Dakota Hot Springs – Penrose, CO | Clothing Optional Resort

Dakota Hot Springs in Penrose is a clothing optional, developed hot springs pool. It’s located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley, in between Cañon City and Pueblo.

This part of Colorado, west of Pueblo, is known as the Banana Belt of Colorado. The springs get on average 350 days of sunshine each year. Reservations are required for visiting.

Facility

The Dakota Hot Springs inhabits a former oil well. The mining operation was abandoned in 1924 when Conoco found water and not oil at a depth of 2000 feet.

There is one 70-foot-long pool for soaking. The depth is about 3-5 feet. An artesian hot-water well feeds the pool at an average of 95-98 degrees F. A smaller, 6-foot round, soaking tub is kept hotter at about 108 degrees F. With people traveling from all over Colorado, don’t be surprised if you see a few walking around nude.

The natural flow of the artesian well source circulates new water into the pool. The mineral water contains therapeutic salts, soda, and calcium. There are only trace amounts of sulfur and iron, so there is no rotten-egg smell.

Bring food and enjoy it under the sun deck. There are BBQ grills available for guest use. The closest town with lodging is Penrose and Canon City is close by. There are campsites at Dakota Hot Springs. RVs and tents are welcome, but there are no hook-ups.

Atmosphere

Leave your swim suits at home from Wednesday through Sunday when clothing is optional except on Tuesdays when swimsuits are required. Alcohol permitted but no glass. There are great views of the Front Range; Reservations are required; Overnight camping is available but no hookups.

Getting There

Dakota Hot Springs is situated on the south side of Hwy 50 in Penrose near Canon City. It’s about one mile west of the junction of Hwy 50 and Hwy 115.