Your 2025 Colorado Autumn Adventure starts here
It’s no secret that Colorado is famous for its autumn colors; after all, it’s called Colorful Colorado for a reason. This picturesque state takes on a stunning golden glow as aspen groves show off their vibrant fall foliage, with accented bursts of fiery reds, warm oranges, and hints of deep pine greens scattered across the mountains.
Colorado is also home to America’s Most Relaxing Road Trip, and when you travel it during this particular time of year, you’re in for a spectacular treat. The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop offers you a stunning and unique adventure through 8 destination mountain towns: Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Ouray, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Saguache County, and Chaffee County.
Scenic byways connect these eight historic and artsy communities, each with its own abundance of outdoor recreation, local culture, and, of course, hot springs.
Picture it: Traverse winding roads over mountain passes with stunning alpine views, take in the varying landscape as you drive by striking geologic formations, vibrant aspen forests, and several National Parks. (Read More about the stops along the Loop). After a day on the road, you arrive at your destination for a delicious meal, a leisurely stroll through a charming downtown, and a cozy place to rest before the next day’s adventures.
Now, we know that a geothermal soak always feels better after being a little active. And, what better way to take in the fall foliage than being immersed in it? Here are the best times to enjoy the colors along the loop, paired with recommended hikes and some fun autumn events in each destination.
Fall in Love With the Loop: Colorado Hot Springs and Trails You’ll Love
8 must-visit destinations with scenic trails, relaxing soaking spots, and exciting events!
1. Steamboat Springs – Relax in a Friendly Western Ambiance
With colors peaking in October, Steamboat Springs is known for its welcoming atmosphere, abundance of outdoor recreation, and it is home to two relaxing soaking spots. In fact, the historic hot springs is one of the main reasons why this town exists today. Old Town Hot Springs is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, while Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits on the edge of the Yampah Valley and offers a more rural experience, allowing visitors to soak closer to nature.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Steamboat Springs
- Easy: Spring Creek Trail
- Moderate: Emerald Mountain
- Challenging: Flash of Gold on Buffalo Pass
#LoveTheLoop: If you happen to see any wildlife while you’re out exploring, be mindful of their personal bubble and keep a respectful distance.
Pair your visit with either the OktoberWest Beer Fest on September 5th-6th or the Steamboat Food and Wine Fest on October 2nd-5th.
2. Glenwood Springs – Play in The Land of Water
For some leaf-peeping later in the season, Glenwood Springs sits at a lower elevation than other mountain towns, which means the colors will last well into the second half of October. Home to the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool, this destination offers three unique geothermal experiences. The Glenwood Hot Springs, with its famous “Big” pool, has been rejuvenating soakers since 1888 and offers hours of family fun with the Sopris Splash Zone. For a soak with river views, head over to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, where you can find your perfect temperature among the terraced pools that overlook the Colorado River. Or, for a real treat, head down into the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves to experience underground steam baths in a natural cave setting.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Glenwood Springs
- Easy: Doc Holliday’s Grave
- Moderate: Mitchell Creek Trail
- Challenging: Hanging Lake
#LoveTheLoop: Did you know you need a permit to hike up to Hanging Lake? There are spectacular things to see along the loop, but for the best possible experience, always do your research before you head out.
Take in the colorful landscape with a gondola ride up to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for their Octoberfest, which runs for four Saturdays from September 20th to October 11th. Or, for a unique fall activity, check out the annual Ghost Walk at Linwood Cemetery, hosted by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society.
3. Carbondale – Explore a Designated Colorado Creative District
While Mother Nature is painting the mountains with autumn colors, head to the artsy town of Carbondale. With a chill mountain town vibe, this stop on the Loop invites you to relax both in the hot springs and out. Just up the road from the town, nestled in the beautiful Crystal River Valley, sits Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, which is a family-owned resort that has three mineral-rich pools, stunning views, and unique lodging options (have you ever stayed in a covered wagon?).
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Carbondale
- Easy: The Lorax Trail
- Moderate: Mushroom Rock on Red Hill Recreation Area
- Challenging: Thomas Lake (or make it all the way to the top of Mt. Sopris)
#LoveTheLoop: Seeing a dog on the trails often brings a smile to everyone’s face, but not so much when all you see are their droppings left on the side of the trail. So be sure to bring your doggie bags and clean up after them on the trails, and yes, that means taking the full bags with you.
If you visit at the beginning of the month, be sure to check out their First Friday event. The whole town comes alive with music, food, and festivities. And for those who come in September, get some local produce from the Farmer’s Market, which happens every Wednesday until September 24th. Or join in some local historic fun and check out the 116th Annual Potato Day Festival on October 4th.
4. Ouray – Visit the Switzerland of America
You know you’re on your way to something spectacular when the road that takes you there is called the “Million Dollar Highway.” With over 300 miles of hiking trails, Ouray is a hiker’s paradise, boasting dramatic peaks that rival those of the Swiss Alps. During the fall season, the landscape is rich in color. We promise, you’ll never want to put your camera down as you venture out into the wilderness. And, after a day in the backcountry, head to one of their four geothermal soaking spots.
Relax and take in the colorful views of the San Juan Mountains at Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs, or head to Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center for some added family fun. Soak and stargaze as an overnight guest at Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, where you have 24-hour access to the pools. Or, head to Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings for a European-style spa with geothermal pools and vapor caves.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Ouray
- Easy: Uncompahgre River Walk Trail
- Moderate: Ouray Perimeter Trail
- Challenging: Silvershield Trail to Twin Peaks
#LoveTheLoop: You won’t want to leave the golden paradise of the aspen groves, but there’s no need to leave your permanent mark. The trees don’t need (or want) your autograph. When exploring out in Colorful Colorado, be sure to always leave nature as you found it.
Pair your visit with an historical tour at The Beaumont Hotel, or for those with kiddos, visit on Halloween and partake in Trick-or-Treat Street.
5. Durango – Journey into a Wonderland of Adventure
Located on the other side of the “Million Dollar Highway,” a visit to Durango will bring you down into an artsy western community with a fun college mountain town vibe. Located just 8 miles north of downtown, Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers 40 unique water features and a variety of soaking experiences, all set with a mountainous backdrop of golden autumn views in every direction. And, with Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan National Forest nearby, you’re in for an epic autumn adventure.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Durango
- Easy: Haviland Lake
- Moderate: Horse Gulch Trail System
- Challenging: Weminuche Wilderness Trail Systems
#LoveTheLoop: When looking out over the autumn hues, the mountains look like they are ablaze with color, which is the only blaze we want. With Colorado’s dry climate, it’s vital to be extra cautious of fire danger; just one small spark can harm the entire landscape.
Add an artistic excursion to your road trip with the Autumn Arts Festival, taking place from September 20th to 21st, which features live music, local food, and showcases over 100 artistic booths. Or, add in a western celebration with the Durango Cowboy Gathering from October 1st-4th, which celebrates the heritage, heart, and history of the American West.
6. Pagosa Springs – Heal with the Mother Spring
With 2.5 million acres of wilderness and national forest, this next stop has endless leaf-peeping opportunities. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, you’ll find Pagosa Springs, home to the world’s deepest recorded geothermal aquifer, The Mother Spring, which provides geothermal water to three hot springs resorts. Take the family to Healing Waters Resort & Spa or enjoy a unique roof-top soaking experience at Overlook Hot Springs Spa. And, of course, there is the famous Springs Resort & Spa, which has over 50 hot spring pools, cold river plunges, a waterfall, and a steam grotto. Each soaking spot offers stunning fall views and healing geothermal minerals.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Pagosa Springs
- Easy: Treasure Falls or Reservoir Hill
- Moderate: Opal Lake or Piedra River Trail
- Challenging: Quartz Lake Trail
#LoveTheLoop: Ever found the perfect spot on a trail to take a break and enjoy a snack, only to find someone else’s trash left behind? It ruins the moment. So, don’t be that person; instead, enjoy your snack and pack your trash out with you.
