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Take a Healing Soak in the Pagosa Hot Springs
Published on July 21, 2009 by Megan Eaves, Community Manager & Writer
Country: United States 
The Experience
Pagosa Springs is a tiny mountain town in Southern Colorado. Situated along the Continental Divide in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the town has an alpine atmosphere and its history is rich with Native American culture and gold rush stories of the American West. Alluring visitors with its soothing Hot Springs, this is a spot sure to induce that much needed R & R you've been dreaming of. Still a relatively undiscovered gem, as you drive down the single street in town, snow-capped peaks and tall timbers rise above you on all sides. Here, you'll feel as though you just might happen upon an old west miner panning for gold along the San Juan River, which begins from the rushing headwaters in the mountains just north of town.
Pagosa Springs, which takes its name from the Ute words "pah" meaning water and "gosa" meaning boiling, is home to some of the most fantastic sulfur hot springs in North America. Celebrated for their therapeutic powers, the waters of the Pagosa Hot Springs have been harnessed into a lovely resort right in the center of town, which means they are easily accessible to most visitors.
The natural aesthetic of the Springs Resort gives it a relaxing, zen-like vibe, and there are lots of different pools to choose from in varying sizes and temperatures. Soaking in the "Lobster Pot", the hottest pool available, you can sizzle in naturally hot temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C). Though some people are put off by the 'rotten egg' smell of the natural sulfur, don't let that deter you from taking a soak! You'll soon be so relaxed by the warm healing waters that you won't even notice the smell!
The Springs Resort is located right in the center of Pagosa Springs, where the San Juan River cuts the town on a north/south divide. The Pagosa Hot Springs pop up all along the river, and the resort is set along a slope right down to the river's edge! If you're really brave, you might climb out along the shore and cool off from the hot springs with a quick dip in the icy river waters!
Pagosa's central, mountainous location also means that it is quite near to some of the best ski areas in all of Southern Colorado, including its most proximal resort, Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek sees a lot of good snow throughout the year because of its high altitude in the Rockies, and it is especially known for its fluffy, powdery conditions, which are a delight to ski on. After a long day skiing, you can soothe your tired muscles in the hot springs and go to bed as relaxed as an overcooked noodle!
Pagosa Springs, which takes its name from the Ute words "pah" meaning water and "gosa" meaning boiling, is home to some of the most fantastic sulfur hot springs in North America. Celebrated for their therapeutic powers, the waters of the Pagosa Hot Springs have been harnessed into a lovely resort right in the center of town, which means they are easily accessible to most visitors.
The natural aesthetic of the Springs Resort gives it a relaxing, zen-like vibe, and there are lots of different pools to choose from in varying sizes and temperatures. Soaking in the "Lobster Pot", the hottest pool available, you can sizzle in naturally hot temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C). Though some people are put off by the 'rotten egg' smell of the natural sulfur, don't let that deter you from taking a soak! You'll soon be so relaxed by the warm healing waters that you won't even notice the smell!
The Springs Resort is located right in the center of Pagosa Springs, where the San Juan River cuts the town on a north/south divide. The Pagosa Hot Springs pop up all along the river, and the resort is set along a slope right down to the river's edge! If you're really brave, you might climb out along the shore and cool off from the hot springs with a quick dip in the icy river waters!
Pagosa's central, mountainous location also means that it is quite near to some of the best ski areas in all of Southern Colorado, including its most proximal resort, Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek sees a lot of good snow throughout the year because of its high altitude in the Rockies, and it is especially known for its fluffy, powdery conditions, which are a delight to ski on. After a long day skiing, you can soothe your tired muscles in the hot springs and go to bed as relaxed as an overcooked noodle!
Get Going!
Unlike many of the other Colorado resort towns, Pagosa Springs is not overrun with tourists. The addition of the Hot Springs makes it the perfect place to duck in for some quiet outdoor sports on a relaxing weekend. Local ski/snowboard areas include Wolf Creek Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort and Silverton Mountain.
Though the Pagosa Hot Springs are wonderful at just about any time of year, they are truly special during winter, as the steam rises from the hot sulfur pools in billowing waves. If you're lucky, you might even find a romantic blanket of snow falling around you as you soak the winter night away.
Though the Pagosa Hot Springs are wonderful at just about any time of year, they are truly special during winter, as the steam rises from the hot sulfur pools in billowing waves. If you're lucky, you might even find a romantic blanket of snow falling around you as you soak the winter night away.
Odds n' Ends
The Springs Resort is open to the public all year, between 7am and 1am from June-September, and 7am to 11pm during the winter. They also operate extended weekend hours during the winter until 1am. For the best deal, opt to stay at the Springs Resort Hotel, where you can soak all you want for free, with all-night access. What could be better!
Admission for a daily soak is $20 and you can stay as long as you like. They have also recently expanded to include 5 "deluxe" pools, which you can buy into for an additional $5 - not bad! The Resort operates a full-service lounge area, with access to showers, lockers, hair dryers and towel/swimsuit rentals.
I would recommend bringing along your own towel, flip-flops or shower shoes and a plastic water bottle. It's important to keep hydrated while you're soaking!
Admission for a daily soak is $20 and you can stay as long as you like. They have also recently expanded to include 5 "deluxe" pools, which you can buy into for an additional $5 - not bad! The Resort operates a full-service lounge area, with access to showers, lockers, hair dryers and towel/swimsuit rentals.
I would recommend bringing along your own towel, flip-flops or shower shoes and a plastic water bottle. It's important to keep hydrated while you're soaking!
Want a Guide?
- The Springs Resort Adventure Packages
- Adventures galore! Hike Pagosa Peak.... River rafting.... Fly fishing.... Historic narrow gauge train rides.... Chaco Canyon... Mesa Verde National Park..... Mountain bike tour... Wildlife tours.... Pagosa history tours... Mining town tours....
