Pagosa Springs is the perfect basecamp for exploring southern Colorado—hot springs in town, waterfalls just up the road, and dramatic scenery around every mountain. In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area so you can build a trip that fits your style.
Chris and I spent a few days here during a summer road trip, and honestly, it was a perfect place to explore more of Colorado. Whether we were hiking along wildflower-covered ridges or wandering through quiet mountain valleys, Pagosa delivered that relaxed, high-country vibe we love. Here’s what we found that you may love.
10 Things to Do In Pagosa Springs
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Pagosa Springs is one of those Colorado towns that doesn’t need to try very hard to impress. Tucked into the southern Rockies, it features hot springs, hiking trails, scenic drives, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. Chris and I came for a couple of days and left wishing we had built in more time. Summer is the sweet spot—wildflowers are blooming, the river is running, and the mountain air is that perfect combination of warm days and cool evenings. Here’s what to put on your list.
1. Soak in the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs sits on top of the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring—so soaking is basically mandatory. The town has several options ranging from resort-style pools with mountain views to more rustic, natural soaks, so there’s something for every budget and vibe.
For more Colorado soaking options, check out my guide to 15 Hot Springs in Colorado. And if this is your first hot springs experience, brush up on Hot Springs Etiquette before you go.
The Springs Resort & Spa
Sitting right on the banks of the San Juan River, The Springs Resort & Spa is fed by mineral-rich geothermal water flowing into nearly 50 mineral pools—making it one of Colorado’s most iconic hot springs destinations. It was voted No. 1 Best Hot Springs and Best Spa Resort by USA Today 10 Best in 2025, so the reputation is well earned. You can day trip it with a pass, add a spa treatment, or book an overnight stay for full pool access. Don’t skip the cold plunge in the San Juan River—apparently it’s part of the experience.
Overlook Hot Springs
A more low-key alternative to The Springs, Overlook Hot Springs is a rooftop soaking experience right in downtown Pagosa Springs with views of the San Juan River. Smaller, quieter, and a bit more budget-friendly—a solid option if you want the hot springs experience without the resort price tag.
Healing Waters Resort & Spa
Healing Waters Resort & Spa offers a more intimate hot springs experience with lodging on site—a good pick if you want to make the hot springs the centerpiece of your stay. Soak, sleep, repeat.
Nathan’s Hippy Dippy Hot Springs
Tucked off Hot Springs Boulevard near the bridge, Nathan’s Hippy Dip is a locals’ favorite—a rustic, rock-walled soaking spot right along the San Juan River. It’s completely free to access, making it a great option if you want the hot springs experience without opening your wallet. No frills, no reservations—just warm mineral water and river views.
If you love a free, rustic soak, you might also enjoy Penny Hot Springs near Aspen—another Colorado gem worth adding to your list.
Rainbow Hot Springs
Rainbow Hot Springs is for the adventurous crowd—it’s a primitive, isolated mineral spring deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, requiring a roughly 4.5-mile hike one way. Free, clothing optional, and completely undeveloped. If you’re up for the hike, the payoff is soaking in geothermal pools right along the San Juan River with zero crowds and zero cell service. Pack accordingly.
Packing for Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs
You will want to come prepared for your hot springs experience. Check out my Amazon recommendations in my Beach Gear List too.
- Swimsuits for Men or Women
- Flip Flops
- Hat
- Face Sunscreen (you likely won’t be putting your face in the water)
- Wrap or Robe
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Flotation Device (if allowed)
- Tote Bag
- Water Bottle
2. Explore the Pagosa Springs Riverwalk
The San Juan Riverwalk is one of those easy wins that makes a trip feel complete. It’s a paved path running right through downtown along the San Juan River—flat, family-friendly, and free. I remember walking it and catching views of The Springs Resort across the river, which made me wish I was soaking in the hot springs. Along the way you’ll pass the Hippie Dips, a wetlands area, and several river access points for fishing or just getting your feet wet. The full path is about 3 miles and takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half at a leisurely pace.
3. Kayak or Tube the San Juan River
The San Juan River runs right through downtown Pagosa Springs, making it an easy and fun summer activity. You can rent a kayak, tube, or paddleboard and float through town—it’s a laid-back way to see Pagosa from a different angle. Chris and I kayaked the Animas River in nearby Durango and loved it. If you enjoy that kind of outdoor adventure, the San Juan is a natural add to your Pagosa itinerary. Just ask me how I ended up in the water with 20 minutes left on our float sometime.
