Whether you’re on the hunt for a fun afternoon activity for the whole family or you want to take a leisurely soak for date night, these hot springs are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day spent skiing the slopes or hitting the mountains on two wheels. Steamboat Springs residents and tourists alike love these hot springs as a way to take a step back into the cultural history of Steamboat while taking in the stunning views and laid-back ambiance of these resorts and natural areas.
The History of Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
The Yampa Valley was used as the summer hunting ground for the Ute Indians for hundreds of years. The Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes visited the area for its “medicine” springs, which were considered sacred places and were highly revered by the tribes for their physical and spiritual healing. During the late 19th century’s frontier era, the town of Steamboat Springs was officially established. The name Steamboat Springs was first thought to have originated when trappers thought they heard the sound of a steamboat’s steam engine chugging. However, the sound turned out to be a natural mineral spring, named the Steamboat Spring.
Early pioneers recognized the value of the hot springs, not just for their healing properties but for their potential to draw in tourists to the area. This was when the first wooden bathhouses were constructed, which attracted tourists who were seeking relief from various body ailments. Ever since, the hot springs have remained an integral part of the town’s heritage, offering relaxation and rejuvenation to both locals and visitors who want to pay homage to these naturally occurring wonders of nature.
Old Town Hot Springs
📷 Photos courtesy of Old Town Hot Springs
Where? 136 Lincoln Avenue
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs is a local hotspot for a good reason. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the springs as you take in Colorado’s oldest original natural hot springs spa! Over the past 140 years, the resort has continued to upgrade its facilities and add additional amenities that are sure to impress visitors. In addition to the four spring-fed pools, guests can also brave the 230-foot water slide or try their skills on the floating obstacle course. There’s also an onsite fitness center and a rock climbing wall. For parents with young children, this is one of the best Steamboat activities to do with the whole family. There’s even childcare on-site if you want to relax for a couple of hours!
For Routt and Mofatt County residents, memberships to the hot springs offer unlimited access to amenities and even resident discounts on services (including massages and childcare). Day passes are priced at $29 for adults ages 15 and up, $23 for youth ages 3 to 15, and $26 for seniors ages 65 and up.
How to Get There: Due to their convenient downtown location, you can reach the Old Town Hot Springs at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue or hop aboard one of the local lodging shuttles or the Steamboat Springs Transit free bus.
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
Where? 44200 County Road 36
The Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs are situated in the beautiful Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, which gives these springs a uniquely picturesque ambiance. Visitors won’t soon forget their visit to the springs, which feels as if you’re removed from civilization yet you’re only a handful of miles north of downtown Steamboat Springs. The hot springs are made up of five natural pools that each vary in temperature. The pools overlook the cold Hot Springs Creek, which is popular for jumping into when you’re ready to cool down after your hot soak.
To prevent overcrowding, Strawberry Park visitors need to reserve a time in advance. Reservations open a month out and weekends and holidays are prone to filling quickly — so snag yours ASAP! There is a $20 per person admission fee and only cash is accepted, so make sure to swing by an ATM before arriving. The springs are clothing-optional after sundown, so minors aren’t allowed after that time. There are campsites and rustic cabins onsite for those who want to book a rental and enjoy a weekend getaway or “staycation.”
Hot to Get There: The Strawberry Park Hot Springs are easily accessible by a short drive or you can opt for an all-inclusive shuttle service that takes care of transport for you. During the spring, summer, and fall months — you can even hike or bike into the park via the Hot Springs Trail.
Hippie Hot Springs
Where? 125 Lincoln Avenue
Despite being free and open to the public, Steamboat Springs’ Hippie Hot Springs are considered a bit of a hidden gem. The warm springs are located alongside the Yampa River inside of Dr. Rich Weiss Park. The springs are fed from runoff via a culvert from the Old Town Hot Springs which are located directly across the street. Hippie Hot Springs don’t run as hot as the Old Town Springs but you can also bypass the fee for the day-use pass! The springs are especially popular during the busy summer months, as tubers float down the Yampa. When visiting the springs (or any outdoor spot in Steamboat), be mindful to not leave behind any trash and always be respectful of others to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit.
No parking pass is required to visit Hippie Hot Springs and during certain months, congestion can be high. Pets are allowed with local restrictions and there are three pools in total.
How to Get There: Enter Dr. Rich Weiss Park from Lincoln Avenue and take the Yampa River Core Trail down to the springs, which are located by the river.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
Where? 5609 Spring Road
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, take a trip to the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. Located approximately 70 miles from Steamboat, the drive takes around 1.5 hours. The impressive resort is one of the state’s finest geothermal soaking locations, boasting 22 pools, private baths, a solarium pool, and the Elk Pool for rehabilitation. Nestled deep in the Rockies, these historical rustic hot springs are open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome! The water found in each pool is 100% natural and no chemicals are added. The levels have remained constant since they were first measured back in 1946.
You can book massages onsite and when you do, you’ll receive a complimentary all-day pass to the hot springs pools. Swedish and deep tissue options are available. If you want to make a weekend out of your visit, book on or off-site lodging to fully relax and unwind. No alcohol, vaping, smoking, or eating is allowed in the pool and the facility is not pet-friendly, so leave Fido at home for your visit unless he’s a service animal.
How to Get There: From Steamboat Springs, hop onto US Highway 40 and continue for 68.8 miles before making a left onto Park Street and a left onto Spring Road.
Take a Walking Tour of Steamboat’s Springs
If you want to get a better understanding of the area’s springs, you can tailor this self-guided walking tour to suit your own level of curiosity. Start off at Iron Spring, which puts you within walking distance (approximately one mile) of five mineral springs. For those with a more adventurous spirit, you can extend your tour with a hike to the Sulphur Cave or take a plunge into the “soothing and health-giving” waters of the Old Town Hot Springs.
No two springs in the area are alike, with each boasting its own special mineral content and interesting allure. As you journey along the path, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes, as well as the early pioneers of Steamboat Springs as they were discovering the hot springs.
A few of the springs along the route include Iron Spring, which was frequented by Steamboat’s founder, James Crawford. In fact, his daughter described growing up on “Iron Spring lemonade” which was made by mixing half a lemon, a tablespoon of sugar, and water from the spring to create a delightful carbonated fizz. Soda Spring was known for its high carbonation and lack of sulfur taste, which made it the town’s favorite drinking spring. The natural flow of water was disrupted by the construction of Highway 40 in the late 1970s. The Heart Spring is located in Old Town Hot Springs and remains a focal point of town. The 102-degree water is still perfect for soaking and visitors can benefit from the stimulating and rejuvenating properties of the pool.
Relax and Unwind While Experiencing the Healing Waters of Steamboat’s Best Hot Springs
Now that you know all about the hot springs in Steamboat Springs, it’s time to visit them! Whether you want to take a dip into the free Hippie Hot Springs in Dr. Rich Weiss Park or you want to take the whole family to the Old Town Hot Springs to take advantage of the rock climbing wall and waterslide — there’s a hot spring for everyone. Strawberry Park Hot Springs feels more removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, with stunning views of the surrounding forest and quiet solitude. The Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa is one of the best in the state, so plan a weekend getaway to visit!