Surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains and nestled near the headwaters of the Arkansas River, Leadville is one of the last preserved mining towns in Colorado and boasts more authentic turn-of-the-century buildings than any other mountain community in the state.
Along with offering an exploration of the region’s intrepid landscapes and cultural heritage, the town is also surrounded by some of the state’s most alluring hot spring destinations.
From authentic hot springs tucked deep in the mountains to lavish thermal resorts, visitors can enjoy a soothing soak while exploring the state’s history at these six hot springs near Leadville, CO. (Distance from Leadville in brackets).
6 Hot Springs Near Leadville, Colorado
1. Cottonwood Hot Springs (39.7 Miles)
Located 45 minutes from town, the Cottonwood Hot Springs are the closest hot springs near Leadville and have been attracting visitors to its healing waters long before Western explorers even made their way into the Colorado Rockies.
Frequented by the Ute Indians for centuries, modern visitors can still soak the same mineral waters once enjoyed by the region’s historical inhabitants while embracing the full-service amenities of the luxury resort complex that now services the site.
Along with several accommodation options, an extensive spa facility, and even an onsite shop, the Cottonwood Hot Springs boasts several maintained spring pools, ranging between 80 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternatively, visitors seeking a slightly cooler plunge are welcome to dip into the property’s two private creekside pools or into the Cottonwood Creek itself, which runs its way behind the property.
While the Cottonwood Hot Springs makes for a fantastic day trip from Leadville, guests can also spend the night in one of the property’s lodge rooms, cabins, or tent and RV campsites.
2. Merrifield Homestead Cabins & Hot Springs (40 Miles)
Found just down the street from the Cottonwood Hot Springs, the Merrifield Homestead Cabins offer private hot springs near Leadville. They are perfect for those seeking a thermal soaking experience in the absolute solitude of their private lodging.
Surrounded by the pristine natural environments of the Gunnison National Forest, these hot springs are reserved only for overnight guests staying at one of the property’s two private lodgings.
Both the Holloway and Merrifield Cabins offer supreme updated comforts while operating out of restored 1800s and 1920s homes. However, while both cottages maintain their historical charms, the lodges have been completely renovated to boast modern luxury comforts, including private mineral spring hot tubs connected to the region’s aquifer.
Offering quiet seclusion in the untouched countryside of Colorado, the Merrifield Homestead Cabins are some of the best ways to immerse in the region’s natural untouched landscapes while enjoying the soothing properties of the facility’s private hot springs.
3. Aqua Hot Spring (42.5 Miles)
Another luxury retreat offering private access to a hot spring, the Aqua Hot Spring is just under an hour’s drive from Leadville and sits at the base of Mount Princeton. The property features several soaking opportunities for guests.
Promoting an enhanced sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, the Aqua Hot Spring features an extensive cabin rental offering several onsite amenities, including a full kitchen, dining area, and a natural mineral spring hot tub. Capable of sleeping up to six people, the cabin is popular among families, couples, and small group retreats.
While the cabin’s hot tub is reserved for its renters’ exclusive use, the property offers limited public access for a couple of days every month. However, these public openings are often in high demand and require a reservation.
Alternatively, the Aqua Hot Springs also offers a private RV campsite for visitors, which, while not as opulent as the cabin rental, still provides guests access to their own private hot springs located about 50 feet from the site.
4. Mount Princeton Hot Springs (43.3 Miles)
Offering a more publicly accessible hot spring resort complex in the Mount Princeton area, the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs features several soaking options and additional onsite amenities just under an hour’s drive from Leadville.
Along with offering some truly spectacular views of the nearby mountain and surrounding landscapes, the extensive resort complex features several soaking options, including maintained concrete thermal pools and authentic natural hot springs lining the nearby river.
Most of the property’s mineral spring pools feature average temperatures of about 105 degrees. However, if these elevated heats prove to be too much, guests are also invited to take a plunge into the large exercise pool, which boasts more traditional swimming temperatures of about 90 degrees.
While the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs’ pools make for an excellent day trip from Leadville, the full-service resort also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region. It offers several accommodations and onsite amenities, including onsite dining options, a country store, and even an extensive spa with a diverse treatment catalog.
5. Conundrum Hot Springs (65.7 Miles)
While several fantastic thermal resorts operate in the region, the Conundrum Hot Springs offers an authentic soaking experience and are the closest primitive hot springs near Leadville.
However, despite its proximity to town, the springs demand an extended journey to reach, requiring an 18-mile round trip hike from the trailhead access. Nevertheless, the springs’ isolated location in the Colorado Rockies provides for one of the most rewarding soaks in the state and is a surreal experience for those willing to brave the venture.
The Conundrum Hot Springs is comprised of several thermal pools, the largest of which can comfortably sit up to about 12 people. The pools vary in temperature but average about 100 degrees throughout the year.
All of the pools at the Conundrum Hot Springs feature high mineral concentrations renowned for their therapeutic property, which act to soothe worn muscles, a welcome effect following the long trek to reach the site.
While camping is prohibited in the area immediately surrounding the springs, many visitors spend the night in the designated dispersed camping areas nearby.
Permits are required to access the springs and should be acquired before visiting.
6. Glenwood Springs Pool (88 Miles)
Located in the resort community of the same name, the Glenwood Springs Pool is the most extensive thermal resort complex in Colorado and is only an hour and a half drive from Leadville.
Established in 1888, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a historical complex for enjoying the state’s natural mineral waters in a massive outdoor pool facility. Sectioned off for various uses, the pool offers plenty of space for relaxation, family fun, and soothing soaks.
The relaxation and active sections of the pool feature traditional swimming pool temperatures of about 90 to 93 degrees, while the complex’s hot pool section is maintained at a much warmer 104 degrees. The pool features a natural flow from its source and experiences a complete change-over every six hours, guaranteeing a clean and refreshing soak throughout the day.
Along with offering one of the state’s most historical hot spring pools, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort also boasts many onsite amenities, including accommodation options, a shopping center, and a fully-equipped spa and fitness center.
