Outdoors NearbySand Dunes Recreation
A large outdoor geothermal pool in the San Luis Valley plus an adults-only greenhouse with several warmer pools and a sauna. Guests may bring food and use the grills. Sand Dunes Recreation is open to day visitors for a fee.
| Access | Day passes for the public Daily admission; the Greenhouse costs extra and is 21+. Closed every Thursday for cleaning. |
|---|---|
| Type | Developed pools |
| Location | Hooper, CO Managed by Private operator Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | main pool 98 °F; spring source 118 °F |
| Prices | Adult 13+: $18.00 Child 3–12: $12.00 Senior 65+ / college / military: $12.00 Greenhouse add-on: $7.00 ($4.00 seniors 65+) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Hours | Mar–Nov 10 am–10 pm; Dec–Feb pool 1–8 pm, Greenhouse noon–8 pm; closed Thursdays |
| Season | year-round |
| Ages | Greenhouse 21+ |
| Facilities | camping, cabins, picnic area, sauna |
| Website | sanddunespool.com |
| Phone | 719-378-2807 |
Best time to soak: Sand Dunes Recreation
From Pueblo, CO it is roughly 75 miles southwest as the crow flies.
Hot water is most welcome on cold days. From November to April average highs near Hooper stay at 32 to 58 °F, with nights down to 4 °F. Expect frost from October to April. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 °F | 4 °F | 1 |
| Feb | 38 °F | 10 °F | 1 |
| Mar | 49 °F | 20 °F | 1 |
| Apr | 58 °F | 27 °F | 2 |
| May | 67 °F | 36 °F | 2 |
| Jun | 76 °F | 42 °F | 2 |
| Jul | 80 °F | 48 °F | 3 |
| Aug | 79 °F | 46 °F | 4 |
| Sep | 73 °F | 40 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 61 °F | 29 °F | 2 |
| Nov | 46 °F | 17 °F | 1 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 5 °F | 1 |
More to do nearby
- Zapata Falls (waterfall, 20 mi)
- Multiuse Pavilion and Ice Rink (indoor ice rink, 23 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 Hooper
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa Day pass
- Valley View Hot Springs Day pass
- Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center Day pass
- Dakota Hot Springs Day pass
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Day pass
- The Springs Resort & Spa Day pass
- Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa Day pass
- Black Rock Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Zapata Falls (20 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
How much does Sand Dunes Recreation cost?
Adult 13+: $18.00, Child 3–12: $12.00 and Senior 65+ / college / military: $12.00, according to the operator as of October 2026. Prices change, so check before you go.
How hot is Sand Dunes Recreation?
Main pool 98 °F; spring source 118 °F.
When is Sand Dunes Recreation open?
Mar–Nov 10 am–10 pm; Dec–Feb pool 1–8 pm, Greenhouse noon–8 pm; closed Thursdays. year-round.
How far is Sand Dunes Recreation from Pueblo?
About 75 miles from Pueblo in a straight line; the drive is longer.