4. Chase Waterfalls Near Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is surrounded by waterfalls ranging from a quick roadside stop to a full day hike. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:
| Waterfall | Distance from Pagosa | Length & Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Treasure Falls | ~ 15 miles (24 km) east | 0.5 mile (0.8 km) RT • Easy |
| Piedra Falls | ~ 30 miles (48.3 km) north | 0.5 – 1 mile (0.8 – 1.6 km) RT • Easy to Moderate |
| Fourmile Falls | ~ 13 miles (21 km) north | 6 – 8 miles (9.7 – 13 km) RT • Moderate |
| Silver Falls | ~ 12 miles (19.3 km) east | .25 mile (0.4 km) RT • Easy (high clearance vehicles required) |
Fair warning—Chris and I visited in the summer and the falls were pretty modest. If you want the most dramatic show, aim for spring when snowmelt is running high.
5. Hiking Near Pagosa Springs
The trails around Pagosa Springs are no joke—think high alpine terrain, wildflower-covered ridges, and big mountain views that make the climb worth every step. Chris and I tackled a couple of these on our summer trip and finished with a serious appreciation for mountain scenery. Here are the hikes that made our list.
Hike Alberta Peak at Wolf Creek Pass
Alberta Peak Trail at Wolf Creek Pass STARTS at an elevation of 10,857 feet—so if you’re not acclimatized, you’ll feel it fast. The trail gains elevation quickly over the first couple of miles before leveling out, and Chris warned me it would. He was right, though I reserve the right to complain anyway.
Watch for the fork with the Treasure Mountain Trail 565 sign—stay left or you’ll head down the mountain instead of up. The final scramble to the peak is a little precarious but worth it. Plan to be off the summit before afternoon storms roll in—we had a deadline and we met it, barely. Total hike is roughly 2 hours up and just over an hour down.
Archuleta Trail
The Archuleta Trail starts at the Big Meadows Reservoir trailhead in the Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork—about a mile walk around the lake to reach the trailhead itself. It’s a popular fishing spot, so expect company at the lake. Once you hit the trail though, the crowds thin out fast. The Archuleta Trail runs 7 miles one way into the Weminuche Wilderness and connects to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail—so you can go as far as your legs will take you. Typically accessible June through October.
Vallecito Creek Trail
Vallecito Creek Trail is a 12-mile hike with a lot of up and down along rocky terrain—watch your footing or your ankles will remind you later. The scenery makes it worth it though, skirting along the river with views that shift from right at water level to a couple hundred feet above it.
Chris and I got rained on and hailed on mid-hike—I pulled out my umbrella to keep myself and my camera dry, then thunder rolled in and the skies really opened up. Fortunately it passed quickly and blue skies were back before long. Check the weather before you head out—afternoon storms in the mountains are no joke.
6. Take Scenic Drives Near Pagosa Springs
Southern Colorado was made for scenic drives—and the roads around Pagosa Springs don’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a quick mountain pass or a full day behind the wheel, there’s a route for you. New to driving mountain roads to get there? Check out my tips for driving in the mountains before you head out. Chris and I logged some serious windshield time on this trip and loved every minute of it.
Wolf Creek Pass Scenic Byway
Wolf Creek Pass Scenic Byway is one of those drives that earns its name. As you wind down the mountain pass toward Pagosa Springs, watch for the signs announcing two hairpin curves—they’re not kidding. Just before the first curve, a scenic overlook sign appears on the right. Chris made a last-second decision to pull over and I’m glad he did—the valley below was absolutely stunning. Don’t blink or you’ll miss the turnoff.
Piedra Road
Piedra Road, or County Road 600 in the San Juan National Forest, turns north off Highway 160 and is suitable for a standard passenger car—making it one of the more accessible scenic drives in the area. The road winds through beautiful mountain terrain with picnic spots along the way and connects to several trailheads including Piedra Falls and the Piedra River Trail. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, consider taking Plumtaw Road back to town and turning the drive into a loop. Budget a half day to do it justice.
