Adventure calls in Colorado, even during winter. Amid snow-topped peaks and well-oiled chair lifts, mountain towns come alive with seasonal charm, signature experiences, and hot springs steam.
Winter in Colorado isn’t only for skiers. For travelers who prefer a calmer, less crowded seasonal escape, the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop offers a quieter, slower-paced way to experience the Rockies. This winter itinerary leans into art, culture, culinary experiences, scenic drives, and restorative soaking, with skiing available but not the sole focus.
From creative districts to historic downtowns, mineral-rich pools to intimate dining spots, each stop on the Hot Springs Loop offers something special for travelers who want to unwind, explore, and savor without the bustle of peak-season crowds.
This 800-mile journey connects eight hot springs destinations—Carbondale, Chaffee County, Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Saguache County, Steamboat Springs, and Durango—each with its own winter personality and charm.
Winter on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
1. Chaffee County – Mountain Peaks and Riverside Soaks
Looking for scenic outdoor adventures? Chaffee County lies in the heart of the Rockies, home to the state’s largest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks. What this means: rugged mountain landscapes and rustic appeal, with abundant hot springs to warm up with afterward.
Opting outside is a breeze in Chaffee County, even in the wintertime. Monarch Mountain is open for downhill skiing and snowboarding, with trails and terrain for all levels. Additionally, there are several areas for snowshoeing, including Silver Creek, Fooses Creek, and Raspberry Gulch.
There’s nothing like a post-snowy adventure soak: Chaffee County’s abundance of hot springs creates the perfect pairing. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, and Charlotte Hot Springs/Merrifield Homestead offer a spectrum of soaking, from riverside resorts to secluded cabins.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Chaffee County
- Explore the Ark Valley Libation Loop to taste local brews and spirits
- The Arkansas River is great for winter fishing
- Learn local history at the Buena Vista Heritage Museum
#LoveTheLoop: Chaffee County is home to over 30 artistic experiences, including public art, workshops, and galleries, thanks to Salida’s Creative District designation.
2. Saguache County – Solitude and Starlight
Looking for a remote nature retreat? Saguache County is the Loop’s quiet interlude, where unplugging is more than just a dream.
Saguache County has low lights, vast skies, and still expanses. It’s a designated Dark Sky Community, making it a perfect setting for stargazing, connecting with nature, and soaking in the area’s beautiful hot springs.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa’s lithium-rich waters encourage deep relaxation, while Sand Dunes Recreation has a greenhouse soaking experience that awakens the tropics in the desert. For an even more intimate experience, Valley View Hot Springs is a nature-oriented setting, conducive to wildlife viewing and stargazing at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Saguache County
- Grab a beer at Three Barrel Brewing Co. in Del Norte
- Want to see reptiles up close and personal? Check out the Colorado Gator Reptile Park in Mosca
- The Saguache County Museum features eight rooms filled with stories from early settlers of Saguache County
#LoveTheLoop: Take your remote nature retreat one step further with a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Explore the tallest dunes in North America with the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the background.
3. Pagosa Springs – Soak in the Heart of the San Juans
Looking for festive fun? Pagosa Springs is a snowy getaway that leans into its identity as a winter wonderland, cranking up the seasonal charm.
Because of its location deep in the San Juan range, Pagosa Springs’ Wolf Creek Ski Area is known to get hit with snow, providing bountiful powder days. In December, the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration is a huge draw, as the town gathers to celebrate the holidays with themed displays and activities, live music, games, and a signature hot air balloon glow.
As always, the snow and cold go hand in hand with the local healing waters; each of Pagosa’s hot springs is warmed from beneath by the Mother Spring, the deepest recorded geothermal aquifer. There are several facilities to choose from, including The Springs Resort & Spa (which includes 24-hour soaking access for guests), downtown’s Victorian-housed Overlook Hot Springs Spa, and the rustic bathhouse-style Healing Waters Resort & Spa.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Pagosa Springs
- Watch Pagosa’s annual skijoring event (a horse and rider pull a skier as fast as possible through an obstacle course of jumps, rings, and gates) on January 18 – 19
- Wander through the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum
- Watch a professional theater performance, hosted by the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
#LoveTheLoop: Pagosa Springs is home to Riff Raff Brewing, which brews its beer using the geothermal heat from the local hot springs.
