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South Canyon Hot Springs Colorado

South Canyon Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs

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South Canyon Hot Springs is a set of undeveloped hot springs pools in the wilderness outside of Glenwood Springs. It requires a short hike to get to, but the reward is worth it.

The one or two pools available are located on a hillside with exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. It’s accessible year-round and located only 15 minutes or so from Glenwood Springs.

Facility

South Canyon Hot Springs
South Canyon Hot Springs near Glenwood Springs.

Hidden just off I-70 near Glenwood Springs, South Canyon Hot Springs is a local gem. There is one, main primitive pool for soaking which was a nice temperature when I visited.

There is one primary pool at the South Canyon Hot Springs. It varies in size and temperature, depending on the elements. The temperature could be anywhere from 100 to 112° F.

It’s full of hot natural mineral water. Another smaller pool may be available. Sometimes the second pool gets too murky to use.

Atmosphere

Colorado River South Canyon
Colorado River runs through South Canyon.

Primitive, undeveloped hot springs; Some people go without clothes; Could be sketchy; Hit or miss

Another smaller pool is murky, and probably not worth it. A few other people were there when I visited around 6:30pm on the way out to see the Colorado National Monument.

Dump trucks and other pick-up trucks are fairly frequently passing by since the county dump is further up the road. There are some rumors of this place being shady. Everything was normal during my visit though.

However, when I was returning to Denver a few days later, I stopped by again, this time around 12:30pm, and had the place to myself. It was very scenic and tranquil until a weird dude showed up looking for company and ruined the vibe. I left.

Take the South Canyon exit about 4 miles west of Glenwood Springs. Take a left at the stop sign and follow South Canyon Creek Rd for a mile to a pullover on the road.

You cross a historic bridge over the Eagle River almost immediately after I-70. A dirt trail is visible from the parking area which leads 1/8 mile over a hill to the pool.

Getting There

South Canyon Hot Springs Aerial View
Overlooking the main pool at South Canyon.

From Glenwood Springs – Take I-70 W for 4.8 miles until you reach Exit 111 toward South Canyon. Exit there and take the left onto Co Rd 134/South Canyon Creek Rd. Go 1.2 miles and parking will be on the right. It’s about a 1/2 mile after the road crosses the Colorado River.

The hike is only 1/8 mile from the parking lot. The path is well-worn and is found on the right side of the turnout. Go down the hill, over a stream, and up to the springs on the hillside. The springs are tough to see until you are standing at them.

Penny Hot Springs is another primitive choice near Glenwood Springs.

Please respect these public hot springs. Pack out all garbage and leave the place cleaner than when you came. Thank you!

South Canyon Hot Springs Trail
Trail into the hot springs.
South Canyon Hot Springs
Hot springs pool.
Colorado River South Canyon
Colorado River runs through South Canyon.
South Canyon Hot Springs Historic Bridge
Historic bridge built in 1915.
South Canyon Hot Springs Map
Area map located by historic bridge.
South Canyon Hot Springs Map
Close up of map.
South Canyon Creek Road
South Canyon Creek Road (parking on left).
South Canyon Hot Springs Trail
Path down from the road-side parking.
South Canyon Creek Footbridge
Wooden footbridge crossing South Canyon Creek.
South Canyon Hot Springs Trail
Dirt trail in from the road is short.
South Canyon Hot Springs Seating
Main pool has some seating.
South Canyon Hot Springs Mountains
Mountains around the springs.
South Canyon Hot Springs Canyon
Looking down the canyon toward I-70.
South Canyon Hot Springs Second Pool
Second smaller pool.
South Canyon Hot Springs
A chair in the main pool.

Details

Address: Co Highway 134, Glenwood Springs, 81601

County: Garfield County

Season: Summer to early fall

Type: Primitive, 1/8 mile hike access

Price: Free

Clothing: Optional

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