Billowy steam rises each morning from the banks of the San Juan River as it gently flows through the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado---a 1 hour scenic drive east of Durango, CO. A comforting aura surrounds visitors as they make their way to the 17 individually temperatured soaking pools terraced along the river’s bank. The acoustics of the river and the serenity of the travelers slipping into the warm, curative waters generate an anticipation of relaxation, rejuvenation, and reward.

This ancient ritual of a healing soak is the foundation for the existence of this small but vibrant mountain town at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. Pagosa means “healing water” in the ancient Ute Indian language and the power of the waters is legendary in Native American lore. The spring is the world’s largest and deepest hot mineral spring. 

While the first visitors to this world-famous spring had to make their own soaking pools in the banks of the river, today’s travelers simply enter through the welcoming doors of The Springs Resort Bathhouse and choose which of the 17 landscaped soaking pools meets their fancy.

The beautiful Mediterranean-style bathhouse welcomes soakers to a uniquely configured, immaculately maintained facility, offering changing rooms, thick towels and friendly attendants.

The soaking pools are filled with the constantly flowing, warm mineral-rich waters of the ancient spring. Pool temperatures range from 83º -114º F. The constant flow in and out of the pools provides for a chemical-free, immaculate soaking experience. Each pool is completely drained and scrubbed three times a week, adding to the spotless reputation of this state-of-the-art facility. The water flowing out of the pools creates streams and waterfalls throughout the property and even supplies “Golden Pond”, the Koi fish pool, with warm mineral water which the popular fish thrive in.

The oft-photographed sunken bridge across Golden Pond provides unique access to “The Cliffs” pool which sits perched in the bank above the pond.

Names like “Paradise”, “Tranquility”, “Lobster Pot” and “Clouds In My Coffee”, lure soakers to the individual pool that suits their soaking preference. Abundant patio furnishings provide sitting areas among the pools for picnicking, reading, or sun-napping. Two pools actually mix directly with the cool mountain river water, allowing for an icy plunge before moving on to a different soaking experience. 

The soaking pools are open to the Public every day from 7AM -11PM (weekdays) and 1AM on weekends and holidays.