Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop

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.

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.

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.

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.