Quick FactsOverview
About Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Colorado is a paid year-round hot spring spa at 28640 County Road 58EE in Moffat, in the San Luis Valley approximately 30 miles south of Salida. Three gravity-fed artesian pools contain 100 percent natural mineral water with no chemicals added. Pool temperatures are maintained at 98, 104, and 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The source water emerges at 120 to 140 degrees and cools in the pools. The water is lower in sulphur than many Colorado hot springs and has no noticeable odor, and is higher in lithium.
The property includes hotel rooms, heated yurts, tipis, RV sites, and tent camping. Overnight guests receive complimentary pool access plus daily breakfast and a light evening meal. Day-use visitors can soak for a fee. Spa services including massage, facials, body wraps, and reflexology are available. The property also has yoga classes, retreats, a dry sauna, a labyrinth walk, and a greenhouse garden.
The springs were formerly known as Mineral Hot Springs. The San Luis Valley location gives sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 40 minutes away, and the town of Crestone is about 30 minutes away. Joyful Journey sits along CO-17 and is a convenient stop for visitors exploring hot springs near Salida and the San Luis Valley corridor.
Location & Access
Getting to Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Joyful Journey Hot Springs is at 28640 County Road 58EE, Moffat, CO 81143, on Highway 17 one mile south of the Highway 285 junction. From Salida, drive south on US-285 approximately 30 miles to the CO-17 junction near Moffat, then south on CO-17 for about one mile. The resort entrance is on the right. The drive takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes. From Alamosa, drive north on CO-17 approximately 45 miles.
From Denver, take US-285 south through Fairplay and Buena Vista and continue to the CO-17 junction, a drive of approximately 3 hours. From Colorado Springs, take US-50 west to Poncha Springs then US-285 south to the CO-17 junction, roughly 2.5 hours. The address is in Moffat, but the nearest town with fuel and services is Center or Moffat itself, both small San Luis Valley communities. Filling up in Salida before departing is advisable.
The resort is well-signed and accessible by standard 2WD vehicle on paved roads. Parking is available on site. Reservations are recommended for lodging, spa services, and yoga retreats, though day-use soaking typically accepts walk-ins. For visitors planning to explore hot springs near Salida, Joyful Journey is one of the more accessible options in the San Luis Valley, located one mile off a major highway and requiring no dirt road travel. The pools are drained, cleaned, and refilled nightly, so morning visitors will find freshly filled pools.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Joyful Journey Hot Springs Suits
Joyful Journey Hot Springs suits adults and families looking for a relaxed, wellness-oriented hot spring experience in a remote but accessible mountain valley setting. The resort is family-friendly and pet-friendly, with an on-site self-service kennel available for guests with dogs. The three pool temperatures at 98, 104, and 108 degrees allow visitors to choose a soaking temperature that suits their preference and tolerance. Swimwear is required in all pool areas.
The property's mix of accommodation types makes it well suited to solo travelers, couples, and small groups with varying budget preferences. The yurts are heated and fully furnished, offering comfort in all seasons. Hotel rooms have private bathrooms. Overnight guests benefit from included meals and unlimited pool access, making the overall cost reasonable for a multi-day stay. The spa services, yoga classes, and retreats make it appealing to visitors looking for natural hot springs in Colorado combined with wellness programming rather than just day soaking.
The natural mineral water is free of sulphur odor and is reportedly higher in lithium, which the property associates with a notably relaxed soaking atmosphere. The pools are cleaned nightly. Bathing suits and towels can be rented on site. The labyrinth walk and greenhouse garden add to the experience for those interested in the broader grounds. Tuesday soak specials and full moon music and yoga events are offered periodically. Day-use visitors are welcome without a reservation for pool access.
Safety & Etiquette
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Safety Tips
Joyful Journey Hot Springs is generally safe for most visitors. The three pool temperatures of 98, 104, and 108 degrees cover a range from comfortably warm to near the upper limits recommended for safe soaking. The 108-degree pool exceeds the 104-degree threshold associated with elevated heat risk. Visitors should test each pool before entering and limit time in the hottest pool, particularly on a first visit or for those unaccustomed to high temperatures.
The mineral water is 100 percent natural with no chemicals added. The pools are drained and completely refilled each night. Showering before entering is standard practice. People with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a physician before using pools above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The property is in the San Luis Valley at approximately 7,600 feet. The combination of altitude and warm water soaking can accelerate dehydration. Drinking water regularly throughout the visit is important. The nearest medical facilities are in Salida, roughly 35 to 40 minutes north. Arriving with a full tank of fuel is advisable as local services are limited.
The dry sauna and cold plunge on site are additional heat and contrast features; standard caution applies to extended sauna use for guests with health conditions. The property is pet-friendly with an on-site kennel, but dogs are kept away from pool areas. Children are welcome and the resort is family-friendly; parents should supervise children near pools at all times.