4. Durango – Brews, Rails, and Rocky Mountain Tales
Looking for breweries and history? Durango’s got both (and more).
At Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, you can soak in more than 40 mineral-rich pools while taking in snowy peaks and crisp mountain air. The resort’s updated design blends natural elements with modern comforts—private tubs, spa services, and glowing fire features make for a rejuvenating soaking experience.
Durango’s beer scene is among Colorado’s best, offering the perfect post-soak beverage. Carver Brewing Company, Colorado’s first craft brewery, remains a downtown staple with hearty fare and house-made ales. Steamworks Brewing keeps things lively with award-winning brews and a bustling local crowd, while Ska Brewing, a national favorite, brings a touch of punk rock flair to the craft beer scene with bold flavors, food trucks, and live music. Each taproom embodies the town’s quirky and community-oriented spirit.
Additionally, history runs deep in Durango, where preserved landmarks tell stories of Colorado’s industrial, mining, and Native American past. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGR) offers a living link to the 1880s, carrying passengers along a snow-dusted route through the Animas Valley. During the holidays, the Polar Express ride turns the journey into a magical, family-friendly bucket list experience. In town, stroll past stately Victorian-era hotels or head west to Mesa Verde National Park, where the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans reveal an even older narrative of life in the Southwest.
Fun fact: You can also see the D&SNGR guest star in classic films like Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid and Around the World in 80 Days.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Durango
- Snowshoe Gudy’s Rest, 6 miles round-trip, via the Colorado Trail
- Explore Main Avenue’s art galleries, vintage clothing shops, record stores, and outdoor gear outfitters
- Stop by 11th Street Station Food Truck Collective for a retro auto mechanic shop vibe
#LoveTheLoop: In addition to traditional skiing and snowboarding, Purgatory Resort also tours more than 35,000 acres of skiable backcountry, which can be accessed via Purgatory Snowcat Adventures. The snowcat operation accommodates 12 guests per snowcat and takes the group on an exclusive guided adventure through fresh powder in Colorado’s most extensive backcountry.
5. Ouray – Romance in the Switzerland of America
Looking for a romantic getaway? Ouray, nicknamed “The Switzerland of America,” provides a dramatic and soulful background for a winter escape. Snow-capped peaks and a charming alpine ambiance are heart-stirring.
A blend of activities makes Ouray a perfect destination for two; explore the Wright Opera House, have dinner at The Smokehouse, and walk through the town’s historic district, where snow-topped Victorian homes look good as new. The Ouray Ice Park draws ice climbers, while the Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center provides an excellent, panoramic view from below.
Other hot springs options include Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs, Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, and Wiesbaden Spa & Lodgings, where guests can mix soaking with spa treatments, extended access, and spectacular San Juan Mountain views.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Ouray
- The Western Saloon & Grill is an upscale steakhouse located in its original 1890s saloon
- Head into the backcountry for some skiing or splitboarding
- Learn about pharmacy in the Wild West at the Ouray Alchemist Museum
#LoveTheLoop: For the ultimate frosty retreat, Ouray’s “Stay Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free” is an enticing winter lodging offer among participating properties throughout town.
6. Carbondale – Creative Spirit and Mountain Views
Looking for art and culture? Add some scenic mountain views, and Carbondale is a top choice.
As an official Creative District, Carbondale supports a rich mix of artists, studios, galleries, and creative spaces tucked into a quirky, vibrant small-town base. For a standout experience, head to Steve’s Guitars on a Friday night—live music sounds even better in an intimate listening room (one of the few in the country!) with vintage guitars hanging from the ceiling.
