With all the recreation and excitement Colorado offers, it's always rewarding to visit a natural hot springs. Both resorts and free primitive pools can be found. They are hidden across the Rockies in many mountain towns. Most are open to the public, although some are private and for guests only.
8 Best Hot Springs in Colorado Worthy of a Road Trip
- Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs.
- Hot Sulphur Springs.
- Glenwood Hot Springs.
- Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores.
- The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs.
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop.
- Cottonwood Hotsprings Inn & Spa, Buena Vista.
- Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, Glenwood Springs.
Permit & Season InformationThe best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. From early October to late June, the campsites and trail are snow covered and the trailhead is inaccessible.
You'll have to hoof it 8.5 miles from Aspen to reach Conundrum Hot Springs , natural hot spring pools in a stunning mountain valley in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness . Be warned: These springs are popular, so expect company.
Rainbow Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs.
Radium Hot Springs is open.Limited capacity to allow for physical distancing. This may result in delays entering. Increased safety protocols are in place, including hand sanitizing stations, plexiglass guards and signage to help visitors move safely through the building.
Is only open once a month for special events. Please contact the Park or check Park Events for dates.
HOW TO VISIT THE MAROON BELLS WITHOUT A RESERVATION
- RENT AN E-BIKE. Providing the most fun you'll have on two wheels, e-bikes are motorized bicycles that offer "pedal-assist" to riders.
- SIGN UP FOR A DOWNHILL BIKE TOUR. Blazing Adventures offers downhill bike tours that start at the Maroon Bells scenic area and descend Maroon Creek Road back to town.
The entrance fee is $10. Due to limited parking availability at Maroon Lake in the summer, Maroon Creek Road has personal vehicle restrictions to vehicular traffic July through October. For summer 2020, cars will be allowed to drive the road and park at the lake in June, although this policy is subject to change.
The
Maroon Bells offer several
hikes and some of the most beautiful scenery in
Colorado.
Maroon Bells Hike Snapshot.
| Hike Distance | Five Trails: 1 to 13 miles Round Trip – Depending on Trail |
|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Hotels near Maroon Bells
- Mountain Chalet Aspen. 3-star. Downtown1.4 miles to Maroon Bells.
- Limelight Hotel Aspen. 4-star. Downtown1.3 miles to Maroon Bells.
- Molly Gibson Lodge. 3-star. Downtown1.2 miles to Maroon Bells.
- Inn at Aspen. 3-star.
- Hotel Aspen. 3-star.
- St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums.
- The Gant. 4-star.
- Tyrolean Lodge. 2-star.
No, swimming is not permitted at Maroon lake.
MAROON BELLS BUS SCHEDULEParking is available at Aspen Highlands or you can take the free Castle Maroon Bus from Rubey Park Transit Center to reach Aspen Highlands.
While You VisitThe bathrooms located at the shuttle drop-off are closed for the 2020 season, so plan to use the restroom at Aspen Highlands or at the Maroon Bells day-use parking lot, located down from the shuttle drop-off.
The Maroon Bells can be found in the Elk Mountains in Colorado. Maroon Bells' car parking (see location on the map) is just 10 miles/20 minutes' drive from Aspen town. Maroon Bells can be reached by car, bike, or shuttle bus via Maroon Creek Road (#13). Some people say that you can visit Maroon Bells from Denver.
How much does it cost to visit Hanging Lake? A reservation to hike costs $12 per person. Hikers can choose between two options which include either self-drive and park in the Hanging Lake rest area or bike/hike through Glenwood Canyon to the trailhead.
Typically, they start at the West Maroon Trail head near Schofield Pass on the Crested Butte side and walk 11 miles to the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area trail head outside of Aspen. Shortly after you cross the pass, you'll see the West Maroon Pass trail head on your right.
Directions: Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station.
Both peaks are fourteeners. Maroon Peak, at 14,163 feet (4317 m), is the 27th highest peak in Colorado. North Maroon Peak, at 14,019 feet (4273 m), is the 50th highest (depending on how they are counted). The view of the Maroon Bells to the southwest from the Maroon Creek valley is very heavily photographed.
