Quick FactsOverview
About SunWater Spa
SunWater Spa, Colorado is a mineral-water day spa at 514 El Paso Boulevard in Manitou Springs, a mountain town roughly ten miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. The facility offers twelve private cedar soaking tubs arranged across three outdoor levels, each filled with mineral-rich water from 7 Minute Spring, one of eight natural springs beneath Manitou. Tubs face west or southwest with views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The spring water is heated on site, as 7 Minute Spring emerges at ambient rather than geothermal temperature.
Guests also have access to a ground-floor indoor saline pool, two cold plunges, and a traditional sauna during their 90-minute tub reservation. Massage, skincare, and yoga are offered as separate bookable services. One tub, Rocky Mountain, is ADA accessible and sits on the ground level. For visitors seeking hot springs near Colorado Springs with private reserved soaking in named mineral water, this is the closest option to the city centre.
The spa operates Tuesday through Sunday and is closed Mondays. All guests must be 14 or older. Paid street and lot parking is available nearby in Manitou Springs. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and evenings.
Location & Access
Getting to SunWater Spa
SunWater Spa is reached by car along US-24 West from Colorado Springs, a drive of roughly ten minutes. The building sits on El Paso Boulevard in central Manitou Springs with no hike, trailhead, or unpaved road involved. From the highway, follow signs into Manitou Springs town centre and continue along El Paso Boulevard to number 514 on the north side of the road.
Parking throughout Manitou Springs is paid, and no dedicated spa car park is available. Visitors should budget time for finding a paid lot or street space nearby. Manitou Springs is also reachable by local bus from Colorado Springs, and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail passes close to the building for those arriving by bicycle.
Inside, the front desk is at ground level. The ground floor holds three tubs including the ADA accessible Rocky Mountain tub, plus the saline pool, sauna, and cold plunges. Upper levels are reached by stairs. Guests needing elevator access for upper tubs should notify the spa in advance. Those looking for hot springs near Colorado Springs with easy urban access will find this the most centrally located option in the region.
The building is easy to spot on El Paso Boulevard and has no signage issues for first-time visitors. Allow a few minutes on arrival to locate a paid parking space, as the lots closest to the spa can fill quickly on busy weekend afternoons.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit SunWater Spa
SunWater Spa suits adults and older teenagers who want a quiet, private soak in mineral water without sharing a communal pool. Each party soaks alone in their reserved cedar tub. The minimum age is 14, so families with younger children cannot be accommodated. The format works well for couples, small groups, solo visitors, and anyone who values calm and privacy over a large public pool setting.
The ADA accessible Rocky Mountain tub is on the ground level, making this a practical choice for those seeking accessible hot springs in Colorado without navigating stairs. The sauna, cold plunges, and saline pool are also ground-level, so much of the amenity offering is reachable without steps. Visitors with mobility considerations who want upper tubs should contact the spa ahead of booking to confirm elevator availability.
The overall atmosphere is calm and intentionally quiet. SunWater suits visitors who want a meditative, low-stimulation experience rather than a large resort with open socialising. Those who combine a soak with massage, skincare, or yoga will find a full half-day or full-day visit worthwhile. The mineral content of the water, including calcium, magnesium, lithium, and potassium from the Manitou karst aquifer, is a draw for visitors interested in the therapeutic qualities of the soak as well as the setting.
Safety & Etiquette
SunWater Spa Safety Tips
SunWater Spa is well-maintained and safe for most healthy adults, but tub temperatures between 99 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit are not suitable for everyone. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a physician before visiting. No lifeguard is on duty, and guests manage their own time in the water.
The multi-level deck layout means most tubs involve stair access. Wet stairs and decking can be slippery, and footwear should be worn when moving between levels. All guests should use caution on any wet surface throughout the facility, regardless of which tub level they are using.
Alcohol is not served or permitted, which supports the calm environment and reduces dehydration risk. Hydration is important during any soaking session. Guests who combine soaking with sauna use face a higher dehydration risk and should drink water regularly throughout their visit. Cold plunges are available for temperature regulation between soak and sauna sessions.
A quiet atmosphere is expected throughout the facility, and guests are asked to keep noise low out of respect for other visitors soaking nearby. Strong perfumes and scented products are discouraged in the soaking areas. Belongings left at the tubs are not in a secured space; valuables should be stored in changing room lockers where available. Towel hire is available but bringing your own is recommended to avoid the extra charge. Showering before entering any water is required as standard practice at the facility.
