The long-ago formation of the Rocky Mountains caused the faults that helped develop the hot springs we appreciate today. Volcanic activity in the region also contributes to forming some of the region’s thermally heated water.

While exploring the hot springs of the Four Corners region, take a break for a delicious meal at Seasons of Durango. Since they can’t use volcanic activity to cook their food, they use oak harvested from the area instead, and support regional farmers by sourcing their ingredients locally.

Top Natural Hot Springs Destinations in the Four Corners

Everyone has heard of springs in Yellowstone National Park, the boiling river, and Big Sky Country Bozeman Hot Springs in Montana, but true aficionados know the hot springs of the gods are in the Four Corners.

Explore the world-famous hot springs of the region to unwind, rejuvenate, ease your sore muscles, and take your cares away. 

You can find hot springs in all the Four Corners states and Colorado alone is recorded as having 93 developed and undeveloped hot springs, so let’s start there.

Colorado 

Durango, Colorado

Just six miles north of the city of Durango is a hot springs resort with 25 pools, 10 of which are ADA accessible. Some pools even offer views of the beautiful AnimasRiver as it flows by. This is a true resort with yoga classes and massages available to discerning guests.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

One of the larger hot springs in the Four Corners is Pagosa Springs in Southern Colorado, about 75 minutes east of Durango along State Highway 160. Pagosa Springs holds the title of the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs.

When scientists tried to determine the depth of the springs, their measuring device could only go 1,002 feet. But that wasn’t the bottom. So, who knows how deep it is?

The San Juan River flows through the town of Pagosa Springs, with spring waters bubbling up along the way. Visitors can experience one of the area’s resorts for luxurious soaking or simply try one of the riverside pools for a free, more rustic soak. Rainbow Hot Springs is a popular free spot you can reach after a 4.5-mile hike.

Ouray, Colorado

The City of Ouray operates a hot spring facility that can be enjoyed by residents and travelers alike. They note that these hot springs lack the distinctive sulfur smell of so many other hot springs due to the water’s minerals.

This hot spring destination is for folks who want fun activities, like water volleyball in summer, a climbing wall, water slides, and an adult-only section. The pools range temperatures from 82 degrees in the shallow pool to 106 degrees in the overlook pool. There are even lap lanes for those who want to swim in extra warm water, with hot spring temperatures from 92 to 100 degrees.

There is also Orvis Hot Springs just north of Ouray, it is a clothing optional hot springs.

New Mexico

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

North of Albuquerque and west of Santa Fe is Jemez Springs, where you can explore some free soaking pools located off New Mexico State Route 4. The area has 15 natural hot springs, heated by the volcanic magma of nearby Valles Caldera. 

If you’re looking to soak without a hike, there’s also a privately owned spring in Jemez Springs, open without reservations for those aged 14 and older.

McCauley Hot Spring

McCauley Hot Spring near Jemez Springs area is accessed from a popular trail at the foot of Battleship Rock off State Route 4. The forested out-and-back trail is about 3.5 miles round-trip, leading to four small ponds with hot spring temperatures of about 95 degrees. Be careful, because depending on the weather, the trail can get muddy.

Spence Hot Springs

Spence Hot Springs in the Santa Fe National Forest can be found about 1.5 miles west on NM 4 after the intersection of NM 126 and 4. Follow the short trail to the springs, keeping in mind that the trail gets steeper as you are almost there.

Pro Tip: Spence Hot Springs and McCauley Hot Springs are both known as clothing-optional and visitors have reported poison ivy in the area.

More Hot Springs in New Mexico

The Land of Enchantment is home to many other hot springs outside the undefined borders of the Four Corners. Ojo Caliente, for example, is north of Santa Fe and is renowned for its hot mineral springs.

The town of Truth or Consequences in Southern New Mexico is home to numerous hot springs offered by businesses throughout the community. It’s near the state’s largest lake, Elephant Butte, and has its own funky charm.

While in the southern part of the state, there are several free hot springs hikers can enjoy in the Gila National Forest, like Jordan, Lightfeather, and Turkey Creek. Be sure to check the distance and difficulty of the hike before heading out and keep an eye on the weather conditions. Take plenty of water, too.

Utah

Utah is one of the Four Corners states and while these hot springs aren’t close to the place where all four states come together, they may be just interesting enough to add to your travels.

Heber Valley

The most unique destination to rejuvenate in Utah may just be in the beautiful Heber Valley. At a resort here, you can not only soak with a beehive-shaped limestone dome, but because the water here is 65 feet deep, you can also snorkel and scuba dive! Sunlight and fresh air flow through a hole at the top of the dome, but the weather is always warm and balmy inside.

