Pagosa Springs Colorado
Scenic view from one of the town’s hot springs pools
Casting a line in the shadow of the San Juan Mountains
The iconic spires of Chimney Rock National Monument
Canoeing on a mountain lake in southwest Colorado
An idyllic downtown scene on a winter night
Kayaking the glassy waters of Williams Creek Reservoir
Whitewater rafting on the West Fork of the San Juan River
Hot air balloons floating over downtown
A young cowboy takes a break from horseback riding
Stunning views in the center of town
- Major Airports:
- Durango-La Plata County (DRO)
- Denver (DEN)
- Albuquerque (ABQ)
- States:
- Colorado
Home of the world’s deepest natural hot springs
A Season for All
In Pagosa Springs, you don’t just visit – you engage. Whether you come to experience stunning fall foliage, the wonderland of winter snow, a rainbow of wildflowers in the spring or the perfect temperatures of summer, the call to explore the outdoors is impossible to resist. Wolf Creek Ski Area receives an average of 12 meters of snowfall annually, making for the area’s best skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. As the weather warms, the San Juan River beckons with opportunities for trout fishing, whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking, while the San Juan National Forest surrounding Pagosa Springs is full of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping.
Hot Springs for Health and Fun
The natural hot springs for which the city is named are open year round, whether the sun is shining or snow is falling. Used by ancient Puebloan tribes for centuries, the mineral-rich waters offer replenishing benefits to soothe the body and soul. There are three downtown hot springs, each with its own features. The “mother springs” at The Springs Resort & Spa features 23 spring pools right on the banks of the San Juan River; Overlook Hot Springs boasts mountain and river views from its rooftop hot tubs; and Healing Waters Resort & Spa has a naturally heated mineral springs swimming pool.
History, Art and Culture
For a small mountain town, Pagosa Springs delivers big on culture. Catch a performance at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, where the resident Thingamajig Theatre Company stages dramas, musicals and comedies. The Pagosa Springs Museum is open seasonally with exhibits covering local history, while nearby historic railroads offer a glimpse into the region’s pioneer and mining past. Don’t miss a visit to Chimney Rock National Monument, a fascinating site replete with ancient archaeological finds from ancestral Puebloans. The streets of downtown Pagosa Springs have plenty of diversions and amenities without a chain store in sight. Browse galleries, jewelry shops and boutiques featuring work by local artisans – you’re sure to find the perfect memento to take home. Finish the day sampling the flavors of locally owned restaurants, breweries and cafes.
Fun Fact
The West Fork Valley Overlook on Wolf Creek Pass was featured in the original 1983 movie, “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
Photo: Visit Pagosa Springs
As confirmed by Guinness World Records, Pagosa Springs is the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs.
Photo: Visit Pagosa Springs
Ancestral Puebloans used the natural rock formations at Chimney Rock National Monument to study the night sky.
Photo: Visit Pagosa Springs
