Your 2026 guide to fall foliage, hot springs, hiking trails, and autumn events along the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
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 stretches roughly 800 miles through eight distinct destinations: Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Ouray, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Saguache County, and Chaffee County. Along the way, travelers can experience 23 unique hot springs soaking experiences while taking in some of Colorado’s most memorable fall scenery.
Scenic byways connect these eight historic and artsy communities, each with its own mix of outdoor recreation, local culture, and, of course, hot springs. In the fall, the drive becomes part of the adventure as the route moves through changing elevations, golden aspen groves, and dramatically different landscapes from one destination to the next.
Picture it: Wind over mountain passes with alpine views opening around every turn. Drive through golden aspen forests, striking geologic formations, and landscapes shaped by Colorado’s national parks and monuments. (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.
And few things pair better with a geothermal soak than a day spent outside. Fall hiking puts you right in the middle of Colorado’s changing colors, while cooler temperatures make September and October especially appealing months to explore the Loop on foot. Because foliage timing varies by elevation and destination, the route also gives travelers the chance to follow the color as the season progresses.
Below, we’re pairing each stop on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop with favorite fall hikes, distinctive soaking experiences, and seasonal events worth adding to your itinerary.
Fall in Love With the Loop: Colorado Hot Springs, Fall Foliage, & Hiking Trails
8 must-visit destinations with scenic trails and relaxing soaking spots.
1. Steamboat Springs – Relax in a Friendly Western Ambiance
Fall brings a beautiful shift to the Yampa Valley, where Steamboat Springs pairs western character and abundant outdoor recreation with two very different ways to soak. The historic hot springs are part of the reason this community developed in the first place. Old Town Hot Springs is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, while Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits outside town in a wooded setting, offering a more nature-focused experience along Strawberry Creek.
See The Colors: Best Fall Hikes 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, respect their personal bubble and keep a respectful distance.
Pair your fall visit with OktoberWest on September 11 and 12, 2026, for Steamboat’s Western take on Oktoberfest. Food lovers can return October 1 through 4 for the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival, which brings chefs, winemakers, tastings, and special dinners together throughout town.
2. Glenwood Springs – Play in The Land of Water
For some leaf-peeping later in the season, Glenwood Springs is situated 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 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 completely different geothermal experience, 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 19th to October 10th. 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. Set beneath Mount Sopris and designated as a Colorado Creative District, Carbondale combines a strong local arts scene with easy access to the trails and landscapes of the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys.
Just up the road from the town, nestled in the beautiful Crystal River Valley, sits Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, a family-owned retreat with 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 First Friday. The whole town comes alive with music, food, art, and festivities. On October 2nd, First Friday gets an autumn twist with the annual Harvest Party, featuring live music, food trucks, extended shop and gallery hours, and festive activities throughout downtown. And for those who come in September, pick up some local produce from the Farmer’s Market, which happens every Wednesday until September 30th. Or, join in some local historic fun and check out the 117th Annual Potato Days Festival on October 3rd.
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. After time on the trail, Ouray gives travelers four distinct geothermal experiences to choose from.
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
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 a 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,” Durango brings western heritage, Victorian architecture, college-town energy, and a strong arts and dining scene to this stretch of the Loop. Located just 8 miles north of downtown, Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers 40 unique water features and a variety of soaking experiences, with both family-friendly and adult-only soaking areas set against the mountain landscape. And, with Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan National Forest nearby, there is no shortage of ways to spend an autumn day outside.
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 Durango Autumn Arts Festival on September 19 and 20, 2026. The downtown festival brings fine artists and craftspeople to East Second Avenue for a weekend of art, food, and live entertainment. Then, from September 30 through October 4, the Durango Cowboy Gathering celebrates western heritage through music, poetry, storytelling, and community events.
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, the famous Springs Resort & Spa, which offers more than 50 soaking experiences, including hot spring pools, cold river plunges, and a steam grotto along the San Juan River. Each soaking spot offers a different way to experience Pagosa’s geothermal waters against the colors of the season.
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.
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!)
The hot springs are every bit as varied as the landscape. Enjoy a mineral-rich soak at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, where the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains set the scene. 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.
8. Chaffee County (Buena Vista, Salida) – 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. The communities of Buena Vista, Nathrop, and Salida also offer one of the widest ranges of geothermal experiences on the Loop, making it easy to pair a day of fall sightseeing or hiking with a soak that fits your travel style.
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.
Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens offers public geothermal pools along with a tropical indoor garden, while nearby Merrifield Homestead Cabins & Hot Springs offers a more private overnight soaking experience along Cottonwood Creek. 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 mountain soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa. The variety makes Chaffee County especially appealing for travelers who want to experience several different styles of soaking in one destination.
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. That preparation protects both you and the landscapes you came to experience.
For a multi-sport mountain festival, plan your visit around 14er Fest, September 25 through 27, 2026, when Buena Vista hosts hiking, mountain biking, running, climbing, fishing, and off-road events focused on outdoor recreation and trail stewardship. The Salida Farmers Market continues on Saturdays through October 24, giving fall travelers another reason to spend time downtown. Mount Princeton also hosts seasonal programming throughout the year, so check the resort calendar before your trip.
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. Fall is a popular season across Colorado, and many hot springs on the Loop accept or require reservations. Check individual properties before you travel so your preferred soaking stops are ready when you arrive.
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!
Tag us in your adventures! We would love to see where your hot springs road trip takes you this fall!
@hotspringsloop #HotSpringsLoop #LovetheLoop
