Hop on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop and Soak, Relax, Repeat

The Springs Resort & Spa

While Colorado is often associated with mountains, snow and skiing, it also has a lot of hot springs. In fact, “hot springs in Colorado” is one of the most frequently googled phrases. Whether a potential soaker is looking for a family-friendly vacation, a friends’ getaway or a romantic respite, the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop covers it all.

Here are three hot springs venues, perfect for different sorts of travel. First off, there’s courtly love. Nothing is more romantic than cuddling up in warm, serene water, and there’s nothing better than having a private hot springs pool.

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is about ten minutes from Buena Vista and two and a half hours from Denver in Chaffee County. They have various forms of lodging, but three of their Creekside Cabins have their own private outdoor soaking tubs. Couples can cozy up in these pools as Cottonwood Creek flows by.

The hot springs venue includes pools of varying temperatures in which to soak. Nothing artificial is added to the mineral-rich water, which many claim has healing powers. Far from the madding crowd but close enough for a weekend getaway from Denver, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is tranquil and romantic. 

Old Town Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs is home to one of the most family-friendly hot springs on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, Old Town Hot Springs. 

Steamboat Springs is a world-class ski destination three hours northwest of Denver. Boasting its own airport, skiers come from around the globe to swish down these scenic slopes.

Lucky for families, visiting comes with many more activities, including hot springs splashing at Old Town Hot Springs, conveniently located downtown. While the hot springs do not have lodging, SteamboatChamber.com can help visitors find the perfect place to stay.

Steamboat is an ideal spot for families. There is a main pool, waterfall pool and even a 230-foot water slide. In addition to another smaller hot springs pool, there is a lap pool for those with an eye on their fitness, a splash pool for those with an eye on fun, and a kiddie pool for the little ones among us.

The Springs Resort & Spa

Now for something completely different. The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs is a hot springs venue like no other in Colorado. Here, clinging to the banks of the San Juan River, are 24 hot spring pools and a pond. There is even an adults-only relaxation area with five pools (this is the perfect place to watch the sunrise if one is also a lodge guest).

A delight for couples, groups of friends or family vacations, it is a destination unto itself and worth the five-hour drive from Denver. Located in the southwest part of the state, many visitors from New Mexico and Texas have discovered this little corner of Colorado.

Guests can stay onsite in a classic room in the original Springs Inn Motel building or a deluxe room or suite in the 29-room onsite luxurious lodge. Staying here comes with soaking privileges with around-the-clock access.

Whether planning a romantic affair or a family vacation, the  Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop is a handy and beneficial resource. Only some hot springs venues have onsite lodging, but check out the destinations page on cohotspringsloop.com for hyperlinks to the organization where lodging is listed. For instance, in the Glenwood Springs area, home to three hot springs venues, there is a link to VisitGlenwood.com, which provides hotel information.