Quick FactsOverview
About Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs, Colorado is a free primitive warm spring on the Colorado River in Grand County, on BLM land approximately 15 miles southwest of Kremmling. The rock-lined soaking pool sits on a ledge midway up a sheer canyon wall, accessed by descending a 50-foot rock chimney via footholds and handholds. The pool is approximately 10 by 18 feet, around 2 feet deep with a sandy bottom, and holds about 10 to 20 people. Source water is approximately 97 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling to around 80 to 97 degrees in the pool. Open year-round with no permit required. Dogs welcome on leash.
The spring sits within the BLM Radium Recreation Area. The previous access trail via Mugrage Campground on Radium Road closed in 2020 when Colorado Parks and Wildlife shut that site to protect critical wildlife habitat. The BLM developed a replacement trailhead on Warm Springs Road, 0.9 miles from its junction with Trough Road. The hike is approximately 0.75 miles with a steep climb to a plateau, then a descent to the canyon wall pool.
The springs are among the closest free wild hot springs to Denver at roughly two to two and a half hours by car, and draw large crowds from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Location & Access
Getting to Radium Hot Springs
Access is via the BLM Warm Springs Road trailhead, 0.9 miles down Warm Springs Road from its junction with Trough Road (County Road 1). From Kremmling, take CO-9 south approximately two miles to Trough Road, then drive west approximately 12 miles to the Warm Springs Road junction. Turn right and continue 0.9 miles to the trailhead parking area. No parking is permitted on Radium Road or County Road 11 between County Road 1 and Radium Recreation Area.
From the west on CO-131 near State Bridge, take County Road 1 east approximately 11 miles to the Warm Springs Road turnoff. From Denver, drive approximately two to two and a half hours via I-70 west, CO-9 north through Silverthorne and Kremmling, then Trough Road west. Trough Road dirt sections are passable by standard vehicles; Warm Springs Road in winter may require higher clearance. The springs can also be reached by raft or kayak on the Colorado River during summer.
The hike begins with a steep short climb to a plateau, follows a flat rim trail north along the river, then descends steeply to the spring pool on the canyon wall, approximately 0.75 miles one way. Dispersed camping at the parking area and nearby BLM sites is free. The surrounding Colorado River corridor offers commercial rafting, fishing, and additional trails.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Radium Hot Springs Suits
Radium Hot Springs suits adventurous adults and older children who are comfortable with a short but steep and exposed hike down a rock chimney to reach the pool. The descent requires using footholds and handholds on a 50-foot section of rock wall; this is the primary barrier to access and makes the site unsuitable for young children, those with mobility limitations, or anyone uncomfortable with steep unassisted climbing. Once at the pool, the setting is a flat ledge alongside the Colorado River. The pool is shallow and warm rather than hot, making it accessible to most people in terms of temperature.
The warm, uncrowded vibe of the pool on weekdays contrasts sharply with summer weekends and peak rafting season, when commercial groups, campers, and day visitors converge. Those seeking solitude should visit midweek, in the early morning, or outside the Memorial Day through Labor Day peak. Clothing is optional at the springs, which is the informal norm at most primitive Colorado hot springs in remote BLM settings. Dogs are welcome and must be leashed; they are not permitted in the pool.
No facilities exist at the spring itself. The BLM Warm Springs Road trailhead has no restroom. The surrounding BLM land offers free dispersed camping for those extending their visit. The springs pair naturally with Colorado River rafting; several outfitters run trips on this stretch of river and commonly stop at the springs. For visitors looking for free wild hot springs near Denver in a dramatic river canyon setting, Radium is one of the closest undeveloped options to the Front Range.
Safety & Etiquette
Radium Hot Springs Safety Tips
The primary safety concern at Radium Hot Springs is the rock chimney descent to the pool. The 50-foot climb down involves footholds and handholds in the rock face above the Colorado River. There is no rope, fixed protection, or safety infrastructure. Assess the climb carefully before committing. Wet or icy rock significantly increases risk; the descent is most dangerous in winter and after rain. Never attempt it in flip-flops or without solid footwear.
The pool sits on a ledge midway up the canyon wall directly above the Colorado River. Do not jump from the pool ledge or the cliff above it into the river. Jump injuries have been documented at this site. A sign posted at the site reads jump at your own risk; any jump from the canyon wall carries serious risk of striking submerged rocks or hitting shallow water at speed.
The Colorado River below the pool runs cold and fast, particularly in spring and early summer snowmelt. Do not enter the main river channel without knowledge of current conditions. Pool water temperature is lukewarm at 80 to 97 degrees rather than hot; longer soaks are generally lower risk than at high-temperature springs, but dehydration still applies. Bring drinking water as there is none available on site.
The site receives heavy use on summer weekends with rafting parties, campers, and day visitors; crowding can reduce the quality and safety of the experience. No cell service is available in the canyon. Dispersed camping nearby is free but firewood should be used responsibly within BLM guidelines. The nearest emergency services are in Kremmling, approximately 15 miles northeast. Spring visits before late May are generally not recommended as the pool is frequently flooded by snowmelt.
