Autumn leaf peeping is even better from accessible hot springs

Thirst Staff Reports

The leaves are changing colors and the weather is cooling off, but the snow hasn’t started accumulating. That makes fall the best time of year for soaking in some of the best natural hot springs in Colorado. All the better when these top Colorado hot springs are free and easily accessible.

Of course, no cost doesn’t mean no rules. Standard backcountry protocol still applies. A hot tub is not a bathtub, so no soaps and shampoos. Try to minimize lotions as well, to keep the water pristine.

Pack out what you pack in, including all human and animal waste. Leave it cleaner than you found it. And be aware that clothing is considered optional at some of these spots.

Here are some of the best free natural hot springs in Colorado, listed in order of hiking distance from the trailhead. Keep in mind that more effort typically equals smaller crowds, but all these spots can be busy, particularly on weekends.

Penny Hot Springs, Carbondale

The Roaring Fork Valley has some of the best hot springs in Colorado, from the giant Glenwood Springs pool to smaller private resorts. It also boasts a couple of little freebies.

The most accessible is probably Penny Hot Springs, which is just off the road. Park just south of mile marker 55 on Highway 133, which heads south out of Carbondale.

The springs are not marked, so look for a wide pull-off. The hot springs are accessible year-round, but typically flooded out during spring runoff.

South Canyon Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs

Just on the other side of Glenwood Springs, the South Canyon Hot Springs is at the end of an easy quarter-mile walk. Take Interstate 70 west from Glenwood to County Highway 134. Drive south for about a mile to a pullout and trailhead.

Depending on the time of year, either one or two pools are available, offering a hot soak and great mountain views.

Radium Hot Springs, Kremmling

Outside Kremmling, in Grand County, Radium Hot Springs combines the thrill of a cliff jump with the mellow of a natural hot springs soak. From Interstate 70, take Highway 9 north out of Silverthorne, and follow these directions to the Mugrage campground, a free primitive campground on BLM land. Note that the final approach is a rutted and rocky road.

The hot springs are less than a mile down a steep hill from the campground. Be warned that the river isn’t very deep, so take the 45-foot cliff jump at your own risk.

Piedra River Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs

Accuweather’s trusted fall foliage forecast predicts that a heavy monsoon season will translate to beautiful autumn colors throughout southwest Colorado. So enjoy especially beautiful leaves from the Piedra River Hot Springs.

Drive 21 miles west from Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 to the Piedra turnoff (FS 622). Drive 7 miles to the Sheep Creek Trailhead. Hike from there about 1.5 miles to a set of up to three primitive hot springs. Like many other primitive hot springs, the pools are typically flooded and cold during high spring and early summer runoff.

Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen

Several more natural hot springs are free in terms of money, but not so much in terms of effort.

One of the peak experiences is Conundrum Hot Springs, which is at the end of a 9-mile climb from a trailhead near Aspen in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Recreation Area.

The hot springs was recently added to the Atlas Obscura list of the world’s most wondrous places.

Reservations are required for the campsites near the hot springs, but at press time, a few of the smaller campsites were still available in early October.