Three hot springs are located near Crestone, within a 30-45 minute drive, and each offers something special. You can find them on the map below, as:
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs south of Villa Grove (30 minutes)
- Valley View Hot Springs along the mountain front east of Joyful Journey (45 minutes)
- The Hot Pools at Sand Dunes Pool near Hooper (35 minutes)
And two other hot springs are further north on the way to and from Denver, Mount Princeton Hot Springs near Nathrop and Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Joyful Journey Hot Springs consists of three pools of hot, medium, and cooler temperatures, all fed with untreated geothermal waters. One enters the pool area through a small spa building that has dressing rooms and a sauna.
The hot springs are 30 minutes from Crestone, and they also make for a good stop if you are driving to or from Denver. Various lodging options are available, including motel-style rooms, yurts, teepees, and camping.
Sand Dunes Pool Hot Springs
At Sand Dunes Pool near Hooper, there is one hot pool in the public area near the entrance, but most of the hot pools are located in a large adult-only greenhouse (yes, there’s a bar!). The environment is warm and relaxing and consists of a long cooler pool flanked by hot soaking pools and a sauna. Changing rooms are near the bar (no lockers). Food is allowed at the tables, and is available at the bar or in the public food bar – it’s pretty good!). You will need to pay extra to enter the Greenhouse, but it’s worth it!
The Sand Dunes Pool Hot Springs are about 35 minutes from Crestone, and it’s also a great place to stop on the way back from Sand Dunes National Park, or if you are driving north from Alamosa. The venue is located about a mile east of the highway, and the turnoff is just north the Hooper Junction gas station (a useful landmark, if you are approaching or just missed the turn).
See the Sand Dunes Pool Website for Hours and Pricing (Greenhouse Page)
Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs are the most natural of the hot springs near Crestone. They are located east of Joyful Journey Hot Springs at the end of dirt road EE, and are about a 45 minute drive from Crestone.
The hot springs are managed by the Orient Land Trust, and entry is by a membership fee (daily rate available). It is best to call ahead to reserve entry. Note that this is a clothing optional venue.
See the Valley View Hot Springs Website to Learn about Prices and Access
And here’s a nice bit about he geology of Valley View Hot Springs.
