4 Hot Springs Near Telluride to Explore
All the Hot Springs You Could Ask For in Telluride
There’s no denying the serenity that washes over you as you enter the box canyon where Telluride is nestled. With its breathtaking mountain views and charming, cozy town, Telluride is like a spa treatment for the soul. But if you’re looking to deepen your relaxation, it’s time to visit some of the nearby hot springs for an even more peaceful experience.
Join us as we explore the 4 best hot springs near Telluride to soak in after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. All of these are within driving distance of town and offer incredible views along the way.
#1: Soak in a Historic Bathhouse at Dunton Hot Springs
History and hot springs combine at Dunton Hot Springs, located a little over 30 miles away from Telluride in Dolores County. Dunton, Colorado was once a thriving mining town in the early 1900s, but when that short-lived boom ended and all the residents moved away, the town fell into disrepair.
Thankfully, in 1994, its current owners bought the ghost town and set to work restoring and renovating it into an exclusive and one of a kind resort. There are five different pools to choose from at the hot springs, one of which is located inside of a restored bathhouse from the early 1900s. Whether you choose to stay the night in one of their cabins that were handbuilt by the early settlers of town or go for a camping experience at the River Camp, you’re sure to feel like you’re being cradled by the mountains themselves when you visit these hot springs.
#2: Soak in 10 Different Pools at Orvis Hot Springs
If staying at a resort isn’t quite within your budget for a hot spring soak, there is another nearby option: Orvis Hot Springs.
Found near Ridgway only about 41 miles from Telluride, these clothing-optional hot springs stay between 100 and 114 degrees year-round. Choose from options like the Lobster Pot, which boasts high temperatures of 108-114 degrees, or The Pond, a large pool with a pebbled bottom that stays between 100-106 degrees. Because of Orvis’ remote location, these hot spring pools are also perfect for stargazing–you’ll have the opportunity to see constellations like never before.
#3: Visit 4 Different Hot Springs in Ouray
There are four different hot springs to choose from in Ouray, including:
Box Canyon Hot Springs and Resort: For visitors who want the full resort experience of soaking in Ouray’s hot springs, a visit to Box Canyon is in order. Though you do have to stay overnight to enjoy the thermal pools with great views of the San Juan Mountains, the private soaking is more than worth the cost.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool: Perhaps the most accessible and affordable option for a day soak in the springs, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool features five different pools with different temperatures for visitors to enjoy. While only three of these pools are heated by the thermal waters, there’s also plenty of traditional pool fun to be had at this locale. Go for a swim in the Activity Pool or soak in the Overlook Pool for some incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs: Since 1913, the hot springs at Twin Peaks Lodge have been healing visitors, and today, you can select from five different pools on the property. There’s also plenty of places to stay at this resort, which offers more budget-friendly options than some of the other resorts in Ouray.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa: Experience an all-natural sauna in addition to two mineral pools at Wiesbaden, the last on our list of Ouray hot springs. The serene and relaxing atmosphere of this spot will help you get into a better mood, while soaking in the waters can have a healing effect on your skin and body.
#4: Enjoy 22 Soaking Pools at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
If you want to venture out and explore more of what Southern Colorado has to offer, head over to the Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located around 120 miles away from Telluride.
This incredible hot spring resort boasts not just a few, but 22 total pools to select from. Get away from city life and soak in one of the mineral tubs, or just come for a swim in their 25-meter swimming pool. This beautiful resort is open all year round and offers other amenities in addition to the hot springs, such as spa services and lodging.
Find Out More Telluride Things to Do in Our Blog
On a cold and snowy day, there’s nothing better to do in the San Juan Mountains than to enjoy a nice soak in a mineral pool, and thankfully, there are a ton situated around Telluride for you to choose between. From the resort-style bathhouse in Dunton to the myriad of pools at the Durango Hot Springs Resort, you’ll have your pick of the hot springs litter when you stay in Telluride.
Searching for more ideas for your next Telluride vacation? We have a great guide to short hikes in the area as well as recommendations for the best places to see wildlife in Telluride.