Quick FactsOverview
About Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado is a clothing-optional naturist hot spring resort and conservation property in the northern San Luis Valley, operated by the Orient Land Trust near Moffat in south-central Colorado. The 2,200-acre site sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and holds roughly a dozen natural and managed pools on a hillside, connected by dirt trails. Pools range from warm natural ponds to a large spring-fed swimming pool. The furthest pools require a quarter-mile uphill walk from the main facilities, and most water is untreated. Clothing is optional throughout.
The property includes rustic cabins and rooms, a dormitory, tent and RV campsites, a communal kitchen, a sauna, and bathrooms with showers, all running off-grid on hydroelectric power. Reservations are required and walk-ins are not accepted. The property closes from December 1 to 28 each year. Natural hot springs in Colorado managed as a conservation land trust at this scale are genuinely rare, and the setting rewards guests who come prepared for a remote and self-sufficient stay.
The property also encompasses the historic Orient Mine, Colorado's largest iron ore producer from 1880 to 1932, now home to one of the state's largest migratory bat colonies. Free guided programmes on astronomy, geology, and plant life are available.
Location & Access
Getting to Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs is reached by driving seven miles east on Saguache County Road GG from its junction with Colorado Highway 17, then continuing to the signed entrance. County Road GG is a maintained gravel road suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. The address is 64393 County Road GG, Moffat, CO 81143. The property sits 4.5 miles south of Villa Grove and about 37 miles south of Salida via US-285 and CO-17.
From Denver the drive is approximately 175 miles and takes over three and a half hours. From Colorado Springs it is about 146 miles and over three hours. The nearest towns with fuel and grocery stores are Moffat, Villa Grove, and Saguache, all small. Visitors should arrive with a full fuel tank and sufficient supplies, as the property stocks only a limited selection of snacks. Mobile signal is absent or minimal at the property from most carriers.
The gate closes at 9 p.m. each night and no late arrivals are admitted. Reservations are required in advance and the property does not accept walk-in visitors under any circumstances. Day use is available subject to reservation. For those seeking natural hot springs in Colorado at their most secluded, the gravel road and remote setting help preserve the quiet atmosphere that defines the experience here.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs suits adults, families, and naturists who are comfortable with a clothing-optional environment in a remote rural setting. Clothing is optional across the entire property and the pools are shared by all guests. Families with children are welcome per the official site policy, and the tone is calm and community-oriented. Guests who enjoy simple, nature-focused experiences without commercial amenities will feel at home here.
The property is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. Access involves gravel and dirt paths, uneven hillside terrain, and an uphill quarter-mile walk to the upper pools. No documented ADA infrastructure or paved pathways are in place. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the property before visiting to understand which areas can reasonably be reached.
Rustic accommodation options suit visitors who prioritise the springs over room comfort. Cabins, a dormitory, tent sites, and RV camping give a range of overnight choices at modest prices. The communal kitchen and shared spaces encourage a cooperative atmosphere. Guests seeking family hot springs near Salida with more developed amenities can also consider Joyful Journey Hot Springs, located at the junction of CO-17 and US-285 about 37 miles north. Valley View rewards visitors who appreciate conservation-focused land stewardship as part of the experience.
Safety & Etiquette
Valley View Hot Springs Safety Tips
Valley View Hot Springs is generally safe for healthy adults and families who come prepared for a remote outdoor experience, though the isolated location, untreated pool water, gravel road access, and clothing-optional environment all require awareness before visiting. The property is seven miles from the highway on a gravel road with no nearby services, so any vehicle or medical issue requires self-sufficiency until help arrives. Visitors should carry a first aid kit, sufficient water, and a full fuel tank.
Most pools contain untreated natural mineral water with no chemical additives. Guests with open wounds, compromised immune systems, or certain medical conditions should consult a physician before soaking in untreated water. Pool temperatures vary and guests should test before entering. The uphill trail to the top pools is on uneven terrain and becomes more difficult in wet or snowy conditions. Appropriate footwear is necessary at any time of year.
The clothing-optional environment is an established and integral part of the property. The orientation is naturist rather than adults-only, and families participate as part of the general visitor mix. Guests who are not comfortable with nudity in a shared outdoor setting should consider this carefully before booking.
The gate closes at 9 p.m. and no late arrivals are admitted. Visitors must hold a confirmed reservation before travelling, as the property does not accept walk-ins and the distance from services makes being turned away a serious inconvenience. Mobile coverage is absent or minimal from most carriers. Downloading offline maps and informing someone of travel plans before departure is strongly advisable. Fires, alcohol, and pet rules should be confirmed with the property at time of booking.
