#RADIUM SPRINGS COLORADO FREE#

Some of the highest concentrations of radium-contaminated drinking water in the nation are clustered in rural southeast Colorado, according to a recent compilation of data. Reservations are required for the campsites near the hot springs, but at press time, a few of the smaller campsites were still available in early October.Arkansas Valley Conduit map via the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (Chris Woodka) June 2021.įrom The Colorado Springs Gazette (Evan Wyloge): The hot springs was recently added to the Atlas Obscura list of the world’s most wondrous places. One of the peak experiences is Conundrum Hot Springs, which is at the end of a 9-mile climb from a trailhead near Aspen in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Recreation Area.

#RADIUM SPRINGS COLORADO FREE#

Several more natural hot springs are free in terms of money, but not so much in terms of effort. Like many other primitive hot springs, the pools are typically flooded and cold during high spring and early summer runoff. Hike from there about 1.5 miles to a set of up to three primitive hot springs. Drive 7 miles to the Sheep Creek Trailhead. So enjoy especially beautiful leaves from the Piedra River Hot Springs.ĭrive 21 miles west from Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 to the Piedra turnoff (FS 622). Be warned that the river isn’t very deep, so take the 45-foot cliff jump at your own risk.Īccuweather’s trusted fall foliage forecast predicts that a heavy monsoon season will translate to beautiful autumn colors throughout southwest Colorado. The hot springs are less than a mile down a steep hill from the campground. Note that the final approach is a rutted and rocky road. From Interstate 70, take Highway 9 north out of Silverthorne, and follow these directions to the Mugrage campground, a free primitive campground on BLM land. Outside Kremmling, in Grand County, Radium Hot Springs combines the thrill of a cliff jump with the mellow of a natural hot springs soak. Drive south for about a mile to a pullout and trailhead.ĭepending on the time of year, either one or two pools are available, offering a hot soak and great mountain views. Take Interstate 70 west from Glenwood to County Highway 134. Just on the other side of Glenwood Springs, the South Canyon Hot Springs is at the end of an easy quarter-mile walk. South Canyon Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs The hot springs are accessible year-round, but typically flooded out during spring runoff. The springs are not marked, so look for a wide pull-off. Park just south of mile marker 55 on Highway 133, which heads south out of Carbondale. The most accessible is probably Penny Hot Springs, which is just off the road. It also boasts a couple of little freebies. The Roaring Fork Valley has some of the best hot springs in Colorado, from the giant Glenwood Springs pool to smaller private resorts. Keep in mind that more effort typically equals smaller crowds, but all these spots can be busy, particularly on weekends. Here are some of the best free natural hot springs in Colorado, listed in order of hiking distance from the trailhead. And be aware that clothing is considered optional at some of these spots. Pack out what you pack in, including all human and animal waste. Try to minimize lotions as well, to keep the water pristine. A hot tub is not a bathtub, so no soaps and shampoos. Standard backcountry protocol still applies. Of course, no cost doesn’t mean no rules. All the better when these top Colorado hot springs are free and easily accessible. That makes fall the best time of year for soaking in some of the best natural hot springs in Colorado. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is cooling off, but the snow hasn’t started accumulating. Autumn leaf peeping is even better from accessible hot springs

Radium springs colorado