Ever looked up at the birds and wished you could see the colors from their point of view? Well, during Pagosa’s Colorfest, you can! Take in the sweeping autumn landscape from a hot air balloon on September 19th-21st. There will be hot air balloon rides, a food & wine festival, live music, food trucks, craft beer, and even a Balloon Glow. For those who want to continue to marvel at nature on foot, follow Visit Pagosa on Facebook and/or Instagram for live color updates.
7. Saguache County – Soak in Paradise
A visit to Saguache County will be unlike any other trip you’ve had; it’s a true one-of-a-kind experience. Framed by the majestic San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains, this area is home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the state’s first designated International Dark Sky Community, and many historical sites along the Old Spanish Trail. (Not to mention, a Gator Farm and a UFO-watchtower…we meant it when we said, one-of-a-kind!)
Enjoy a mood-boosting soak at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, aptly named due to the high concentration of naturally occurring lithium in the geothermal water—a mineral known to elevate mood and produce feelings of happiness and peace. For a unique greenhouse soaking experience, visit Sand Dunes Recreation, or if you’ve got the family in tow, check out Splashland Hot Springs for a classic, fun-filled afternoon. For those seeking a secluded soak, book a reservation at Valley View Hot Springs, a peaceful hot springs intentionally designed to be uncrowded.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Saguache County
- Easy: Penitente Canyon
- Intermediate: Zapata Falls in the Sand Dunes National Park
- Challenging: Crestone Peak Trail
#LoveTheLoop: This article is about hiking, but there are many biking trails along the Loop too! Be sure to share the trails with those who are taking in the colors in different ways, and always yield to uphill hikers or bikers.
Time your visit to line up with either the Fall Festival and Art Show on September 20th or the Crestone Artists Open Studio Tour on October 4th and 5th for an immersive experience in the local artistic scene.
8. Chaffee County – Experience the Heart of the Rocky Mountains
Home to the highest density of 14,000-foot mountains in the state, Chaffee County has the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, which means towering peaks and sweeping colors in every direction. Home to five unique soaking spots, there are a variety of relaxing experiences to have after a day of sightseeing. For a wide variety of geothermal soaking experiences, including in-river hot springs, a lazy river, an infinity pool, and even a 700-foot-long water slide, head over to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.
Merrifield Homestead Cabins & Charlotte Hot Springs offers both private and public soaking experiences by the banks of Cottonwood Creek in the Gunnison National Forest, and the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is home to the largest indoor hot springs pool in the nation. You can also take in the colors from a cabin and private pool at Antero Hot Springs Cabins, or enjoy a secluded and mystical soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, which is renowned for its therapeutic and restorative atmosphere.
See The Colors: Fall Hiking Trails We Love in Chaffee County
- Easy: Brown’s Creek Waterfall
- Moderate: Ptarmigan Lake
- Challenging: Choose one of fifteen stunning 14ers! (Mount Huron is a popular intermediate choice).
#LoveTheLoop: Getting to explore one of the famous Colorado 14ers is an unforgettable experience, so make it a good one! The best way to do that is to ensure you’re prepared to handle the adventure ahead. Always do your research, pack accordingly, and stick to the designated trails—this is both for your safety and that of the wildlife.
For a multi-sport mountain festival, plan your soak around 14er Fest on September 26th-28th. And, until October 25th, you can enjoy local produce on Saturdays at the Salida Farmers Market. Also, Mount Princeton hosts a variety of events, like Sunset Soundbaths, so be sure to check out the resort and see what’s happening.
Love The Loop
The Loop is loved by locals and visitors alike, which is why it’s important for us to all do our part in taking care of it. When planning your trip, be sure to check out the Care for Colorado principles for best practices on the trail and out in the wilderness. This is a popular time to visit, and many of the hot springs along the Loop take reservations, so to ensure you can always enjoy a soak at your desired hot springs, plan ahead and call in advance.
No matter where you visit on the Loop this season, you’ll find stunning views with beautiful colors as you soak in the geothermal magic of Colorado’s healing minerals.
Tag us in your adventures! We would love to see where your hot springs road trip takes you this fall!
@hotspringsloop #HotSpringsLoop #LovetheLoop
