Salida Hot Springs

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country. There is a giant swimming pool divided into sections for swimming, soaking, pool classes, and a children’s wading area.

The hot spring water is clear, sparkling, and odorless. It’s piped underground from 8 miles west at Poncha Springs. Minerals in the water include bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, potassium, sodium, and sulfate.

Facility

Salida Hot Springs Private Soaking Pool Unfilled — The private soaking pool at Salida Hot Springs. Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin

There are three indoor pools in the Aquatic Center and a shop that sells swimsuits, goggles inflatable toys, and more. The biggest pool is 75 feet long with a temperature of about 90°F.

At one end of the pool, a divider separates a soaking pool that’s kept at about 100°F. This section runs across the width of the pool and is 4 feet deep. The last pool is for children and is only 18 inches deep.

Throughout the day, fitness classes are open to the public. There’s a small fee to attend class, but everything takes place in the pool. Classes include arthritis, aquacise, cardio splash, lap swim, adult-coached swim workouts, and water volleyball. Swim lessons are also offered.

For private soaking, there are several smaller pools available for hourly rent. Reservations are recommended as they may fill up. All the private baths are fed with natural hot springs and kept at just over 100°F. Adults 18+ can rent these private pools.