Quick FactsOverview
About South Canyon Hot Springs
South Canyon Hot Springs, Colorado is a free undeveloped hot spring approximately 5 miles west of Glenwood Springs in Garfield County, reached via a 0.2-mile trail from a parking pullout on County Road 134. One main primitive pool sits on a hillside above South Canyon Creek, with a possible second smaller pool depending on conditions. Pool temperatures range from 100 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. No facilities are on site. Clothing is optional. Dogs are not permitted. Open year-round with no permit required. The spring is also known locally as Hippy Hot Springs.
The pools are formed by natural geothermal water seeping from the hillside. They have rocky bottoms and vary in size by season. The main pool has views across the canyon. A sulfur smell is noticeable and typical of this geothermal source. The site is on BLM-managed land and is publicly accessible. South Canyon draws a mix of locals and highway travelers combining it with a visit to Glenwood Springs.
Access from I-70 is straightforward via Exit 111. The path to the pools is short but can be muddy after rain or snow. South Canyon is one of the most conveniently accessed free hot springs near Glenwood Springs along the I-70 corridor.
Location & Access
Getting to South Canyon Hot Springs
South Canyon Hot Springs is reached via County Road 134 off I-70 Exit 111, approximately 5 miles west of Glenwood Springs. From the exit, take the first left at the stop sign onto South Canyon Creek Road (CR 134). Cross the bridge and continue 0.5 miles to a gravel pullout on the right. Total road distance from the exit is 1.2 miles. The springs are not visible from the road. From the pullout, hike approximately 0.2 miles (a 5 to 10 minute walk): down the dirt path, across South Canyon Creek via a crossing, then up the hillside to the pools.
From Glenwood Springs traveling westbound on I-70, Exit 111 is about 5 minutes from downtown. From Rifle and the west, the exit is reached after passing through the Glenwood Canyon. From Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, drive north on CO-82 to I-70 west. The road to the pullout is unpaved and can be rough after rain or in winter; a standard 2WD vehicle typically manages it in dry conditions, but high clearance helps on rougher days. Parking is limited to the pullout area and fills quickly on warm weekends.
The trail involves a creek crossing that can be slippery in wet conditions and a steep final climb to the hillside pools. No signs mark the path or the springs. The spring is about 15 minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs by car, making it a quick detour for visitors already in the area who want free natural hot springs near Glenwood Springs without a long drive.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who South Canyon Hot Springs Suits
South Canyon Hot Springs suits adults comfortable with a basic undeveloped outdoor spring and an informal, clothing-optional atmosphere. The 0.2-mile walk is short but involves a creek crossing and a steep muddy section, making it unsuitable for strollers, mobility aids, or anyone with significant physical limitations. The site has no facilities of any kind: no restrooms, no changing rooms, no running water, and no trash cans. Visitors must bring everything they need and pack out all waste.
Dogs are not permitted at South Canyon Hot Springs per posted regulations. Children are not prohibited but the clothing-optional norms, lack of supervision, and reports from visitors of unpredictable behavior by other users make the site poorly suited for families with young children. The springs tend to attract a mix of locals and travelers, and the atmosphere varies considerably by time of day and day of the week. Weekday mornings are generally the quietest. Weekends can be crowded and the experience significantly less private.
For visitors looking for free natural hot springs in Colorado within a few minutes of I-70, South Canyon is the closest roadside wild spring to a major highway interchange in the Glenwood Springs corridor. It pairs well with a visit to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain Hot Springs nearby for those wanting both a developed and undeveloped experience on the same trip.
Safety & Etiquette
South Canyon Hot Springs Safety Tips
South Canyon Hot Springs has no supervision, no posted rules, and no staff. The pools reach up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, above the 104-degree threshold associated with elevated heat risk for extended soaking. Test the water temperature before entering, particularly near the source inflow, and limit time in the hottest areas. People with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a physician before soaking above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The trail crosses South Canyon Creek, which can be fast-moving after rain or snowmelt. The creek step-over and the hillside ascent both involve slippery footing; wet or icy conditions significantly increase fall risk. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. The trail has no markings and the path can be muddy; rubber boots are worth bringing in wetter seasons. The hillside pools are not visible from the pullout, and first-time visitors occasionally miss them.
A sulfur smell is present at the springs and is a normal characteristic of the water source. The site is at approximately 5,800 feet elevation. Altitude combined with warm-water soaking accelerates dehydration; bring drinking water as there is none on site. Cell coverage is variable in the canyon; check conditions before visiting in winter when the access road can ice over.
The site has attracted reports of disruptive visitor behavior on busy weekends. Visiting at off-peak times reduces this risk. Pack out all trash; the site has no waste facilities and relies entirely on visitors to keep it usable. No camping is permitted at the pullout. The nearest medical services and emergency response are in Glenwood Springs, approximately 5 miles east. Dogs are not permitted at this site.
