Curator’s statement
Colorado boasts beautiful mountains, excellent skiing and a substantial array of therapeutic hot springs. Hot springs have been known to help stimulate circulation in the body, to decrease stress and to ease pain. I have curated some of the best hot springs in Colorado and where to stay to luxuriate in this natural phenomenon.
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Where to stay in Colorado
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Things to do in Colorado
The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort at Pagosa Springs is located on the San Juan River in the southern part of Colorado. This resort offers three resort buildings all just steps away from the world's deepest geothermal pool. With 25 pools to choose from, you can pick what temperature you prefer. They range in temperature from 45-114 degrees. The resort also offers picturesque scenery, forest bathing, hiking and yoga. Or you can go to the spa, which offers classes, treatments and activities.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs offers hot springs at three locations. The largest hot spring is at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Iron Mountain Resort offers 17 thermal baths. And there is also the Yampah Spa and Vapor Cave, which features an underground geothermal steam bath. Close in proximity to the springs, you can stay at Hotel Colorado or Hotel Denver. Both are beautiful historic hotels in the heart of the Rockies. Other activities include a float down the canyon, river rafting and horseback riding.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista, Colorado has two hot springs: Cottonwood and Mount Princeton. Both offer a variety of hot spring pools to choose from. Stay nearby at the Surf Hotel. Or if you are looking for a boutique experience, the Surf Chateau offers a French feel with serene stone cottages. Or you can even rent a home from the Surf Hotel’s nearby residences. Activities in this area include kayaking, rafting, road/mountain biking along the Arkansas River.
Strawberry Park Spa
Strawberry Park Spa offers rustic accommodations including camping, cabins and even a train caboose for a truly unique experience. The Springs are enclosed in stone and clothing is optional after dark. Hiking, biking and snowshoeing trails can be found in the area. They also offer massage and aquatic therapy.
Places to eat & drink in Colorado
Hotel Colorado
Offers a restaurant/bar on site, which offers casual upscale dining with top notch cuisine. Glenwood area has many restaurants to choose from including Barbecue, Asian, Mexican and even Bavarian.
At the Surf Hotel and Chateau, you can dine in the Wesley and Rose Lobby bar where you can nosh on artisan bread, seasonal salads and delicious cuisine. The town of Buena Vista offers many dining options to choose from including casual eateries, steakhouses and even Mediterranean cuisine.
Restaurants at the Pagosa Resort
The Grill offers live music, a lovely view and casual dining. The Canteen is a poolside bar offering cocktails and local brews. The Cafe offers snacks, crepes, coffee and a view of the pools. There are also many restaurants in the town of Pagosa offering everything from Thai food to Cajun.
Strawberry Park has many restaurants to choose from, but the #1 favorite in Steamboat Springs (just 5 miles away) is Laundry. Laundry specializes in smoking/curing of natural foods. Other restaurants in the area include Café Diva for delicious Contemporary American cuisine and Mazzola’s, which offers fantastic Italian fare.
Travel Advisor
Shanna Paynter
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Erica Charles guide, A Local's Guide to Vail, Colorado.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado.