Best Hot Springs to Visit Near Breckenridge
Enjoy A Soak In These Breck Hot Springs
Colorado is home to an abundance of natural hot springs, but if you're staying in Breckenridge, you'll need to drive at least an hour to reach any of them. Despite the distance, visiting these natural springs in the Rockies is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey offers breathtaking mountain scenery, and upon arrival, you'll be able to unwind in the soothing, warm mineral waters.
For anyone who wants to experience the best hot springs within an hour or two, this list is for you. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the top natural hot springs near Breck.
Soak in a Tropical Paradise at Indian Hot Springs
Only about an hour south of Breckenridge is one of the most beautiful hot spring resorts in all of Colorado: Indian Hot Springs. This natural spring has been working its healing powers for centuries, tracing its roots all the way back to the bygone era when the Ute and Arapaho nations utilized its waters to heal their injured and sick. In the 1800s, spurred by the gold boom in the Rockies, a bathhouse was built over the springs, and some of the original historic buildings from back then are still in use today.
There are several ways to enjoy the hot springs at this resort in the modern age, but the most popular option is a soak in the large mineral water swimming pool, which stays between 90 and 100 degrees year round. The swimming pool is topped by a beautiful glass dome and filled with an endless variety of tropical plants, each of which were carefully curated by the Indian Hot Springs on-staff botanist. For a more private experience, check out the underground geothermal caves, which are filled with peaceful walk-in tubs where you can unwind at your leisure, or take a soak in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis.
Get a Luxurious Resort Experience at Cottonwood Hot Springs
Cottonwood Hot Springs, like many hot spring resorts in Colorado, has a long and storied history of healing the sick and soothing injuries. Once a hotel and eventually a sanitarium, the original resort burned down in 1911, but its history still remains.
Today, Cottonwood is one of the biggest hot spring resorts in the entire state, boasting several hot spring pools that range between 94 to 110 degrees and a selection of cold plunge pools as well. There’s plenty to do on-site if you choose to stay for a night or two in one of their lodge rooms or creekside cabins, including a spa that focuses on ancient healing modalities and Cathy’s Closet, a store that offers everything from jewelry and clothing to herbal tonics and spiritual accessories. If you are looking for a calming and serene spot for a soak, visit Cottonwood for the quintessential Colorado hot springs experience.
Go on a Cliff-Jumping Adventure at Radium Hot Springs
Searching for a wilder experience than traditional hot spring resorts can offer you? Check out Radium Hot Springs, located a little over an hour northwest of Breckenridge near Kremmling. There’s no drive-in access to these undeveloped springs–you’ll have to take a short 0.75mi hike from the parking area to access the geothermal pool–but that’s part of what makes this location so special.
Not only can you enjoy a soak in the comfortable pool (which stays at around 80 degrees for most of the year), but there are also other activities to enjoy on the river, such as cliff-jumping, rafting, and kayaking.
The best time to visit Radium Hot Springs is during the late summer months, as the pool can get washed out during the springtime from mountain snowmelt. There’s also a primitive campground nearby that offers a walking path directly to the springs.
Enjoy Incredible Mountain Views at Mount Princeton Hot Springs
It’s hard to beat the views at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, located about an hour and a half south of Breckenridge. Since 1897, this hot springs resort has offered patrons the chance to go for a relaxing soak while being surrounded by scenic vistas of the nearby Chalk Cliffs, Chalk Creek Valley, Mount Antero, and Mount Princeton. Choose from the historic bathhouse, the main soaking pool (which stays at a balmy 105 degrees year round), one of the creekside pools (which can get up to 120 degrees), or the infinity pool (around 99-104 degrees) during your stay–there’s something for everyone at this resort.
For those who are planning to make a trip out of your hot springs visit, there’s plenty more to do while you’re staying at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, including a variety of restaurants to visit and a full-service spa.
Discover More Ways to Explore the Great Outdoors in Breckenridge
Soaking in natural hot springs is a serene and relaxing experience, and thankfully there are plenty of places within an hour or two of Breckenridge where you can unwind in the warm waters. Next time you’re planning a trip to Breck, be sure to include at least one of these springs to make the most of your mountain adventure.
Searching for more things to do in the area? Take a look at some of the best mountain biking trails in Breck or check out our recommendations for the best Breck family-friendly activities.