Outdoors NearbyCottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
A rustic inn west of Buena Vista with artesian-fed soaking tubs, a river plunge and a dry sauna. Towels are sold separately. Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is open to day visitors for a fee.
| Access | Day passes for the public Walk-ins accepted for day soaking; online booking available. |
|---|---|
| Type | Hot springs resort |
| Location | Buena Vista, CO Managed by Private operator Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 136 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Prices | Adult day soak: $45 (same price all week) Child 12 and under: $35 Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Hours | 8 am–midnight daily |
| Reservations | not needed |
| Clothing | suits required |
| Facilities | lodging, sauna, massage |
| Website | cottonwoodhs.com |
| Phone | (719) 395-6434 |
Best time to soak: Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa sits about 75 miles west of Colorado Springs, CO; driving distance is a bit longer.
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From November to April average highs around Buena Vista stay at 40 to 57 °F, with nights down to 11 °F. From October to April lows average 11 to 29 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41 °F | 11 °F | 1 |
| Feb | 43 °F | 14 °F | 1 |
| Mar | 50 °F | 21 °F | 2 |
| Apr | 57 °F | 27 °F | 3 |
| May | 67 °F | 36 °F | 3 |
| Jun | 78 °F | 43 °F | 2 |
| Jul | 83 °F | 49 °F | 4 |
| Aug | 80 °F | 47 °F | 5 |
| Sep | 74 °F | 40 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 62 °F | 29 °F | 2 |
| Nov | 50 °F | 20 °F | 2 |
| Dec | 40 °F | 11 °F | 1 |
More to do nearby
- River Park Skatepark (skatepark, 6 mi)
- Browns Creek Falls (waterfall, 11 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Top pick 4Monster quick-dry microfiber towel with case Packs small for the hike to the pools and dries in the car on the way home. View on Amazon
-
Illustration SIMARI quick-dry water shoes for women and men Grip on slick rock and gravel pool bottoms, and they dry fast on the walk out. View on Amazon - Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Other hot springs near Buena Vista
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Day pass
- Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center Day pass
- Conundrum Hot Springs Free
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa Day pass
- Valley View Hot Springs Day pass
- Penny Hot Springs Free
- Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs Day pass
- Dakota Hot Springs Day pass
All hot springs near Colorado Springs · All hot springs in Colorado
Waterfalls nearby
- Browns Creek Falls (11 mi)
- Twin Falls (15 mi)
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa?
Adult day soak: $45 (same price all week) and Child 12 and under: $35, according to the operator as of October 2026. Prices change, so check before you go.
How hot is Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa?
136 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
Is Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa clothing optional?
No, suits required.
When is Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa open?
8 am–midnight daily.
How far is Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa from Colorado Springs?
About 75 miles from Colorado Springs in a straight line; the drive is longer.