Places to Eat
- Boss Hogg's Restaurant & Saloon
- Boss Hogg’s Restaurant and Saloon is family owned and operated and opened in February of 1993. With over 100 different Menu items and Specialties that include Hand Cut Char-Grilled Steaks, House Smoked Barbeque, Great Burgers and Deep Fried Catfish, you’ll find the perfect choice for any appetite.
- Ramon's Mexican Restaurant
- Bienvenidos a Ramon's Mexican Restaurant. Your hosts, the Lopez family, serving traditional Mexican specialties daily with a Monday night buffet.
- Alley House Grille
- Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style fusion cuisine. A refined but friendly atmosphere in a beautifully restored 1912 cottage.
- Dogwood Cafe
- A great Southern-style restaurant in Pagosa Springs, Colorado that offers affordable food in a casual, lively atmosphere. It's the locals' favorite! Come check it out for yourselves!
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Springs Resort
- Guests of the Hotel enjoy 24 hour complimentary access to The Springs. Join us at The Springs Resort hotel, and let our friendly staff pamper you to a renewed state of body, mind, and spirit!
- Pagosa Springs Inn & Suites
- The Pagosa Springs Inn & Suites has all the accommodations to make your stay comfortable. We provide 87 guest rooms, 18 of which are suites. Each SUITE features a Jacuzzi tub and wet bar, three TVs, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Come and swim in our indoor heated pool or relax in our spa. You may also enjoy our fitness and game room and you're just minutes away from an unlimited selection of year around activities: golf, fishing, rafting, skiing, hunting and snowmobiling.
- Oak Ridge Lodge
- The Oak Ridge Lodge downtown, across from the Hot Springs Resort, a full service hotel; FREE WIFI (wireless Internet), 24 hour indoor, non chlorinated Mineral Springs by BioGuard swimming pool, SPA and sauna.
- Wyndham Pagosa
- Wyndham Pagosa, located just west of picturesque Pagosa Springs, Colorado, gives you an incredible 18,000 acres to enjoy and discover. Its lakes, golf course, trout streams and other natural wonders give you a million places to hide away among the magnificent Rockies. You'll also find three nine-hole golf courses to challenge you, with full-service pro shop and snack bar. Several tennis courts await your serve and you can practice your putt on 18 holes of miniature golf.
- Pagosa Lodge
- Located on the west side of town in beautiful Pagosa Springs, Colorado overlooking Pinon Lake and the San Juan Mountains, the Pagosa Lodge is a Three Diamond facility just one mile from the Pagosa Springs Golf Course clubhouse. Our central location allows easy access to shopping, sightseeing and recreation...
- High Country Lodge
- In the midst of the San Juan Mountains between Pagosa Springs Colorado and Wolf Creek Ski area, the High Country Lodge offers heart-felt hospitality wrapped in Western comfort. Our full-service hotel provides a variety of lodging options from casual lodge rooms to our comfortable cabins which provide privacy and relaxation for families or couples.
- South Fork Campground
- Welcome to South Fork, Colorado, where the Rio Grande River flows from evergreen and aspen-covered mountains before it winds into the San Luis Valley. Visit us at South Fork Campground on your next trip to the Colorado mountains. Whether your stay is for one night, a week, or a month, we will do our best to make your visit an enjoyable one.
- Econo Lodge, Pagosa Springs
- The Econo Lodge® hotel is ideally located off Highway 160, just three miles from the Great Pagosa Hot Springs, the world's largest and deepest hot mineral spring. This Pagosa Springs, CO hotel is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and provides convenient access to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, Wolf Creek Ski Area and the San Juan Pioneer Museum. The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is nearby and Durango, Colorado is about 60 miles away.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
- Enjoy Elevated Chills at the Ouray Ice Festival
- Every January since 1996, international ice climbers have flocked to the Uncompahgre River Valley in southwestern Colorado for the Ouray Ice Festival. Nicknamed "Little Switzerland," the Colorado town of Ouray (you-ray) plays host to a premier ice-climbing gathering at the world's first man-made ice park. Exhibitors and spectators alike come to the Ouray Ice Festival to enjoy and celebrate the art of climbing up a sheer wall of ice (sometimes supplanted with rock, wood and plastic) in the Uncompahgre Gorge. It's an experience unlike any other. Sitting at the other end of the famous Million Dollar Highway from Durango, Ouray ...64 miles away.
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Pagosa Hot Springs
- The Springs Resort Bath House is open to the General Public for soaking and relaxing in our 18 different hot mineral pools and our new cool water swimming pool and Jacuzzi pool.
- Pagosa Springs Visitor & Local Information
- Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Our small town atmosphere and endless beauty allows you to sense the true meaning of vacation...
- Planet Pagosa
- Welcome to Pagosa Springs Colorado and our community web site - Planet Pagosa! Our vibrant town of Pagosa Springs is full of amazing characters, breathtaking scenery, incredible adventures, and great artists. Unlike other websites that simply tell you the facts about our town, we capture the spirit of Pagosa Springs.
Media References
- Soak the Winter Blues in Colorado Springs - The Wall Street Journal Online (newspaper)
- For travelers looking to be pampered during the winter months, the hot springs of Colorado beckon.
- Soaking it up at Colorado's Pagosa Springs - Deseret News (newspaper)
- Remember a couple of months ago when the temperatures hovered near 100 every day and you ran around with your cheeks flushed and your pores open to the world? Well, summer may be over but here's one way to recapture the feeling: Go to Pagosa Springs, Colo., and sit in the Lobster Pool.
- Stinky never felt so good (blog)
- The naturally heated pools were awesome. The way this Hot Springs was designed was there were lots of different pools, all different sizes and all varying degrees of heat.
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