One Town, Three Hot Springs Destinations
Hot spring resorts in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Just 35 minutes north of New Mexico and located along the western slope of the Continental Divide, Pagosa Springs is an oasis at 7,000 feet above sea level. Its landscape is a mixture of high desert plateau and Rocky Mountain peaks, and its geography creates an unusually mild climate where spring comes early.
Pagosa Springs is named after its most well-known asset, its sulfur springs. It’s home to the “Great Pagosah Spring," the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs measuring at 1,002 feet deep. The spring feeds three very different hot spring destinations in town. I’ve visited all three, and whether you want a resort ambiance, indoor soaking experience, or a straightforward hot spring swimming pool getaway, these three hot springs in Pagosa Springs have got you covered.
Photo: Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography
HEALING WATERS RESORT & SPA
This property features older, motel style accommodations, cabins, and a bunkhouse. The Healing Waters Resort & Spa has a hot springs-fed swimming pool and a hot tub tucked into a quiet corner of the property.
In addition, there are indoor hot baths—one for men and one for women—as well as spa room for massages.
Guests have easy walking access to everything downtown Pagosa Springs has to offer which includes dining, a little shopping, and other hot springs pools.
Photo: HeidiTown.com
THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
Across the street from Healing Waters, The Springs Resort & Spa feels like a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Guests have 24-hour access to all the resort’s 23 springs during their stay, including my favorite, the adults-only Relaxation Terrace.
There are a variety of accommodations available at this resort, including high-end rooms in the EcoLuxe Hotel to classic motel style rooms in the resort’s older building.
Non-guests can purchase a variety of passes, but I prefer the Platinum or Gold Pass that allow re-entry into the soaking pools throughout the day. After a day of soaking, you can enjoy a nice dinner at a Pagosa Springs restaurant before returning for a night soak at The Springs, which provides an entirely different experience.
Photo: courtesy Overlook Hot Springs
OVERLOOK HOT SPRINGS
Last but certainly not least is Overlook Hot Springs, located in the heart of downtown. It’s quite different than most hot springs destinations in Colorado. The large square tubs and pillars give it a Roman Bath kind of ambiance, but the Victorian-themed architecture of the building reminds one that they are actually visiting the old Wild West.
The Overlook is where Pagosa Springs locals prefer to soak. It’s likely because rates are affordable and they serve drinks right to your pool, although I’m sorry to say that they draw the line at feeding guests grapes or fanning them with palm leaves.
While most of the Overlook's pools are located inside, there are two small rooftop pools that provide views of downtown and the San Juan River. This hot springs venue also offers massage.
So there you have it, three great reasons to visit Pagosa Springs for a long, relaxing, and restorative soak!
SEE ALSO: Eat & Drink in Pagosa Springs
