Quick FactsOverview
About Charlotte Hot Springs
Charlotte Hot Springs, Colorado is a boutique geothermal resort set on 60 acres in Chaffee County, approximately 5 miles west of Buena Vista along County Road 343. The property was developed by the Merrifield family, whose history in the Buena Vista area traces back to 1875. The resort is named after the founder's grandmother and opened its pools to the public in late 2023.
The resort features three outdoor soaking pools ranging from roughly twelve by twelve to sixteen by sixteen feet, each held at a different temperature and filled with geothermal water sourced on site. The water is non-sulfurous and free of the strong odor found at many mineral springs. Adjacent to the pools is an indoor botanical garden, housed in a polycarbonate greenhouse heated by the same geothermal water. The garden contains tropical plants, fish, reptiles, and resident macaw parrots, giving the visit an element found at no other hot springs in Colorado of similar boutique scale.
Charlotte sits along Cottonwood Creek at the base of the Sawatch Range, with Collegiate Peaks visible from the soaking area. The resort is positioned as an intimate alternative to the larger facilities near Buena Vista, and its small pool count and landscaped grounds create a notably calm environment throughout the year.
Location & Access
Getting to Charlotte Hot Springs
Charlotte Hot Springs is located at 19256 County Road 343, approximately 5 miles west of downtown Buena Vista. Visitors drive west from Buena Vista toward Cottonwood Pass, following County Road 343 until the property entrance, which is adjacent to Merrifield's Greenhouses as a visible landmark. The access road has both paved and dirt sections, but all standard vehicles can reach the site without difficulty. No hiking, four-wheel drive, or special clearance is required.
Buena Vista is reached from Denver via US-285 South in approximately 2 hours, or from Colorado Springs via US-24 West in under 2 hours. On-site parking is available at the resort. There is no public transportation serving this location, so visitors should plan to arrive by private vehicle. In winter, checking road conditions before driving is a reasonable precaution, though the route is generally passable for standard cars during most of the year.
For travelers looking for hot springs near Buena Vista, Charlotte is one of the most accessible public resort options to the town center and well suited to a half-day or full-day visit. The broader Buena Vista and Nathrop area offers several other hot springs resorts, making it practical for a multi-stop trip. Current operating hours vary slightly between summer and winter seasons, so visitors should confirm hours before arriving.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Charlotte Hot Springs
Charlotte Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors, including families with children, couples, and individuals looking for a quieter and more intimate hot springs experience. The facility is family-friendly with swimsuits required at all times, creating a comfortable environment for guests of all ages. The three pools hold varying temperatures, giving visitors the option to move between cooler and warmer water during a single visit.
The resort has documented ADA-compliant features, including accessible parking, an ADA-compliant main entrance, accessible restrooms, and handicapped-friendly pathways to and between all soaking pools. For those seeking accessible hot springs in Colorado with formally verified mobility infrastructure at a small boutique scale, Charlotte is one of the few options of this type in the region. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the resort before visiting to confirm current access conditions.
The pools are small and intimate, suited to guests who prefer a peaceful environment over large public swimming areas. The non-sulfurous geothermal water is comfortable for visitors with sensitivities to mineral spring odors. The included botanical garden, which is also open to the public separately for donations, adds a distinctive element that goes beyond the typical hot springs visit. A local punch pass program is available for Chaffee County residents who visit regularly. The resort also offers two private cabins with on-site soaking pools for guests who prefer an overnight stay.
Safety & Etiquette
Charlotte Hot Springs Safety Tips
Charlotte Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, with pools kept clean and inspected by resort staff. Visitors should follow standard hot springs safety practices: drink water before and during the visit, limit continuous time in hotter pools, and exit the water if they feel lightheaded or overheated. The resort sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation, where dehydration and sun exposure can occur more quickly than at lower altitudes, so extra attention to hydration is recommended for all guests.
Swimsuits are required at all times in the pool area. There are no clothing-optional sessions at this facility. Changing rooms with showers are available on site, and towel and locker rentals are available for a small fee. Guests should shower before entering the pools, which is standard practice at managed mineral spring facilities and helps maintain water quality throughout the day.
The soaking pools are enclosed by a privacy fence that preserves a quiet atmosphere while leaving mountain views open. The resort atmosphere is calm and the pools are small enough that each group's behavior directly affects other guests. Loud behavior, rough play in the pools, and disruptive music are not appropriate in this setting. Guests should conduct themselves with consideration for others at all times.
Families should supervise children at all times near the pool areas. No lifeguard is on duty at any time. Photography policies may apply in certain areas, so guests should follow all posted signage. The botanical garden is open to the public with donations accepted, and visitors are encouraged to explore it before or after their soak. All guests should verify current operating hours before visiting, as winter hours are slightly shorter than summer hours.
