Quick FactsOverview
About Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Colorado is a paid private hot spring resort at 44200 County Road 36, approximately 6 miles north of Steamboat Springs in Routt County. Five stone-lined mineral pools along Hot Springs Creek range from 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, set into hand-built stone masonry walls against a backdrop of aspens and creek. The pools are sand-bottomed and naturally fed. Overnight lodging, massage services, and watsu therapy are available on site. Advance reservations are required. Open year-round. Cash only on site.
Strawberry Park is family-friendly during daytime hours with swimwear required. After dark the pools are adults-only and clothing-optional until the following morning; minors are not permitted after sundown. Lodging options include rustic cabins, tent sites, covered wagons in summer, and a renovated train caboose. The springs were placed on the Routt County Register of Historic Places in 2013.
The final 2 miles of the access road are unpaved, steep, and winding. From November through May, four-wheel drive with snow tires is a legal requirement. Shuttle services operate from Steamboat Springs for visitors without suitable vehicles. For those looking for hot springs near Steamboat Springs in a natural stone-pool setting, Strawberry Park is the most scenic option in the region.
Location & Access
Getting to Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is at 44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, approximately 6 miles north of downtown. From downtown, take CR 36 north for approximately 5.1 miles. The road turns from paved to unpaved for the final 2 miles, which are steep and winding. On-site parking is limited. Advance pool reservations are required through the official website before arriving.
From November 1 through May 1, four-wheel drive with snow tires is a legal requirement enforced by Routt County Sheriff and Colorado State Patrol. Chains and straps are not acceptable substitutes. Guests without compliant vehicles must use a licensed shuttle. The most common services are Sweet Pea Tours and The Hot Springs Shuttle, both operating from the Steamboat Transit Center. Shuttle cost typically includes pool admission.
From Denver, drive west on I-70 to Silverthorne, then north on CO-9 to US-40 west to Steamboat Springs, approximately three hours. From the Steamboat Ski Area, the resort is about 15 minutes north by car. For visitors without four-wheel drive in winter, the shuttle removes both the road risk and parking pressure. Those comparing hot springs near Steamboat Springs can also consider Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat, which is paved-access and open year-round.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Strawberry Park Hot Springs Suits
Strawberry Park Hot Springs suits adults seeking a natural stone-pool soaking experience in a forested mountain setting, and families with children for daytime visits. Daytime entry requires swimwear and the facility is welcoming to families; minors are permitted until sundown, at which point the pools become adults-only and clothing-optional. Families planning a daytime visit should plan to depart before dark. The pools range from 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warm but within a normal soaking range for healthy adults. There is no shallow pool or dedicated children's area.
The 6-mile drive on an unpaved, steep road requires a capable vehicle and confidence on mountain terrain. In winter, four-wheel drive with snow tires is a legal requirement, and visitors who are not comfortable with winter mountain driving should use the shuttle service. The shuttle makes the springs accessible to a much wider range of visitors including those staying at Steamboat lodging without suitable vehicles.
Overnight stays in the rustic cabins, covered wagons, or caboose suit those who want extended access to the pools in the evening and early morning quiet periods. The site is intentionally off-grid with minimal lighting, which creates an excellent stargazing environment but requires a headlamp for navigation at night. Massage services and watsu therapy are available by advance booking. Pets are not permitted anywhere on the property. Reservations for pool entry open 30 days in advance; advance booking is strongly recommended for weekends and ski season.
Safety & Etiquette
Strawberry Park Hot Springs Safety Tips
Strawberry Park Hot Springs requires mindfulness on several fronts. Pool temperatures of 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit are at the upper end of recommended soaking ranges and pools closest to the source can be hotter. Test water before entering, limit time in the hottest pools, and cool down in the creek between sessions. People with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a physician before soaking above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The access road is the most significant safety factor. The final 2 miles are unpaved, steep, and winding. From November through May, four-wheel drive with snow tires is legally required. Road conditions can change rapidly and safe departure after dark or after snowfall can be more challenging than the drive in. Do not attempt the road in a standard 2WD vehicle in winter conditions.
The facility is intentionally off-grid with little to no artificial lighting at night. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for evening and overnight visits. The property is at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in the national forest; wildlife including bears is present in the area. Follow Leave No Trace principles and store food securely when camping on site.
Cash is the only accepted payment on site. There is no ATM at the facility. Bring cash for admission and any additional services. Cell coverage is limited at the springs. The nearest emergency services are in Steamboat Springs. Reservations are non-transferable and there is no waitlist; booking well in advance is important for weekends and ski season.
