Top Hot Springs along the Colorado River in the Northern Rockies

If you have ever been to Colorado, you learn fairly quickly that the people up here are always looking for the next adrenaline rush but we all need a break every now and then. What better way to have a relaxing and laid back break from all the excitement than soaking in a hot spring?  It is one thing to go to a spa, but going out in nature gives your body the purest cleanse. One of the best ways to relax and be in nature is to go to these natural hot springs. One of the most well known areas in Colorado to go and visit the hot springs at is along the Colorado River.

Hot Springs are created from rain or groundwater that has been in contact with rocks that are heated by subterranean volcanic activity underneath the earth’s crust. You may have noticed that there is a strange egg-like smell that is released around some hot springs. This is caused by the rocks being heated by the volcanic activity beneath earth’s surfaces heavier minerals like sulfur are heated and pressure is applied the minerals begin to dissolve.

There are four different hot springs that are located along the Colorado River. Here is your hot springs guide to the best hot springs located along the Colorado River. We will start our journey at the beginning of the Colorado River.

Hot Sulphur Springs

Hot Sulphur Springs is one of the oldest operating hot springs and has been a resort for over 140 years. The Springs were converted into a resort in 1840 and the town was actually named after the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and the small town is known as Hot Sulphur Springs. Hot Sulphur Springs offers seventeen motel rooms, a spa, and twenty one mineral pools located throughout the resort. All twenty one of the pools are fed by seven natural springs located near the resort. All twenty one pools are temperature controlled and range between ninety five and one hundred and twelve degrees. The mineral rich water is so fresh and clean you could drink it.

Radium Hot Springs

Our next stop is going to be Radium Hot Springs, located quite literally right on the Colorado River, Radium hot springs can be accessed via a 1.5 mile hike or you can raft to it. Most people refer to Radium as a warm spring. The spring has a mixture of geothermal heated water and chilly river water. There is a jump rock that is nearby but is only accessible via raft. One thing that you should know is that the water level of the Colorado River can occasionally become high enough to completely submerge these springs making them disappear for a while. The best part about the Radium hot spring is that there is no fee and open to all who seek it.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Our final stop on this hot springs guide is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. This newly built hot spring is only a few years old. It contains sixteen naturally shaped hot spring pools that range in temperatures of ninety eight degrees to one hundred and eight degrees. Each mineral pool contains more than fourteen different minerals in the water. There are also heated sidewalks to keep your toes toasty in the winter months. There is also a Family pool for anyone with children and a whirlpool for that extra bit of relaxation.

Regardless of where you decide to go you will enjoy the peaceful and relaxing temperatures of a geothermal mineral water in these pools. Just be sure that you keep in mind that you should stay hydrated while soaking and to not soak for too long there is the chance of lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting and vomiting. Hot springs are the perfect way to feel refreshed after a hard day of skiing or snowboarding. It is a sure way to feel relaxed after a rather difficult week.