Just outside of town, Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs offers three mineral pools, eclectic lodging options (including moon-lit soaking), a yoga studio, and a cozy, off-grid feel to get the creative juices flowing.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Carbondale
- Grab a craft cocktail at Marble Distillery
- Ice skating at the Rodeo Grounds
- Catch the latest exhibit at Carbondale Arts Gallery
#LoveTheLoop: If you can time it right, Carbondale’s First Fridays are a great way to celebrate and usher in each new month, with live music and local vendors.
7. Glenwood Springs – Rest, Relaxation, and Rejuvenation
Looking for rest and relaxation? Whether you opt for a soak post-adventure (like fat-tire biking on the Rio Grande Trail, winter hiking to Hanging Lake, or snowmobile touring at Sunlight Mountain) or choose to head straight to the healing waters, Glenwood Springs brings comfortable soaking to new heights.
Glenwood Springs is home to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves. Each offers a distinct experience, from the world’s largest hot springs pool to an intimate steam cave. Enjoy libations and adult-only soaking pools at Iron Mountain; revamped jets at Glenwood Hot Springs; spa treatments on-site at Yampah.
New This Winter: Glenwood Springs will soon welcome the Bier Spa, a Bohemian-inspired day spa featuring eight private rooms with beer-infused treatments. Guests can soak in baths crafted with hops, malt, and medicinal herbs, then enjoy craft beers on tap before, during, or after their session. It’s a playful, indulgent new way to unwind between hot springs visits.
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Glenwood Springs
- Sweet Coloradough is a must-stop for craft donut lovers
- Skip the big-resort crowds and enjoy the locally owned Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Grab a ticket to Glenwood Vaudeville Revue’s Holiday show
#LoveTheLoop: Want to experience the magical combination of both staying and soaking at a luxurious, historic property? Book a stay at Hotel 1888, located in the original Stone Bath House at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
8. Steamboat Springs – Shops, Slopes, and Champagne Powder®
Looking for a bustling downtown? Steamboat Springs’ winter scene thrives, with ample shopping, food, and Champagne Powder® snow, loved by visitors and Olympians alike. While Steamboat is world-famous for its skiing, travelers seeking a quieter experience will find the best match in early December or after spring break, during the town’s slower season.
In Steamboat, you’re invited to wander and linger. Downtown has an array of shops to explore, including authentic western wear, outdoor apparel, and gifts, plus an assortment of spots to grab coffee, pick out books, or grab some ice cream and candy. Plus, it’s easier than ever to get from place to place, thanks to the free city-wide bus route offered by the Steamboat Springs Transit Service.
There’s a wide array of dining options spread across Steamboat, like E3 Chophouse, Café Diva, and the Ore House, and craft cocktails and beers are served at Mythology Distillery and Mountain Tap Brewery.
After exploring the bites and shops, it’s recommended to take a rewarding soak in Steamboat’s steamy waters. Old Town Hot Springs is a fun and splash-worthy stop close to town, whereas Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more secluded, rustic, and nature-immersed soak along Hot Spring Creek.
Remember: Please remember 4-wheel drive with snow tires and chains are required to access Strawberry Park Hot Springs from November 1 to May 1. Shuttle services are available!
Mix and Match: Winter Experiences in Steamboat Springs
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride (be sure to bundle up!) at Steamboat Lake Outpost
- Ski and ride at either Steamboat Ski Resort or Howelsen Hill, the oldest operating ski hill in North America
- Catch a show at the Strings Musical Festival, a winter-long series featuring classical, jazz, blues, Americana, country, and youth performances
#LoveTheLoop: Walk the Olympian Heritage Tour with Tread of Pioneers; it’s an Olympic season, and Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympians than any other town in North America!
Soak it In This Winter
Winter in Colorado offers much more than powdery slopes; it’s a mineral-rich destination of connection, discovery, and rejuvenation. The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop ties it all together, linking destinations that celebrate both nature’s beauty and human creativity, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Wherever the road leads, the water waits: hot, healing, and ready to welcome you.
Tag us in your adventures! We would love to see where your hot springs road trip takes you this winter!
@hotspringsloop #HotSpringsLoop #LovetheLoop
