Need a rejuvenating mountain escape with natural hot springs and stunning views? Head to Pagosa Springs! Tucked into southwest Colorado at the edge of the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is known for its healing geothermal waters, endless outdoor activities, and small-town mountain charm. Whether you’re soaking in riverside pools or skiing fresh powder, Pagosa offers year-round relaxation and adventure.
Pagosa Springs, CO Highlights:
- Soak in the world's deepest geothermal hot spring: Visit The Springs Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, or Healing Waters Resort for mineral-rich bliss.
- Ski or snowboard at Wolf Creek Ski Area: Enjoy legendary powder and uncrowded slopes just 30 minutes from town.
- Hike to Treasure Falls: An easy trail leads to a 100-foot waterfall nestled in the San Juan Mountains.
- Raft or paddle the San Juan River: In spring and summer, this river running through town is perfect for water adventures.
- Explore downtown galleries and restaurants: Pagosa’s walkable town center is full of art, crafts, and local cuisine.
Best Time to Visit Pagosa Springs, CO
The best time to visit Pagosa Springs depends on your interests. Visit in winter (December–March) for snow sports at Wolf Creek, or come in summer (June–August) for hiking, tubing, and festivals. Fall offers colorful foliage, while spring has high river flows ideal for rafting.
How to Get to Pagosa Springs, CO
- If you are traveling by car: Pagosa Springs is located on US-160, about 1 hour east of Durango and 4.5 hours from Albuquerque.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), with flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. Pagosa is about 1 hour’s drive from the airport.
- By Shuttle: Several shuttle services connect Durango and other nearby cities with Pagosa Springs.
Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs, CO
- The Springs Resort & Spa – Stay steps from the river and soak in 20+ hot spring pools with stunning mountain views.
- Healing Waters Resort – Affordable lodging with access to hot spring pools and massage services.
- Wyndham Pagosa – Spacious resort-style accommodations near lakes, trails, and golf courses.
Best Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, CO
1. Reservoir Hill Park
Sitting right in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs, Reservoir Hill Park is a recreation area that boasts an extensive trail system and excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Summer visitors can also make use of the park's disc golf course, while winter brings the opportunity to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding in the designated area. There are two trailheads that provide access to the park: one behind the San Juan Motel and another just off San Juan Street behind the Healing Waters Spa. During the summer months, the park hosts FolkWest bluegrass festivals in the meadow.
320 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
2. Chimney Rock National Monument
Tucked away off the beaten path at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, the Chimney Rock National Monument is a 4,726-acre archaeological site that provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the past. The area was home to the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon, and it now preserves approximately 200 homes and ceremonial buildings that can be explored by strolling along pathways that have remained unchanged for a thousand years. The visitor center is open every day between May 15 and September 30; daily walking tours are offered during this time period as well.
3179 State HWY 151, Pagosa Springs, CO 81121, Phone: 970-883-5359
3. Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park
Established in 1986, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park is a privately owned facility dedicated to educating people about the diverse range of animals found in the mountains around Pagosa Springs. The park is home to bears, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, mountain lions, and many other animals, all of which are non-releasable and do not have the skills needed to survive in the wild. Tours are offered every day at feeding time; visitors will learn about the animals as a species as well as about each animal individually. The gravel path is approximately half a mile long, and tours typically take around 1 hour.
4821 US-84, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-264-4515
Attractions for Couples
4. San Juan Historical Museum
Founded in 1970 to preserve and showcase the rich history of the area, the San Juan Historical Museum is housed inside the town's old waterworks building. Local residents have donated a large number of fascinating historical artifacts over the years, including various photos and artifacts from the homes, farms, and ranches found in the area. Other exhibits include the Oppenheimer Chair, used by J. Robert Oppenheimer during his time at Los Alamos Laboratory, a collection of metal sculptures by Worth Crouse, and a special display of quilts. The museum is open May through September, and there is no fee for admission.
S 1st St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-264-4424
5. Healing Waters Resort and Spa
Looking for a rejuvenating getaway? When in Pagosa Springs, you may not need to look much further than the Healing Waters Resort and Spa. Promising warm waters, warmer welcomes, and comfortable rooms, this resort and spa have been taking care of its many guests since the 1950s. The main draw at the spa is undeniably the hot spring pools, which are filled entirely with undiluted and natural mineral water. Guests who want to enjoy the best that the resort and spa have to offer can book a stay at one of the on-site hotel rooms and suites, which are the perfect spaces to rest in between dips at the hot springs and explorations of the mountain community.
317 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147, Phone: 800-832-5523
6. Higher Grounds Coffee
Locally owned and operated, Higher Grounds Coffee prides itself on being a community gathering place and a destination for people interested in sampling some of the world's best coffee. The coffee served here is roasted locally, and the cafe also offers an excellent selection of food including pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, and quesadillas. The breakfast menu is especially popular with locals and visitors alike, and the business also boasts a small store where visitors can purchase scarves, mugs, gift cards, and works by local artisans. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the cafe is open every day of the week until 7:00pm.
189 Talisman Dr, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-731-3666
7. Majestic Outfitters
Owned and operated by a local man named Larry Melton, Majestic Outfitters is a small trail riding company that offers tours of the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Anyone with a day to spare can choose between a 2-hour, half-day, or full-day tour, while those interested in spending more time in the forest can book a 3 to 7-day camping trip with all equipment and tents included. The company operates between May 15th and October 31st, and advance reservations are requested and recommended. Riders must be at least 6 years of age, and no previous riding experience or knowledge is required.
US-160, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-946-1888
8. Overlook Hot Springs Spa
Pagosa Springs has no shortage of hot springs, but Overlook Hot Springs Spa is unique in that it offers a peaceful Victorian atmosphere and three rooftop pools with views of the river and mountains. The rooftop also boasts a sauna and a whirlpool, but anyone who would prefer to stay inside has a choice of five indoor pools as well as an exclusive private tub room that must be reserved in advance. The therapeutic mineral water will do wonders for your aches and pains, but the spa is also proud to offer a selection of relaxing massages, body scrubs, and mud wraps.
432 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-264-4040
9. Pagosa Baking Company
Founded in 2011 by Kathy Keyes, the Pagosa Baking Company is a locally owned bakery and cafe that offers a welcoming atmosphere and a delectable assortment of hot drinks and healthy food. The chefs are proud to use organic and locally sourced ingredients to prepare the food whenever possible, and all soups, breads, pies, and other baked goods are made on-site from scratch. The bakery is open every day of the week for both lunch and dinner, and a variety of homemade freezer meals, cookie doughs, and locally produced meats are available for customers to take home and prepare themselves.
238 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: 970-264-9348
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