Quick FactsOverview
About Treehouse Hot Springs
Treehouse Hot Springs, Colorado is a private hot springs vacation rental in Nathrop, Chaffee County, located at 16390 County Road 162 along Chalk Creek Canyon west of Mount Princeton. The property is built as a double-octagon lodge elevated above the canyon floor, giving guests views of the surrounding mountains, the Chalk Cliffs, and the creek below. The design is genuinely unusual among hot springs in Colorado and is one of the most discussed features of the property.
The main pool is a 14-by-27-foot hot spring soaking and swimming area kept between 96 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit with natural geothermal water, adjustable temporarily to suit guests. The pool is located on the lower level with direct views of Chalk Creek, and 450 feet of creek frontage is accessible for fishing and wading. The property sits on over an acre of heavily treed ground, providing privacy despite its proximity to the road.
The lodge has five bedrooms, five bathrooms including one with a deep round soaking tub, and two living rooms on either side of a shared kitchen and dining area. A fire pit, two grills, and a horseshoe pit are on the grounds. The property sleeps up to ten guests and is open year-round for private stays.
Location & Access
Getting to Treehouse Hot Springs
Treehouse Hot Springs is located at 16390 County Road 162 in Nathrop, reached by turning west off US-285 onto County Road 162 and driving approximately 4.9 miles up the canyon. The property sits on the south side of the road. Buena Vista and Salida are each 15 to 20 minutes away by car and offer restaurants, grocery stores, and other services. Guests should contact the property to confirm current road conditions before arriving in winter or early spring, as portions of the canyon road are unpaved.
From Colorado Springs, the drive to Nathrop takes approximately two hours via US-24 West and US-285 South. From Denver, the route south on US-285 through Fairplay takes roughly two and a half hours. From Salida, the drive is approximately 20 minutes north on US-285. There is no public transportation to this location, and parking is available on the property.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Buena Vista that can accommodate a large group in a single private rental, Treehouse is among the most spacious options in Chaffee County. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, a public day-use facility, is located on the same road a short distance east. The surrounding Chalk Creek corridor contains several additional private hot spring rentals and access to some of Colorado's most accessible 14er trailheads, making the area practical for guests who want to combine a hot springs stay with mountain activities.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Treehouse Hot Springs
Treehouse Hot Springs suits large groups, families, and multi-generational parties who want a private hot springs experience with substantial living space. With five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a sleeping capacity of ten, the property is designed for group stays. Families with children will find the space practical, with multiple living areas, a full kitchen, outdoor grills, and 450 feet of Chalk Creek frontage for fishing and wading.
The property is accessible by car and flat enough to walk around comfortably, but no formal ADA infrastructure is documented for the pool access or cabin approaches. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the owners before booking to confirm whether the property suits their specific needs, as the elevated lodge design involves staircases. The hot spring pool is on the lower level, and access between floors uses internal stairs.
The hot spring pool is clothing optional during the stay, as the property is entirely private. Pets may be permitted with advance owner approval, though the general policy discourages pets and guests must confirm before booking. The property is open year-round for natural hot springs in Colorado that work in every season: winter stays offer snow views of the Chalk Cliffs, while summer stays allow creek access and outdoor cooking. A two-night minimum stay is required, and weekly and monthly discount rates are available for longer bookings.
Safety & Etiquette
Treehouse Hot Springs Safety Tips
Treehouse Hot Springs is generally safe for guests, with a private geothermal pool maintained between 96 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit using natural mineral water. Visitors should test the water temperature before entering if it has been recently adjusted, and should exit the pool promptly if feeling overheated or lightheaded. For groups with children, supervision in and around the pool is essential at all times, as no lifeguard or staff is present on the property during the stay.
The property sits at approximately 8,200 feet elevation, where altitude, sun intensity, and dehydration effects are more pronounced than at lower elevations. Guests should hydrate well throughout the stay, apply sunscreen when outdoors, and be aware that physical exertion may feel more taxing until the body adjusts. Guests arriving from significantly lower elevations should plan a quieter first day.
The 450 feet of Chalk Creek frontage provides fishing and wading access, but the creek should be treated with caution. Spring runoff can raise water levels and increase current speed substantially, and conditions change quickly after rain or snowmelt. Children should not access the creek without adult supervision, and guests should assess conditions carefully before wading in colder months or after precipitation.
The property is self-managed during the stay with no on-site staff. Guests are responsible for the condition of the lodge, pool, and grounds during their rental. The nearest full services are in Buena Vista and Salida, each approximately 15 to 20 minutes away. Guests should arrive with all supplies needed for their stay, as there are no shops or fuel stops in the immediate Chalk Creek area.
