Winter nights in Colorado get long and cold, but a few hot springs stay open late enough to make the dark hours worth looking forward to. Some save their evenings for adults only, while others set aside quiet pools where kids are not part of the scene.
If you have been craving a night out that does not involve a loud restaurant or a big ticket price, a soak under the stars might be the answer. Here are seven spots around the state where grown-ups can trade the couch for warm mineral water.
1. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs, CO
Once the sun drops, Strawberry Park changes its whole personality. After dark, the property becomes an 18-and-over, clothing-optional soak, which makes it one of the most clearly grown-up evenings in the state.
The setting is a historic site with both hot and cold spring pools, so you can bounce between temperatures instead of simply simmering. A heated changing cabin helps a lot when the air outside is well below freezing.
The springs also offer rustic lodging and massages if you want to stretch the night into a full getaway. There is no restaurant on site, so eat in Steamboat before heading up Co Rd 36.
Hours run until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 8 PM the rest of the week. Saturday evening tends to be the busiest stretch, so a Thursday visit may give you more elbow room.
Plan ahead, since appointments are required.
2. Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs, CO
Sixteen small mineral pools sit along the Colorado River here, each with its own temperature. That variety is the main draw, since you can work your way up to the hottest pool, a 106-degree soak with stones lining the bottom.
Families are welcome, but adults looking for a calmer scene can head to the Upriver section. That area is set aside for guests 21 and older.
The river and mountain views do a lot of the work after dark. A food court and free parking keep the evening simple.
Doors stay open until 10 PM every night. Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than Saturday nights, and buying tickets in advance is recommended.
3. The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs, CO
Pagosa Springs puts its namesake front and center, and The Springs Resort is where most people go to soak in it. The property pairs bright rooms and suites with access to a collection of hot spring soaking pools.
For a quieter night, the Relaxation Terrace is the move. Its mineral pools are reserved strictly for guests 21 and older, so the noise level usually stays low.
A sauna is also on site if you want to warm up between dips. Pools stay open until 10 PM daily, which leaves plenty of time after dinner in town.
I would save this one for a weekend when you want the soak and the hotel bed in the same place. It is a long drive from the Front Range, so staying over makes sense.
4. SunWater Spa, Manitou Springs, CO
Colorado Springs couples who cannot face a mountain pass in January have an easy answer just up the road. SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs keeps things close to home and quiet.
The focus here is private hot tubs filled with mineral water, plus saline pools, a cold pool and saunas. The vibe leans toward calm wellness rather than splashy fun, with ambient music in the background.
Massages, facials and lash lifts are also on the menu, so you can turn a soak into a full spa night. Appointments are required, and online scheduling makes booking simple.
Hours run until 10 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and the spa is closed Mondays. Thursday evenings tend to be busiest.
Plan for paid parking in town.
5. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop, CO
Snowcapped peaks circle the pools at Mount Princeton, and in winter that view is half the reason to go. The resort sits in the Chaffee County high country, an easy jump from Buena Vista.
Natural hot spring pools are the centerpiece. Grown-ups can slip away to a dedicated relaxation soaking area and spa pool limited to guests 16 and older.
The resort also offers lodging, a spa, sport courts and on-site dining. That means you can check in, soak, eat and never move the car again.
It works year-round, but a winter evening here is a strong pick for anyone who wants a relaxing getaway without the I-70 ski crowd.
6. Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway, CO
Rustic is the word that fits Orvis best, and that is exactly its appeal. The clothing-optional resort near Ridgway keeps things simple with natural geothermal pools and a laid-back, mature crowd.
Overnight guests can book one of six homey rooms with shared bathrooms. Day visitors are welcome too, which makes a couple of hours of soaking an easy add-on to a San Juan road trip.
Pools are open until 9 PM daily. That leaves time to catch an evening soak after a day in Ouray or Telluride.
If you prefer a low-key spot without resort polish, this one deserves a look.
7. Dakota Hot Springs, Penrose, CO
Penrose is not a town most people associate with hot springs, which is part of the fun. Dakota Hot Springs sits off Highway 50 West, an easy drive from Pueblo or Colorado Springs.
The setup centers on one large clothing-optional pool fed by constantly refreshed natural mineral water. Lounge chairs, picnic tables and indoor and outdoor showers round out the facility.
It is known for being clean, well kept and reasonably priced, a nice change from pricier resort soaks. The view adds to the calm.
Hours run until 9:15 PM Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays closed. Thursday nights tend to be quiet, while Saturday evening draws the biggest crowd.
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