Quick FactsOverview
About The Springs Resort and Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa, Colorado is a full-service geothermal resort in downtown Pagosa Springs, with more than 50 mineral hot spring pools fed by the Mother Spring, the deepest certified geothermal hot spring on Earth at over 1,000 feet deep. Pools line the San Juan River and range in temperature from cold river plunges to pools above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Overnight guests have 24-hour pool access; day pass visitors can soak from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.
The resort includes over 150 guest rooms, a full-service spa, a restaurant, a pool bar, and complimentary wellness activities for overnight guests including aqua yoga and forest bathing hikes. A salt-therapy sauna and adult-only Relaxation Terrace are available exclusively to overnight guests. Hot springs near Pagosa Springs draw visitors from across the Southwest, and The Springs Resort is the largest of the three public geothermal facilities in town, all drawing from the same ancient aquifer beneath downtown.
The resort was ranked the number one spa resort and the number one hot springs in the United States by USA TODAY 10BEST in 2025. The Mother Spring on the property holds a Guinness World Record for depth. The mineral water contains 13 documented minerals including potassium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, and iron.
Location & Access
Getting to The Springs Resort and Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa is reached by driving into downtown Pagosa Springs and turning onto Hot Springs Boulevard, which leads directly to the resort at number 323. Pagosa Springs sits approximately 60 miles east of Durango via US-160 and about 230 miles southwest of Denver via US-285. The drive from Durango takes roughly one hour. No hiking or unpaved road is involved in reaching the property.
Free uncovered self-parking is available on site, along with van-accessible wheelchair parking. The resort is in a walkable part of downtown, with restaurants and the San Juan River Walk within easy reach on foot. The nearest commercial airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport, about 67 miles away. Stevens Field, a small general aviation airport, sits on the northwest edge of Pagosa Springs for those arriving by private aircraft.
Day pass visitors should arrive during pool hours and are welcomed as walk-ins when capacity allows, though booking ahead is advisable during peak summer and holiday periods. For those looking for hot springs near Pagosa Springs with downtown access and no hike required, the resort is the most immediately accessible and fully serviced option in the area, with everything from food to spa treatments available on site.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit The Springs Resort and Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa suits a wide range of visitors including families, couples, solo travellers, and groups, with a layout that separates family-friendly pool areas from quieter adult-only zones. A children's pool and family pool areas are available alongside an adult-only Relaxation Terrace and adult-only wellness pools, giving different guest types their own space within the same property.
The resort is ADA accessible, with wheelchair-accessible and van parking on site. The flat, riverside setting and ground-level pool access support visitors with mobility considerations, making it a strong option for those seeking accessible hot springs in Colorado. Guests with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the resort before arrival to discuss what is available.
Overnight guests benefit most from 24-hour pool access, the salt-therapy sauna, and wellness activities, though the day pass format makes a shorter visit easy to arrange. Visitors interested in formal spa treatments, including hydrotherapy and massage, can book these separately. The resort operates year-round, and winter soaking under open skies with mountain views is one of the most popular seasonal draws. Those who prefer a wilder or more undeveloped experience will find the resort environment more structured, but for guests who want a complete, full-service hot spring stay on the San Juan River, the offering is thorough and well-organised.
Safety & Etiquette
The Springs Resort and Spa Safety Tips
The Springs Resort and Spa is generally safe to visit, but the wide temperature range across pools, from cold plunges to pools above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, means guests should check temperature signage before entering any pool. Very hot pools are not suitable for young children, pregnant guests, or those with cardiovascular conditions. Staff are present across the property and pool temperatures are posted at each entry point.
The San Juan River runs directly alongside the property. Children should be supervised at all times near the riverbank, particularly during spring and early summer when snowmelt raises water levels and flow increases. Cold plunge areas and river-access pools involve significant temperature contrast and should be approached carefully, especially by those unaccustomed to cold-water immersion.
Hydration is important during any extended soaking session. The combination of hot water, Colorado sun, and high-altitude conditions can accelerate dehydration faster than visitors from lower elevations may expect. Drinking water regularly between soaks is strongly advised. The on-site restaurant and pool bar mean guests can eat and drink without leaving the property during a full-day visit.
Swimwear is required throughout the pool areas. Glass containers are not permitted in pool zones. Standard showering before pool entry applies. The adult-only Relaxation Terrace and wellness pools maintain quieter atmospheres and guests are expected to respect those designated boundaries. Overnight guests can store valuables in room safes. Day pass visitors should use the locker facilities provided for personal belongings during their visit.
