Quick FactsOverview
About Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs, Colorado is a family-run resort on 36 acres along the Crystal River near Redstone in Pitkin County, featuring three tiered natural hot spring pools and accommodations including 13 historic log cabins, shepherd wagons, a tiny house, and a ranch house. The geothermal springs were confirmed in 2008 after geology students noticed warm vents melting snow along the highway. The water is chemical-free, containing 14 dissolved minerals. Pools are open around the clock to overnight guests and available to limited day-pass visitors by reservation, except on Wednesdays.
The pools follow the natural rock formations in a tiered layout along the Crystal River Valley. The largest pool, fed by a three-foot waterfall in front of a rock grotto, runs between 88 and 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The two upper pools run between 103 and 105 degrees. The property sits at 7,000 feet with views across the Crystal River to Mount Sopris at 12,953 feet.
The log cabins date from the 1890s through the 1950s and have been renovated, each with distinct character. Some have woodstoves, clawfoot tubs, and lofts. Avalanche Ranch is a popular hot spring resort near Carbondale, drawing guests for both short stays and longer getaways in the Crystal River Valley between Carbondale and Redstone.
Location & Access
Getting to Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs is at 12863 State Highway 133, Redstone, CO 81623, on the Crystal River about 4 miles north of Redstone village and 12 miles south of Carbondale. The property is directly on Highway 133 and accessible by a standard vehicle year-round. GPS coordinates from the property are 39 degrees 14 minutes 48 seconds North, 107 degrees 14 minutes 12 seconds West.
From Denver, take I-70 west to Glenwood Springs, head south on CO-82 for about 12 miles to Carbondale, then turn south onto CO-133 for approximately 12 miles. The drive takes about three hours from Denver. From Aspen, take CO-82 west to Carbondale and then CO-133 south for about 45 minutes. The nearest commercial airport is Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, roughly 45 miles away. Eagle County Airport is about 57 miles.
A personal vehicle is required; there is no public transit to the property. Free parking is available on site. For visitors seeking hot springs near Carbondale, Avalanche Ranch is the closest resort option on this corridor. Penny Hot Springs, a free public spring on the Crystal River, is about 1.2 miles north on Highway 133. Redstone village and its historic coke ovens are 4 miles south, and the towns of Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen are all within an hour's drive.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs Suits
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs suits families, couples, groups, and solo travelers seeking a relaxed, nature-focused hot spring stay near Redstone. Children are welcome and the property offers amenities including a stocked trout pond, paddleboats, a swing and sandbox, a sledding hill, and a treehouse. Pets are also welcome. The shared hot spring pools make the experience more social than a private-pool retreat, and the range of accommodation from shepherd wagons to a three-bedroom ranch house gives groups a variety of price points.
Day-pass visitors are accommodated by advance reservation, giving travelers not staying overnight a way to use the pools. Overnight guests have around-the-clock pool access except during the Wednesday cleaning window when pools close from approximately 9 a.m. and reopen for overnight guests at 5 p.m. Day passes are not available on Wednesdays. For those looking for family hot springs near Carbondale, the property stands out for its pet-friendly policy, on-site activities for children, and accessible location on Highway 133.
Wheelchair accessibility is not documented by the property; visitors with mobility requirements should contact the ranch directly before booking. The grounds include natural terrain with varied surfaces. Guests who value authenticity, a disconnect from urban settings, and access to wilderness fishing and hiking will find the ranch well matched to their expectations. WiFi is not available in all units, which many guests consider an advantage rather than a limitation.
Safety & Etiquette
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs Safety Tips
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, though the pool temperatures require some awareness. The two upper pools run between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit; the larger lower pool ranges from 88 to 94 degrees. Moving between the upper and lower pools helps manage heat exposure. Spending extended time above 104 degrees can raise core body temperature, so taking breaks and drinking water during a session is advisable, particularly for first-time visitors or on warm days.
People with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, or other health conditions should consult a physician before using hot spring pools. The water at Avalanche Ranch is chemical-free and not chlorinated; it is maintained through weekly draining and refilling every Wednesday. Showering before entering the pools helps preserve water quality for all guests.
The property is at 7,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies, where altitude, UV intensity, and rapid weather changes can affect visitors. Drink more water than usual, especially arriving from lower elevations. Apply sunscreen for poolside time even in cool months. Weather along the Crystal River Valley can shift quickly; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures drop noticeably in the evenings.
The hot spring pools close on Wednesdays from approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for cleaning. Overnight guests may use the pools after 5 p.m. on Wednesdays; day-pass guests are not admitted on Wednesdays. Advance reservations are required for day passes and strongly recommended for cabin stays given consistent demand. Penny Hot Springs, a free public spring on the Crystal River, is about 1.2 miles north on Highway 133.