7. Go Mountain Biking
While careening down a mountainside is definitely not my idea of a good time, Chris would sign up in a heartbeat. Pagosa Springs has a solid network of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner-friendly to technical single track—so whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, there’s a trail for you. Check with local outfitters in town for bike rentals and trail recommendations before you head out.
8. Shop the Pagosa Farmers Market
I love a good farmers market no matter where I am in the world, and Pagosa Springs delivers. The Pagosa Farmers Market runs on Saturday mornings in the summer—a perfect way to start the day before heading out on the trails. Pick up some fresh pastries, local produce, or grab the makings of a trail lunch. Chris and I did exactly that in Steamboat Springs and it’s become our go-to move on a summer Saturday morning when we travel.
9. Visit the Pagosa Springs History Museum
If you want a break from the outdoors, the Pagosa Springs History Museum is worth an hour of your time. Housed in an old waterworks building in downtown Pagosa, the self-guided tour takes you through life in the area from the 1890s to early 1900s—a dentist’s office, barber shop, general store, and a country schoolroom among the exhibits. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Open mid-May through late August, Wednesday through Saturday, 10am–4pm—so plan accordingly if you’re visiting later in the summer.
10. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of those quintessential Colorado experiences—and Pagosa Springs has no shortage of outfitters to make it happen. With access to 2.5 million acres of national forest and wilderness, the scenery on horseback is hard to beat. We spotted riders at the top of the Alberta Peak Trail; it looked like a pretty great way to take in those views. Options range from one-hour rides to multi-day pack trips depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
Epic Day Trips from Pagosa Springs
You could easily spend a week in Pagosa Springs without leaving town—but if you’re planning a southern Colorado itinerary, several of these destinations are worth a stop on your way in or out of town. From ancient cliff dwellings to towering sand dunes, here’s what’s worth adding to your route. Road trip anyone?
Durango
Durango is an obvious stop on any southern Colorado road trip—and it’s only about 60 miles west of Pagosa Springs. The historic downtown is walkable and charming, the Animas River runs right through town, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Chris and I kayaked the Animas River with Mountain Waters Rafting and loved every minute of it—right up until I got dumped out of my kayak with 20 minutes left on the float. Worth it. For a full rundown of what to do in Durango, check out my complete Durango guide.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is about 90 miles west of Pagosa Springs and worth every mile of the drive. Plan for an early start to beat the crowds and the afternoon heat—and if you want a ranger-guided tour of the cliff dwellings, book in advance or you’ll be out of luck.
Chris and I spent one morning exploring the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. I found myself wondering how the Puebloans actually lived in these cliff dwellings—the footholds and ladders alone had me questioning my own coordination. For a self-guided experience, the GuideAlong audio tour is a fantastic way to learn the history from the comfort of your car.
Visit Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock National Monument sits about 26 miles west of Pagosa Springs in the San Juan National Forest and is well worth a stop. The archaeological site reveals the ancestral homelands of the Pueblo people—sky watchers who relied on the sun, stars, and moon for their living seasons and festivals. Every 18.6 years, the full moon rises perfectly between the two rock pinnacles—a celestial event that makes this place feel even more remarkable.
Entry requires a $20 activity pass good for five days, which you can purchase in advance at Recreation.gov. Self-guided tours are included with your pass.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re road tripping from Denver, Great Sand Dunes National Park makes a perfect first stop before continuing on to Pagosa Springs—about four hours from Denver and two more hours to Pagosa from there. The tallest sand dunes in North America rising up against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a sight that stops you in your tracks. Rent a sled, hit the dunes, shake off all the sand, and point the car toward Pagosa.
Creede
About an hour and fifteen minutes northeast of Pagosa Springs, Creede is tucked into the San Juan Mountains surrounded by sheer cliffs. And this charming mountain town is worth every minute of the drive. With a population of around 275, it holds the title of Colorado’s last silver boom town. Don’t just pass through.
Small as it is, Creede packs in a surprising amount:
- Creede Historical Museum
- Underground Mining Museum
- The Creede Repertory Theatre (summer)
- Donkey Dash (June)
- Taste of Creede (Memorial Day weekend)
- Silver Thread Scenic Byway
- Wheeler Geologic Area (4×4 encouraged)
- Bachelor Loop (stunning in the fall)
Alpine Loop & Animas Forks Ghost Town
The Alpine Loop is about two and a half hours from Pagosa Springs but earns its place on this list. The 65-mile backcountry byway connects Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Colorado—crossing both Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass above 12,000 feet.
