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By Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure
There aren’t many places in the world where you can soak in a pool fed by hot water that bubbles up naturally from under the earth’s crust. But in the state of Colorado, there are allegedly 93 of these magic thermal springs and approximately 30 have been developed into soaking ponds — many set out in the open air with mountain views.
These magical spots have long been places of healing and peace. According to The Denver Post, Indigenous peoples called these thermal springs “medicine waters,” and even today, people travel from all over the world to soak in the waters, which are naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and lithium.
Read More: 10 of the Best Hot Springs in the United States
These Colorado hot springs are some of the country's best places for soaking away any worries — and aches or pains — while enjoying the fresh mountain air and stunning vistas
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop
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This hot spring has a little something for everyone. There’s a waterslide, an exercise pool, an infinity pool, a historic bathhouse, and even overnight lodging. But the real stars of the property are the sandy bottom pools perched on the edge of the river and surrounded by river rock. In these natural pools, hot water bubbles up from the creek bed, and you can move stones to allow more or less cold river water into your hot water oasis. (Tip: The riverside hot springs can also be booked for private use.)
Valley View Hot Springs, Moffat
The entire Valley View Hot Springs property is off the grid and there’s a series of soaking ponds set along wilderness trails. Plus, everything is clothing optional. A few of the natural, spring-fed pools are also perched up on the mountain with views over the valley. It is, in a word, stunning.The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs
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Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s renowned hot springs towns, and this resort is one of the community’s standout soaking spots. The springs are set along the roaring river and fed by “the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer,” according to the Colorado Tourism Office. In the evening, make sure to look up — Pagosa Springs offers next-level stargazing. For unobstructed nighttime access, book an overnight stay, which comes with 24-hour access to the hot springs.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Durango
There’s nothing quaint about the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, which was recently renovated and now has well over 20 separate soaking pools, including a cold plunge and Japanese-inspired soaking tubs. Of those pools, 12 are for adults only, ensuring peace and quiet is always on the menu. Perhaps most notably, the Durango facility is the first to incorporate oxygen bubbles into their waters, which they say can be “infused through the dermas of the skin to help repair skin disorders and scaring tissues to rebuild and improve.”Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray
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The setting of this hot spring pool makes it a shoo-in on this list. The all-outdoor pool is set in a canyon surrounded by towering mountains that are sure to take your breath away. Kids can play on the waterslides and climbing wall, while adults can make their way to the warmer waters of the terraced springs on the far end of the pool.
Read More: 11 Heated Outdoor Pools Ideal for Winter Vacations
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs, Carbondale
Day visitors are welcome at Avalanche Ranch, but staying overnight is the way to go. On the property, you’ll find three natural hot springs in a tiered layout, including one that’s fed by a waterfall. When you’re done exploring, spend your soak enjoying the views of Mount Sopris. Overnight accommodations include a 100-square-foot tiny house, several cabins, and two-person chuck wagons — all with 24-hour access to the springs.Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs
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You’ll find a handful of hot springs in Glenwood Springs (as its name implies, it’s one of the state’s true hot springs towns), but it’s hard to beat Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which sits right on the banks of the Colorado River. The facility’s 16 geothermal soaking pools ensure there’s space for everyone, including a family-friendly freshwater option and a jetted spa tub.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
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A visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a true experience. The facility itself is a 15-minute drive from the town of Steamboat Springs and the pools are a short hike from the parking lot down toward the river. On arrival, the trials of the journey will melt away. Here, a series of pools are set right along the river, and lounge chairs provide a place to cool off and enjoy the Colorado sunshine. You can also stay overnight in one of the property’s cabins, covered wagons, or tent sites, all set near the springs.
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