Looking to soak in some mineral water?

Look no further.

Colorado has dozens of hot springs, but not all are created equal. Some are close enough for a day trip from Denver—while others are worth building an entire weekend around.

To help narrow it down, we've grouped 11 Colorado hot springs by drive time and trip commitment.

📍Idaho Springs (Approx. 45 min from Denver | West)
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The closest developed hot spring to Denver—Indian Hot Springs has been welcoming visitors since the 1800s and is known for its indoor tropical atrium, geothermal caves, and mineral-water pool. 

Visitors can choose from several different experiences, making it easy to tailor a visit to what sounds most relaxing. Its proximity to Denver is appealing if you’re looking for an easy option to soak without a long drive.

📍Manitou Springs (Approx 1.5 hours from Denver | Southwest)
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This place offers a unique take on Colorado's hot springs experience with cedar soaking tubs you can book. Its fed by mineral-rich water in the shadow of Pikes Peak, and you can also access their sauna, saline pool, and cold plunge areas with booking.

The retreat also offers spa treatments, yoga, and wellness programming—making it a solid choice for those looking for a holistic wellness reboot.

📍Hot Sulphur Springs (Approx. 2 hr from Denver | Northwest)
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One of Colorado's oldest hot spring destinations—Hot Sulphur Springs Resort features 20+ mineral pools and baths with a range of soaking temperatures.

Its mix of pool options and mountain setting make it a popular choice for those looking for a classic Colorado hot springs experience.

And yes—the name of the town is the same as the name of the resort.

📍Nathrop (Approx. 2.5 hr from Denver | Southwest)
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Set between Buena Vista and Salida, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs combines mountain views with a variety of soaking experiences—including creekside hot springs, geothermal pools, and spa facilities.

Surrounded by peaks and open valley views, it feels like a true mountain escape. Its mix of natural soaking areas and resort-style amenities makes it a good option for both first-time visitors and seasoned hot spring enthusiasts.

📍Buena Vista (Approx. 2.5 hr from Denver | Southwest)
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Nestled along Cottonwood Creek just outside Buena Vista, Cottonwood Hot Springs offers a quieter, more rustic soaking experience surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks.

Its natural mineral pools and mountain setting make it a popular choice for those looking to unwind.

📍Glenwood Springs (Approx. 3 hr from Denver | West)
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Home to the world's largest hot springs pool, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been welcoming visitors since 1888 and remains one of Colorado's most iconic hot spring destinations.

Its massive mineral-water pool, family-friendly atmosphere, and location just off I-70 make it a popular choice for both day trips and weekend getaways.

📍Glenwood Springs (Approx. 3 hr from Denver | West)
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Located along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs features a collection of mineral soaking pools with mountain and river views.

It's one of the more modern hot spring experiences in Colorado, with a variety of pool temperatures and soaking options to choose from. Its riverside setting and wide range of pools make it a popular stop for both couples, individuals, and families.

📍Steamboat Springs (Approx. 3 hr from Denver | Northwest)
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Tucked just outside Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more natural, rustic soaking experience with stone-lined pools surrounded by forest.

Reservations are required, and winter access takes extra planning, but the setting makes it one of Colorado's most memorable hot spring stops.

📍Pagosa Springs (Approx. 5.5 hr from Denver | Southwest)
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Home to more than 50 soaking pools, The Springs Resort is one of Colorado's most well-known hot spring destinations and is fed by the world's deepest geothermal hot spring.

Its riverside setting, variety of pool temperatures, and overnight accommodations make it a popular choice for a long weekend getaway.

📍Ouray (Approx. 6 hr from Denver | Southwest)
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Set against the dramatic canyon walls of Ouray, this sulfur-free hot springs pool combines mountain views with family-friendly amenities and dedicated soaking areas.

Whether you're visiting after a day of hiking, off-roading, or exploring town, it's a popular stop for those looking to relax and take in the scenery.

📍Durango (Approx. 6.5 hr from Denver | Southwest)
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Located just north of downtown Durango, this resort features more than 30 mineral soaking pools, cold plunges, and spa amenities set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.

Its variety of soaking options and scenic setting make it a popular choice for those looking to pair a hot springs getaway with a visit to Durango.

Whether you're looking for a enriching mineral pool close to Denver, a rustic soak tucked into the forest, or a resort-style getaway, there's no shortage of options.

There are 93 thermal areas in Colorado and at least 30 are developed to use. If this is something you enjoy, it’s worth visiting as many as you can.

Happy soaking.

Grace Hody
Editor, The Ranch Scoop