11 Must-Do Activities in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

It’s easy to drive right past Pagosa Springs, a small, 1,700-resident community in the middle of southern Colorado. However, you should consider slowing down and stopping to explore this unique town.

Pagosa Springs, located about an hour away from Durango, centers around natural hot mineral springs and the cooler San Juan River. The community’s tranquil atmosphere, coupled with its size and location, makes it a wonderful destination for a relaxing wellness vacation or a nature-centered family excursion.

01. Stay at the Springs Resort & Spa

For those looking to pamper themselves, the Springs Resort & Spa is an ideal choice, offering the convenience of immersive hot springs experiences.

This luxurious resort features rooms within walking distance to 23 hot spring pools flanking the river, resembling a peaceful water park. Each pool offers a unique temperature and atmosphere, making it easy to find your perfect spot, or simply pool hop.

You can also enjoy wine and beer by the pools, and for the adventurous, dip your toes into the chilly river for a natural cold plunge/hot water circuit.

Beyond the mineral waters, The Springs offers a full-service spa and its EcoLuxe Hotel was Colorado’s first LEED Gold certified hotel.

02. Get a Taste of the Cowboy Life

For an authentic Western experience, consider staying at the High Country Lodge, beautifully situated between Pagosa Springs and the Wolf Creek ski area. This location is especially popular in winter for those wishing to combine skiing with leisurely hot spring visits.

Opt for a cabin to experience a true Colorado adventure amidst 15 acres of pristine wilderness. Explore the on-site private hiking trails immediately accessible outside your cabin door, allowing for a peaceful trek free from summer crowds.

After hiking, unwind in the lodge’s hot tub and sauna. During colder months, you might also enjoy tubing down the hill behind the lodge.

03. See the Mother Spring

The “Mother Spring,” also referred to as “The Great Pagosah,” located at The Springs Resort & Spa, was recognized as the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011. With a depth exceeding 1,000 feet and temperatures reaching 144 degrees, it is indeed something to behold.

Swimming is not permitted in this hot spring; given its intimidating depth and high temperatures, it is more of a sight to appreciate than to immerse in. Inquire about its sacred background as a healing site for the area’s native residents.

04. Visit Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is easily recognized by its distinctively shaped rock formation perched atop a narrow mesa. Here, you can explore thousands of acres filled with artifacts and archaeological remnants from the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the region.

This site features ancient buildings, an underground kiva, a pit house, and more. As one of the nation’s newest national monuments, it holds substantial spiritual significance for many tribes.

Special Experience:

Don’t miss the Chimney Rock Full Moon Program, where visitors can observe the full moon rising at the Great House Pueblo site, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Native American flute music. On significant occasions, such as the fall equinox, you can witness the sunrise from amidst the ruins while absorbing fascinating stories about the area’s ancient residents.

05. Attend the Color Fest

The Annual Color Fest is an exciting event that adds vibrancy to Colorado itineraries. Every fall, Pagosa Springs comes alive with live music, wine, beer, and colorful hot air balloons. Sample regional cuisine at the Pagosa Passport to Wine and Food event, enjoy a “battle of the brews” among local microbreweries, and participate in a 5K color run while capturing stunning photos of two hot air balloon ascensions.

At the wine and food festival, visitors can pair local wines with the finest regional foods, creating a true flairs of Pagosa Springs.

06. Jam Out at Folk Music Festivals

Pagosa Springs is a hub for music lovers, with FolkWest organizing both summer and fall folk music festivals. A highlight of the year is the Four Corners Folk Festival held in early September, while Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass welcomes additional folk musicians in a three-day event each June.

During the summer, kids can participate in a bluegrass music camp, and adults can improve their skills at the Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass Jam Camp designed specifically for them.

07. Go White-Water Rafting

The San Juan River is an exceptional location for white-water rafting in Colorado. Consider embarking on a multi-day wilderness adventure that starts in Pagosa Springs, guiding you along the river through breathtaking canyon landscapes. Witness some of the most stunning views in Colorado during this exhilarating journey, perfect for those seeking the ultimate outdoor adventure. The San Juan River also offers excellent conditions for kayaking.

08. Hike, Hike, Hike

With more than 3 million acres of national forest land and natural areas surrounding it, Pagosa Springs is a hiker’s paradise, boasting over 650 miles of trails suited for all skill levels and distances.

A popular hike is to the stunning Piedra Falls, which offers impressive views and a short one-mile round trip trail with minimal elevation gain. It’s a great way to experience a thundering waterfall without an extensive hike.

Additionally, the trail along the Piedra River can be explored as long as you wish, extending up to about 8 miles one way. This well-marked, flat trail is suitable for all levels and dog-friendly on a leash.

09. Go Skiing in the Winter

While Aspen and Vail receive massive tourist influxes during winter, the Pagosa Springs area remains a local favorite. Nearby, Wolf Creek Ski Resort offers low-cost lift tickets and receives an impressive average snowfall of 430 inches annually. The resort is surrounded by various dining and shopping options, making it a great choice for a less crowded yet satisfying skiing experience.

10. Sit in a Hot Springs on the Roof

If the bustling atmosphere of the Springs Resort & Spa’s hot springs feels overwhelming, simply stroll across the street to the Overlook Hot Springs, a hidden treasure you could easily overlook.

This unique hot springs facility boasts a design reminiscent of an old Victorian bathhouse, with dim lighting and ornate chandeliers, offering both indoor and outdoor soaking options. Guests can select from an array of tubs based on their desired atmosphere and temperature, or enjoy the rooftop hot springs pools for stunning views over Pagosa Springs.

11. Tip Back a Beer

An authentic Colorado getaway wouldn’t be complete without indulging in local brews. Pagosa Springs is home to several excellent breweries, including Riff Raff Brewing Co., famous for its beers made using geothermal heat. Enjoy a meal on the spacious patio, and don’t forget to try a tasting flight to complement your hot springs relaxation.