You might think that, with a name like Colorado Springs, the city would be loaded with hot springs. However, it is not. But while it lacks any options in the city limits, its neighbor Manitou Springs is home to one resort, and there are a couple of other hot spring resorts within an easy day trip.
The best collection of natural hot springs from Colorado Springs is probably in Chaffee County. The resorts of Buena Vista and Nathrop reside about two hours west of Colorado’s second-largest city. Several of the resorts have overnight lodging, so it’s easy to spend the night at the hot springs.
Fremont County is a short drive to the south via Highway 115 and features two hot springs, one in Penrose (forty minutes), and one in Florence (50 minutes), both near Cañon City for reference. These two are clothing optional all but one day of the week.
Keep in mind that all three of Colorado Springs’ closest hot springs require reservations and don’t permit walk-ins. There are options in Buena Vista/Nathrop and Idaho Springs for walk-ins, but they are about a two-hour drive. Let’s begin with the only hot springs in El Paso County, SunWater Spa.
Here are the hot springs near Colorado Springs, in order of proximity:
SunWater Spa — Manitou Springs (6mi)

Nestled in the charming town of Manitou Springs, SunWater Spa offers a rejuvenating escape with its array of wellness services and amenities. At the heart of the spa experience are the personal cedar tubs, filled with mineral-rich waters sourced from the 7 Minute Spring. These tubs provide not only therapeutic benefits but also stunning southwest views of the surrounding landscape.
Each hot springs tub can fit up to 4 guests (with one of them capable of accommodating 6 soakers) and is available in 90-minute sessions. You must be 14 years or older to use the facility. Discounts are offered for those who also book spa sessions. Temperatures range from 99 to 104 degrees F.
While soaking, guests can partake in two cold plunges, an indoor saltwater pool, and a traditional sauna. Beyond the mineral water, SunWater Spa boasts a comprehensive spa menu.
Guests can indulge in traditional and specialty massages, skincare treatments, and body therapies. Enhancements like aromatherapy, cupping, and scalp massages allow for a personalized touch to each service. The spa proudly partners with Éminence Organic Skincare, ensuring top-tier products for all skin types.
For those seeking movement, the spa hosts various community events, art and dance classes, and yoga sessions in their open-air Heart Center.
514 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs | 719-695-7007 | sunwaterspa.com
Dakota Hot Springs — Penrose (35mi)

Located 10 minutes east of Cañon City, Dakota Hot Springs is tucked away just off Highway 50, easily accessible year-round. The pool is rich in minerals and contains no chlorine. There is a 6-foot circular tub that is by the wellhead, which runs 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the large pool is around 95-98 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will need a reservation to soak here for one of the two daily sessions offered. They are closed on Mondays. Keep in mind that the pool is clothing-optional Wednesday through Sunday and swimsuits are required on Tuesday.
There is a campground on-site, open year-round for RVs and tents Tuesday through Sunday nights. However, there are no hookups, but campers can access the bathhouse. Dogs are only welcome in the campground. Three trailers are available for rent, in addition to the campsites.
They don’t sell any food, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, just no glass. Alcohol is permitted and there is a grill available for use.
1 Malibu Blvd, Penrose | 719-372-9250 | dakotahotsprings.com
Desert Reef Hot Springs — Florence (40mi)

Since 1986, Desert Reef Hot Springs has been serving the Southern Colorado community. It’s situated in Florence, which is an easy day trip south of Colorado Springs via Highway 115. This adult-only hot springs resort requires swimsuits on Fridays but otherwise is clothing-optional in the pool. It is closed on Tuesdays (except to overnight guests).
It’s another mineral-rich destination that doesn’t use chlorine. The water averages 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and 96-108 in the summer. The main pool is 36’x50′ and there are also four smaller pools. Reservations are required for time slots and they only permit males that are accompanied by their partner or a female.
This “desert oasis in the mountains” has an on-site store, which rents towels, and sells snacks, beer, wine, and merchandise like t-shirts. Special events are held from time to time, such as Sound Healing and Silent Soak.
There is a campground at Desert Reef Hot Springs suitable for RVs, vans, and truck campers. There are no hookups and no tent camping. You can rent a tiny house or Airstream. Generators are not permitted, nor are pets, and there is no overnight pool access.
1194 Co Rd 110, Florence | 719-784-6134 | desertreefhotspring.com
Indian Hot Springs — Idaho Springs (98mi)

Idaho Springs, located in Clear Creek County, houses one hot spring resort with on-site lodging accessible in an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs. Indian Hot Springs hosts several soaking options and some are quite unique.
The main pool here is indoors under a dome with a rainforest feel, complete with banana trees. Other options include hot tubs filled with mineral water that can be reserved for your personal/group use, located both indoors and outside. The most one-of-a-kind feature is their caves, which are separated by male and female, clothing optional, and equipped with hot spring baths.
This is the closest hot spring to Denver, 30 minutes west of the city. Because of this and its easy access directly off I-70, it can get crowded. Luckily. they take reservations to ensure your spot but also permit walk-ins.
Rooms and suites can be rented out year-round to stay overnight at Indian Hot Springs. Pets are not permitted in any of the rooms. You must be 21 years or older to book a room.
302 Soda Creek Rd, Idaho Springs | 303-567-1303 | indianhotsprings.com
Buena Vista and Nathrop Hot Springs (~100mi)

The best collection of natural hot springs from Colorado Springs is probably in Chaffee County. The resorts of Buena Vista and Nathrop reside about two hours west of Colorado’s second-largest city. Several of them have overnight lodging, so it’s easy to spend the night by the mineral water.
Here’s a quick list of the hot springs near Buena Vista:
- Cottonwood Hot Springs (98mi) — Buena Vista | Public
- Charlotte Hot Springs (99mi) — Buena Vista | Public
- Merrifield Homestead Cabins (99mi) — Buena Vista | Private
- Mt. Princeton Hot Springs (101mi) — Nathrop | Public
- Antero Hot Springs Cabins (101mi) — Nathrop | Private
- Whispering Willows Hot Springs (10mi) — Nathrop | Private
- Tree House Hot Springs (102mi) — Nathrop | Private
- Aqua Hot Spring (102mi) — Nathrop | Private
As noted above, some of those hot springs in Buena Vista and Nathrop are private and ONLY open to overnight guests. The others are public and typically allow walk-ins. Oftentimes, the weekdays are cheaper than weekends are certain resorts.
That’s a roundup of the hot springs near Colorado Springs. No matter where you go, it’s always smart to call ahead and check the official website for any notices or changes of info. Bring flip-flops, a swimsuit, and a towel, and if going during the day, consider a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Have a relaxing soak!