Scenic drives, outdoor adventure, and geothermal soaking along this iconic road trip.
There is something especially lovely about Colorado in the spring. Nature is waking up, new growth is happening, the wildflowers are beginning to bloom; it’s a season of transition, and for travelers with some flexibility, that transition creates a rare window. Before summer crowds fill the trailheads, the hot springs, and the downtown restaurants, there’s a stretch of weeks when the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop belongs almost entirely to those who know to show up early.
Named the “Most Relaxing Road Trip in North America,” the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop connects eight distinct destinations: Chaffee County, Saguache County, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Ouray, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Steamboat Springs. Each stop brings its own mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and, of course, geothermal soaking!
Spring is also a great time to build outdoor activity into the drive. While some higher-elevation trails may still be muddy, this is a great season to enjoy a scenic road ride, a river walk, or a trail close to town before settling into the springs for a soak. For travelers looking to enjoy Colorado before the summer pace sets in, this season offers one of the most rewarding times to go.
Whether you are mapping out the full Loop or planning a shorter getaway, here is how to make the most of spring on the route.
1. Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs has long been defined by the water that runs through it. The Ute people named this place “Pagosah,” or “healing waters,” and that connection still shapes the town today. Set in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs blends outdoor adventure, a walkable downtown, and a world-famous geothermal experience.
Pagosa Springs offers lovely early-season walking trails and hiking routes, with mountain biking and gravel riding opportunities expanding as Forest Service trails begin to open. Afterward, travelers can choose from the many geothermal pools and riverfront setting at The Springs Resort & Spa, to the historic charm of Overlook Hot Springs Spa, or the laid-back feel of Healing Waters Resort & Spa.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Walk the San Juan Riverwalk, a paved route through downtown that follows the river and keeps the day feeling easy to navigate
- Head to Reservoir Hill for spring hiking and sweeping views right above town
- Explore Turkey Springs for a longer trail outing if conditions are favorable during your visit
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2. Durango
Durango adds another dimension to the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, pairing western heritage and Victorian architecture with a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It is a destination where time outside and time downtown go hand in hand, making it easy to build a full spring day before heading to the hot springs.
Scenic road routes outside of town offer a beautiful way to take in the valley before summer traffic picks up, while Main Avenue gives travelers plenty to enjoy once the ride is over. After time outside, a soak at Hot Springs Resort + Spa is the perfect next stop, followed by dinner downtown, a walk along the Animas River Trail, or time enjoying the town’s historic character, maybe even stopping in a saloon or two.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Ride the Baker’s Bridge Loop for a scenic spring ride through the Animas Valley
- For a shorter ride option, try the Lake Nighthorse and Wildcat Canyon Loop for beautiful canyon views
- Spend time on Main Avenue after your ride, exploring downtown before heading to the springs
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3. Ouray
Reached by way of the Million Dollar Highway and surrounded by steep mountain walls, Ouray is one of the most visually striking stops on the Loop. Their Main Street is part of a National Historic District, and the town’s mining past still shapes the visiting experience, from the historic buildings downtown to the mountain roads and trails that now draw hikers, wilderness seekers, and scenic drivers to the area.
The setting feels dramatic in every direction, and spring is a great time to experience Ouray, whether that means a walk close to town or a ride through the surrounding landscape. Afterward, visitors can choose from several distinct soaking experiences, from the classic setting of Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center to the lodge-style experience at Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs and Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, or the historic charm of Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Walk the Uncompahgre River Walk for river views, waterfalls, and mountain scenery close to town
- Ride County Road 17 between Ouray and Ridgway for a more relaxed cycling option with ranchland and river views
- Take on County Road 361 if you are looking for a steeper, more challenging ride in a dramatic setting
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4. Glenwood Springs
Home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, Glenwood Springs has long been one of the state’s most famous geothermal destinations. Between its iconic soaking experiences, lively downtown, and access to rivers, trails, and canyon scenery, it offers a perfect mix of recreation and relaxation.
From the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and nearby hiking to recreation along the water, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a spring day. Afterward, travelers can choose from three distinct soaking experiences, from the historic appeal of Glenwood Hot Springs Pool to the terraced mineral pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs or the distinctive underground experience at Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Pick up the Rio Grande Trail corridor for a scenic ride through the Roaring Fork Valley
- Bike the Atkinson Canal Trail for a paved outing close to town along the Roaring Fork River
- Enjoy a scenic ride on the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path (Please note, due to weather and canyon conditions, this path is not always open. Be sure to check before heading out.)
These are the best roadbiking options, this destination has many hiking options tie in… earlier spring session. These are gente biking and walking options.
