pagosa Springs. Most people prefer the free hot springs in Pagosa Springs over the resorts because of how close to nature you feel while bathing in a natural spring. 

This hot spring is one of the most accessible free hot springs with its visitor parking area. After parking, all you have to do is head to the river, where you’ll likely see other people relishing the steam. 

I like Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs because it shows that hot springs don’t have to be arranged in a resort setting to be magical. A good view of the downtown scene and the San Juan River proves the ultimate people-watching experience. 

If you’re considering visiting Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs, I would advise getting there a little before sunrise. That way, you’ll have a bigger chance of having the hot springs to yourself to enjoy the sunrise. 

Time: Open 24 hours except on Sundays

Location: 321 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, United States

Best Affordable Hot Springs Resort – Healing Waters Resort & Spa

Staying at a hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. The Healing Waters Resort & Spa offers a luxury stay that is slightly less expensive than its competitors in the area. 

This Resort Spa is an excellent option if you want to stretch your budget as far as it can go while visiting Pagosa Springs. The water in their hot springs is some of the purest in Pagosa Springs, and the resort offers full-spa services for all guests. They also offer a wide variety of different packages, including RV lodging up to fully furnished cabins. 

Once you’ve booked your overnight stay at Healing Waters Resort Spa, you’ll have unlimited access to all their hot springs. Even if you’re not looking to stay for a whole night, they offer daily access to their hot springs without a reservation for a small fee. 

The price spread for daily use of the hot springs is $20 per adult, $15 per child, and $17 per senior. The cost of an overnight stay will vary depending on the accommodations you are looking for. Still, it generally falls around $120 per person.

Time: Open daily 8 am - 10 pm 

Location: 317 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Best Hot Springs if You Love to Hike – Rainbow Hot Springs

If you love hiking and wouldn’t mind seeing a hot spring outside of a resort setting, then Rainbow Hot Springs is where you want to be. Rainbow Hot Springs can only be reached by traveling East of downtown Pagosa Springs and turning off on Rd 648. 

On this road, you’ll see a trailhead where you should park. You may also see other cars parked here that are already on their journey to Rainbow Hot Springs. 

The hike features some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Pagosa Springs. The catch, though, is that it’s 5 miles long. 

This means you must be sure of your hiking ability before entering this hot spring. If you’re up to the task, then roll. 

After a 5-mile hike, you should reach the hot springs and several campsite options. Since these hot springs are not maintained, there’s a chance they’ll be covered or dry, depending on the river’s height. 

This is one of the most beautiful and secluded hot springs in all of Pagosa Springs. That being said, you should still arrive early if you are considering camping out overnight. Rainbow Hot Springs gets busier than you might think during the summer, especially on weekends. 

Location: Rainbow Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Best Overall – The Springs Resort 

It’s no secret that The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs is the ultimate hot springs experience. It’s by far the most elegant and luxurious of all the hot springs resorts in Pagosa Springs. It has over 25 hot springs, each providing a unique experience. 

All of these hot springs are fed water from the Mother Spring, the deepest hot spring on the planet, and located on the resort property. In addition to having the widest selection of hot springs in a single resort, the water from the Mother Spring is some of the most positively mineralized in the world. 

Most people passing through Pagosa Springs choose to visit The Springs Resort using the day pass option. This gives you access to 20 hot springs for $65 for the entire day or $30 a day for children. To access the whole 25 hot springs, you must purchase an adult-only pass and make a reservation for $129.

You can also book an overnight stay at the resort for an average $320 per night. If you wish to simply use the day pass to enter The Springs Resort, there are more affordable lodging choices around the area. 

While The Springs Resort is definitely the most expensive hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs, it isn’t without reason. The full-spa experience plus access to some of the most world-renowned hot springs are well worth the price of admission. 

Time: 9 am - 10 pm

Location: 323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Best for a Quick Visit – Overlook Hot Spring

If you’re looking to make a quick visit to a hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs, then Overlook Hot Spring is the place to do it. This resort is smaller than the other 2 mentioned, but it’s usually not as busy. 

The resort has 7 hot springs and a cooling tub. The price of daily admission is affordable, with daily access for adults at $24 and children and seniors, at $16. This resort does not offer overnight lodging, making it the perfect option for a quick day visit while passing through Pagosa Springs. 

The resort offers a wide range of full-spa services you can enjoy at your leisure throughout the day. So now that I’ve shown you some of the best hot springs in Pagosa Springs, it’s essential to talk about what you must bring while visiting. 

Time: 9 am - 10 pm 

Location: 432 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, United States

Essential Items for Visiting a Hot Spring 

Whether you’re visiting a resort or a free hot spring, the items listed below will ensure you’re ready for anything during your visit to Pagosa Springs.

• Water bottle
• Shade Hat 
• Sunglasses 
• Bathing Suit
• Pool Shoes 
• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Backpack or bag 

Exactly How Much Do Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Cost?

The hot springs in Pagosa Springs can be experienced for free if you’re willing to visit one of the area’s many free, natural hot springs. These hot springs generally take a little more effort to reach, but they don’t need any type of pass to get in. 

The resorts around the area offer access to their hot springs at a premium cost, with most averaging around $25 to $60 a day, depending on which resort you choose. Just know there are many possible ways to experience the area’s hot springs, and some don’t cost anything. 

Best Way to Experience Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs 

There are some things you can do to ensure you have the best hot springs experience and stop any potential issues. 

The most important thing you should note is that glass items should be avoided when visiting the hot springs. This can help bypass potentially dangerous situations for you and other bathers. Another thing to remember while soaking in a hot spring is that you’re more likely to become dehydrated. 

Because of this, ensure you always have enough water on hand, especially if you’re hiking to reach a hot spring. Another big thing is to always remember your towel. Nothing is worse than getting out of the hot spring and not being able to towel off. The horror!

Arriving early is always the best practice when visiting a hot spring, and this will allow you to enjoy them before the big crowds hit. 

As long as you share the hot springs and clean up after yourself, you should have no problem enjoying your experience. 

Grab Your Bath Robes!

There’s no doubt that Pagosa Springs is one of the best places in the world to experience hot springs. You’ll be glad to plan a trip here, as Pagosa Springs will surely exceed even your wildest expectations. If you’re all set to take that trip, plan with Pilot!