Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
The best things to do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, are soaking over the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, walking up to Treasure Falls, and touring Chimney Rock’s Chacoan ruins. It’s a town of 1,571 people and the only incorporated town in Archuleta County, with the San Juan River running through the middle.
The name comes from the Ute words for the springs, usually translated as healing waters, though one Ute elder rendered it as water that smells bad. The Mother Spring runs about 144 degrees, and the first bathhouse for paying customers opened here in 1881.
The Springs Resort
This is the main event. More than 25 soaking pools step down toward the San Juan River, all fed by the Mother Spring, which holds the record as the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. There are separate wellness pools and adults-only soaking areas, plus a spa.
★ Good to know Overnight guests get 24-hour soaking access, so staying on site is the way to have the pools under the stars.
Treasure Falls
A 100-foot waterfall you can see from U.S. 160 about 15 miles east of town, at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass. A quarter-mile trail with benches climbs to a bridge at the base and the Misty Deck, where you feel the spray. Legend says a chest of French gold is buried nearby.
★ Good to know Spring runoff makes the falls strongest, and the short climb starts above 8,100 feet, so take it slow.
Chimney Rock National Monument
West of town, this seven-square-mile site preserves about 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings left by Ancestral Puebloans connected to Chaco Canyon. You can see a Great Kiva, a pit house and a Chacoan-style Great House pueblo, the highest in elevation of any Chacoan site. A half-mile climb from the base ends in 360-degree views into New Mexico.
★ Good to know A vehicle activity pass is required and is sold on site by card only, no cash; guided tours are booked on Recreation.gov.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Perched on the Continental Divide at the top of Wolf Creek Pass, Wolf Creek bills itself as having the most snow in Colorado. Its lift system spreads skiers across terrain for every level. The drive up U.S. 160 from town climbs about 3,730 feet.
★ Good to know Opening day depends on natural snowfall, so check the snow report before planning an early-season trip.
Piedra, Fourmile and Silver Falls
Beyond Treasure Falls, Visit Pagosa Springs lists three more waterfalls within reach of town. Piedra Falls drops over volcanic cliffs in two steps at the end of a half-mile trail. Fourmile Falls is a double waterfall at the end of a three-mile hike with views of Pagosa Peak.
★ Good to know The Piedra Falls road shouldn’t be driven in wet weather, and Silver Falls calls for a high-clearance 4×4.
The San Juan River and Riverwalk
The San Juan flows right through downtown, past the hot springs and Riverwalk Town Park, known locally as Pirate Park. The primitive springs along its banks steam in the cold. It’s the easiest place in town to stretch your legs between soaks.
★ Good to know Floods have damaged riverside bridges and paths before, so check with the visitor center about any closures before you go.
Also in town
Overlook Mineral Springs Spa, a chamber member, has rooftop tubs above downtown and Victorian-style indoor soaking rooms, and Riff Raff Brewing Company pours in town.
How deep is the hot spring in Pagosa Springs?
The Mother Spring is recognized as the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, and its water comes out at about 144 degrees. It feeds the soaking pools at The Springs Resort along the San Juan River.
How far is Treasure Falls from Pagosa Springs?
About 15 miles east of downtown on U.S. 160, at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. You can see it from the parking lot, and a quarter-mile trail leads to the base.
Can you soak in the free hot springs in Pagosa Springs?
The primitive springs by the river are publicly accessible, but they’re generally not for entering because the water is extremely hot. The developed pools at the resorts are the safe way to soak.
Is Chimney Rock worth the drive from Pagosa Springs?
Yes, if you like archaeology. It’s the highest Chacoan site, with excavated ruins and a short climb to wide views. For more mountain towns, see our small towns in Colorado.
Where to find them
- The Springs Resort Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Website Directions
- Treasure Falls U.S. Highway 160, about 15 miles east of Pagosa Springs, CO Website Directions
- Chimney Rock National Monument Chimney Rock, CO Website Directions
- Wolf Creek Ski Area Wolf Creek Pass, U.S. Highway 160, CO Website Directions
- Piedra, Fourmile and Silver Falls Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Website Directions
- The San Juan River and Riverwalk Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Pagosa Springs, see Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce →
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Where to stay in Pagosa Springs
Keep exploring
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Ouray, COAbout 63 miles as the crow fliesHot springs, waterfalls and free ice climbing in a box canyon.Things to do in Ouray →
Salida, COAbout 104 miles as the crow fliesA river town with rafting, hot springs and a historic arts downtown.Things to do in Salida →Also nearby: Crested Butte · Buena Vista