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5. Carbondale
Set at the base of Mount Sopris, Carbondale brings together mountain views, creative energy, and a strong sense of local character. As one of Colorado’s designated Creative Districts, it’s known for its artists, studios, galleries, and community events. For travelers who enjoy a small town with a big personality, this is a spot to visit.
In the spring, the trails and paths around Carbondale offer a great way to enjoy the setting before spending time downtown among the galleries, shops, and local restaurants. Just up the road, Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs offers a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path soaking experience, giving travelers a unique way to end the afternoon. (Soaking tip: Avalanche Ranch is by reservation only, so be sure to call and schedule in advance.)
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Explore the Crystal Trail for a scenic outing with views of the Crystal River and surrounding peaks
- Spend time on the Rio Grande Trail, which runs through the Roaring Fork Valley and connects Aspen to Glenwood Springs
- Take a morning hike up to Mushroom Rock to see the town and Mount Sopris from a whole new angle
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6. Steamboat Springs
Known as Bike Town USA, this mountain town has long been a destination for riders. Paired with its laid-back western atmosphere, a lively downtown, and two historic hot springs, it’s a perfect Spring stop along the Loop.
Road biking is one of the best ways to experience Steamboat this season, with scenic routes that range from approachable valley rides to longer loops through ranchland and open country. After time on the road, travelers can choose between a soak right in town at Old Town Hot Springs or the more secluded setting of Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Ride the River Road Loops for a scenic and approachable outing through the valley
- Choose the Stagecoach Loop for a longer ride with more mileage and a longer day on the bike
- Take on Elk River Road for a more wide-open ride, with flexible distance options and beautiful countryside the whole way
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7. Chaffee County: Buena Vista, Nathrop, and Salida
With the Collegiate Peaks as their backdrop, these towns are known for their welcoming and creative spirit and great access to the outdoors. Salida, Colorado’s first designated Creative District, brings galleries, public art, and a lively downtown into the mix, while Buena Vista offers its own blend of scenic beauty and laid-back charm.
This time of year, the valley opens up beautifully, and road biking offers a great way to take in the landscape. After a ride, travelers have plenty of ways to settle into the region’s soaking culture, whether that means the resort-style experience at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, the tucked-away calm of Cottonwood Hot Springs, the classic appeal of Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, the private retreat of Antero Hot Springs Cabins, or the relaxing setting of Charlotte Hot Springs and Merrifield Homestead Cabins.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Ride the Centerville Loop near Salida for a scenic spring spin with expansive views of the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo ranges
- Bike to the springs on the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Loop from Buena Vista for a ride that pairs time outdoors with a relaxing stop for a soak
- Opt for the Buena Vista Short Loop if you want a shorter ride that still gets you out into the valley
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8. Saguache County
A visit to Saguache County offers a very different kind of Colorado escape. Framed by the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, this stretch of the Loop is known for its wide-open landscapes, dark skies, and unmistakable sense of remoteness. It’s also home to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, historic sites along the Old Spanish Trail, and a few unexpected roadside attractions that only add to its one-of-a-kind character, from the Colorado Gators Reptile Park to the UFO Watchtower.
Spring is an especially good time to experience Saguache County because there is so much to explore across the region, from the Sand Dunes to scenic small towns and wide-open backroads. While biking options here tend to be more rugged and route-based than destination-based, they offer an adventurous way to take in the landscape for those looking to spend part of the day on the bike. After time outside, travelers can choose the kind of soak that best fits their mood, whether that means the uplifting waters of Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, the greenhouse setting at Sand Dunes Recreation, the nostalgic appeal of Splashland Hot Springs, or the secluded calm of Valley View Hot Springs.
Where to Soak Up the Sun and Get Outside This Spring:
- Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for a spring outing that feels unlike anywhere else on the Loop
- Ride a segment of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route between Saguache and Del Norte for a mixed-surface outing through the county’s wide-open landscape
- For a longer challenge, explore part of the Great Divide Overland North Route and take in even more of Saguache County’s expansive terrain
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What makes this trip so memorable is not only the scenery or the springs, but the variety along the way. One stop might call for a ride through the valley, another for an afternoon spent wandering downtown, and another for a soak that ends up being the highlight of the day. By the time you reach the final stop, that becomes the real appeal of the Loop: each destination offers its own distinct version of Colorado. Some feel more creative, some more remote, some more historic, and each offers its own balance of outdoor adventure and restorative hot springs experiences.
Together, they create one unforgettable road trip.
Share Your Experience With Us!
We would love to see your spring experiences along the Loop. Please tag us @cohotspringsloop to share your adventures with us.
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