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Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop

Five Historic Destinations with More Than a Dozen Natural Hot Springs Pools, Caves and Spas

Ridgway is part of the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, a multi-destination route featuring rejuvenating activities and restful nights – a great way to spend a few days or a couple weeks.

Colorado Creative Corridor

  • What?

    Multi-Day Road Trip

    To the best hot springs in Colorado!
  • When?

    Anytime

    Enjoy the "sites" in any season!
  • Where?

    5 Destinations

    Ouray County, Glenwood Springs, Steamboat Springs, Chaffee County, and Pagosa Springs

5 Destination Itinerary


Ridgway and Ouray Colorado

First Destination- 1 to 3 nights

Soaking Options

Hot Springs Activity

Try each natural hot spring experience in the area for a relaxing hour or a half day, depending on your schedule. Each has their own personality: Orvis Hot Springs (several outdoor pools and a few indoor options, plus clothing optional); Ouray Hot Springs Pool (large, family-friendly, odorless, sulfur-free pools); The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings (vapor cave and outdoor pool); Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs and Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs (private mineral pools

Sites, Museums & Antiques

Historic Activity
The hot springs in Ouray County are surrounded by the historic lands of the native Utes, who once soaked in the medicinal waters. Learn about the Utes at the Ouray County Historical Museum and the Ute Indian Museum. You can also learn about the area's settlers at the Ouray County Ranch History Museum, Ridgway Railroad Museum, and the Ouray Alchemist. Plus, visit our many gift shops to peruse antiques from around the Southwest.

Diverse Menus & Atmospheres

Dining options
Ridgway's dining scene is an eclectic mix that relies heavily on locally sourced produce and meats. From a European bistro to a Costa Rican cafe, you can find a diversity of options. Just want a hamburger or steak, or a real Mexican meal, we have those, too!

Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Camping & More

Accommodations
An overnight stay in Ridgway is never boring. Each accommodation in our town is full of character and the foundation for not only a (quiet) good night's rest but also great memories. We have tiny homes, yurts, sophisticated short-term rentals, southwestern lodging, and so much more.

Head East

There's lots to do and see on the way to Glenwood Springs. Consider taking a day to explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park via Montrose or the fruit orchards and vineyards of Palisade.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Springs Colorado
This resort town revolves around water. Thermal highlights include Glenwood Hot Springs, the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool; Iron Mountain Hot Springs with 16 soaking pools; and Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, a rare naturally-occurring underground steam bath. Top attractions are Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with ornate caves and the highest elevation roller coaster in North America, Colorado River whitewater rafting and Hanging Lake.
Hot springs in Steamboat Springs Colorado
Steamboat Springs Colorado
It’s a genuine western setting off the beaten path. From world-class mountain biking and skiing to breathtaking hiking to the refreshing beauty of the hot springs, rivers and lakes. Festivals celebrate hot air balloons, rodeos, libations and music. Take a dip in the downtown Old Town Hot Springs multi-use complex with two waterslides. For a rustic wilderness setting, soak at the creekside Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Buena Vista, Nathrop & Salida
Fifteen 14,000-foot peaks and Colorado’s most popular whitewater rafting river, the Arkansas, dominate this region. At Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort pick from numerous geothermal pools or find a hot pot in Chalk Creek. Historic Cottonwood Hot Springs first opened in 1878. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is one of the largest indoor hot spring pools in the country. For a completely private experience reserve Alpine Hot Springs Hideaway, Antero Hot Springs Cabins or Creekside Hot Springs Cabin.
Hot springs in Pagosa Springs Colorado
Pagosa Springs Colorado
Surrounded by 2.5 million acres of wilderness and national forest, Pagosa Springs is the official home to the world’s deepest hot springs. The Springs Resort and Spa has 23 terraced hot springs pools alongside the San Juan River. Overlook Hot Springs offers rooftop tubs and Victorian-style mineral baths. Healing Waters Resort & Spa features a large outdoor pool and European-style steam rooms. Many local businesses utilize the abundant geothermal heat.