Monroe

There are a couple of hot springs destinations closer to the Four Corners. One is a popular spot for soaking that also hosts music festivals near Monroe, Utah, about 1.5 hours west of Capitol Reef National Park. You may even be able to watch music on the resort’s three stages right from your soaking pool.

Private Farmland

For those who are up for wilderness experiences, down a dirt road off I-15, two hours northwest of Bryce Canyon National Park, are soaking opportunities on private farmland. The generous owner shares them with the public and has created a trail leading to the pools, but requires a covered body and prohibits alcohol use.

Arizona

While you may figure you’re already toasty enough in Arizona without getting into hot water, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. Winter is the best time to take a dip in Arizona when the temperatures dip and monsoon rains subside.

Morristown

In fact, a luxury resort in Morristown, Arizona, offers its guests the opportunity to soak in the hottest non-volcanic natural spring in the world with water temperatures up to 120 degrees.

Arizona Hot Spring

Arizona Hot Spring at Lake Mead Recreation Area is for those who can boat in or make the 2.5-mile hike. You can even camp by the natural hot springs once you arrive.

Verde River Hot Springs and Kaiser Hot Springs are also options for those willing to work for their soak. Getting to Verde can be challenging and weather-dependent. After following a long dirt road with variable conditions, visitors must hike and traverse the river. Kaiser is a 1.5-mile hike each way on a sandy wash primitive trail with a few minor areas to climb.

What to Expect at a Resort

Some of the options we’ve mentioned are “wild” and require a hike to visit. Consider a resort if you’d like a more refined experience. At these destinations, like in Pagosa Springs, you can expect to enjoy a consistently clean facility. Some charge by the half hour, hour, or day.

Resorts allow you to shower before and after submerging. Some have elaborate relaxation rooms surrounded by nature and geological features. Snack bars on the property may offer refreshments or food with local ingredients served fresh to keep you going through the long day of relaxing.

Some resorts have indoor pools that are drained, cleaned, and filled every night and wet saunas and dry saunas. While at these resorts, you can enjoy artesian springs with hot ground water thrust to the earth’s surface. If you partake at night, you have the opportunity to see some of the darkest, star-filled skies.

Depending on your goals, you may want to look for a resort with lodging, an on-site fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment, or simply take an energizing swim in the therapeutic hot springs.

Planning Your Getaway

Discover the allure of hot springs in winter, with the unusual experience of being outside in your swim suit in freezing temperatures.

A resort could be the perfect place for area residents and tourists, gathering with friends and family, or a romantic getaway just for the two of you. If you want to splurge, book a stay at a resort with luxurious amenities and services.

On the other hand, if you’re into adventure and hiking, explore the more rustic destinations or even free locations on public land. It all depends on what you want out of the experience.

Safety and Precautions

If you are visiting hot springs in the wild, be aware that no testing is done to ensure its safety, so avoid drinking it or getting it in your nose. Be cautious of the temperature of the springs as they vary widely, and the hotter pools can burn your skin. Also watch for poison ivy, an encounter with which could ruin your pleasant memories of the excursion!

Pregnant women and people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure or certain heart conditions should check with their doctor before your adventure. In addition, drinking alcohol and spending time in hot springs is a bad combination. Drink plenty of water instead to stay hydrated.

Most resorts don’t allow guests to wear sunscreen except on the face, so consider wearing long-sleeved, high-UPF swimwear and a broad-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sunburn. You’ll sunburn faster at high altitudes, too, so keep that in mind.

Insider Tips and Recommendations

Fall and winter are the most popular times to visit hot springs because it feels good to slip into hot water when the air outside is chilly. However, you may get better deals and experience smaller crowds during the off-season. If you’re heading to a resort, check their rates to help plan your visit.

Some resorts have multiple soaking opportunities with different temperatures. Find the temperature that is right for you, settle in to soak, let out a big sigh, and relax your body!

In the beauty of the Four Corners, you can take advantage of the relaxing soak and ultimate workout experience offered by the area’s many hot springs.

If you’ve designed a trip around visiting, be sure to explore what else there is to do in the area. The Four Corners region is full of fascinating destinations, interesting history, and beautiful natural scenery.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in finding free places to explore “wild” hot springs or want a resort experience, it’s waiting for you in destinations like Pagosa Springs, Jemez Springs, Ouray, and Durango. Plan a trip to the best hot springs and find your bliss!

If you’re visiting the springs near beautiful Durango, Colorado, refresh yourself afterward with a delicious, locally sourced-meal at Seasons of Durango. It’s the perfect way for locals and visitors alike to end a day of self-care!