Fair warning—this is not a drive for the faint of heart. I watched jeeps and side-by-sides take off up narrow roads clinging to the sides of mountains and spent most of the day white-knuckled. Chris had promised wildflower fields at the top—we missed peak bloom by a couple of weeks, which I chose to take personally. The highlight is Animas Forks, a remarkably preserved ghost town at the start of the loop that’s worth the adventure on its own.
Getting to Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is tucked into the southern Rockies, so getting there requires a little planning. You have two main options—fly into the closest airport and drive, or hit the road and enjoy the scenery along the way. Honestly, the drive is half the fun.
By Air
Durango has its own regional airport—so making the jaunt from Durango to Pagosa Springs is a convenient option if you want to minimize drive time. If you’re flying into a major hub, here are your closest options:
- Durango, Colorado (DRO) – 56 miles (90 km)
- Denver, Colorado (DEN) – 274 miles (441 km)
- Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) – 450 miles (630 km)
- Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) – 217 miles (350 km)
The Durango-La Plata County Regional Airport is located 15 miles outside of Durango with daily flights come from Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas and seasonal flights from Houston. The airport is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines.
By Car
A summer road trip to Pagosa Springs is hard to beat—especially if you build in stops along the way. If you’re flying into Denver and renting a car, budget for a five-plus hour drive, or better yet, turn it into a multi-day road trip through some of Colorado’s best scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pagosa Springs, Colorado known for?
Pagosa Springs is best known for its world-class hot springs, sitting atop the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. It’s also a popular destination for hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in the San Juan National Forest.
When is the best time to visit Pagosa Springs?
Summer (June through August) is the most popular time to visit, with warm days, wildflowers in bloom, and full access to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Spring is great for waterfall viewing when snowmelt is running high.When is the best time to visit Pagosa Springs?
How far is Pagosa Springs from Denver?
Pagosa Springs is approximately 274 miles from Denver—about a five to six hour drive depending on stops. It makes a great destination for a long weekend road trip from the Front Range.
How far is Pagosa Springs from Durango?
Pagosa Springs is about 56 miles east of Durango—roughly an hour’s drive on Highway 160. The two towns pair perfectly together for a southern Colorado road trip.
Do you need reservations for the hot springs in Pagosa Springs?
Reservations are recommended for The Springs Resort & Spa, especially in summer. Some smaller options like Overlook Hot Springs also recommend booking ahead during peak season.
Is Pagosa Springs good for winter sports?
Yes. Wolf Creek Ski Area, just 23 miles east of town, receives the highest average snowfall in Colorado making it a favorite among powder hounds. After a day on the slopes, soaking in the hot springs is the perfect way to end the day.
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Pagosa Springs Called—Your Southern Colorado Adventure Awaits
Pagosa Springs is one of those Colorado mountain towns that rewards you for slowing down—hot springs, ridge‑top trails, quiet valleys, and easy day trips that make summer feel big and wide open. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or building a full Colorado road trip, these adventures will help you make the most of your time in the mountains.
Ready to plan your trip? Grab my free Road Trip Packing List and start building an itinerary that fits your style—so you can spend less time planning and more time actually enjoying the mountains.
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I love chasing waterfalls – so that’s where you’ll find me.
Isn’t that view from the Wolf Creek Pass curve amazing? Our campground was right on the left of your picture. Your post made me want to go back to Pagosa Springs.
We have Colorado on our plans for a longer visit. So we will have to check out Pagosa Springs when we visit. We do love hot springs for a relaxing visit. Especially when there is a great spa too! Love the good variety of hiking spots and waterfall views. Looks like a great spot to use as a base for day trips.
this sounds so fun. putting pagosa springs on my list! waterfall chasing + hiking sounds right up my alley. thanks for sharing.
We drove past Pagosa Springs on our road trip through the Southwest. However we had another hotel booked and still an hour of driving ahead of us. Durango and Mesa Verde NP are epic stops on a road trip in Colorado. Would love to return to both and this time also make a stop at Pagosa Springs.