Radium Hot Springs is a hidden Colorado gem where wild river scenery meets the soothing warmth of a natural mineral pool. Perched along the Colorado River near the tiny town of Radium, this primitive hot spring offers a rugged, off-the-grid soaking experience surrounded by canyon walls and open sky. The water temperature usually ranges between 80°F and 105°F (27°C–40°C), depending on river levels. Whether you arrive on foot after a short hike or paddle in by raft or kayak, this is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret corner of the Rockies.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is undeveloped and free to visit, so don’t expect changing rooms, lifeguards, or any built facilities. What you will find is a small rock pool right at the edge of the Colorado River, where warm mineral water naturally blends with the cool current. Depending on the season and river flow, the temperature usually stays between 80°F and 105°F (27°C–40°C). You can get here either by hiking a short but steep 0.3-mile trail from the nearby parking area or by paddling in on a raft or kayak, often as part of a whitewater run through Gore Canyon.
The rocks around the pool can be very slippery, so bring sturdy water shoes if you don’t want to end up with a surprise swim. In spring, snowmelt can raise the river and flood the pool entirely; in summer and fall, the water level is usually perfect for soaking, which is why Radium is such a fun add-on in a broader Colorado hot springs loop.
. This is a completely natural spot, so please follow “leave no trace” principles — take everything back with you, avoid damaging the rocks, and let the canyon keep its quiet magic for the next person who finds their way here.
How to Get to Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs sits about 28 minutes southwest of Kremmling, Colorado. From Kremmling, take Highway 9 south, turn right onto Trough Road (County Road 1), and follow the signs for Warm Springs Road until you reach the trailhead near the Radium Recreation Site. There’s a parking area here, and from it, the springs are just a short but steep hike down to the river — around 0.3 miles (0.5 km).
If you’re coming by water, you can launch a raft or kayak upstream and float down the Colorado River, making the springs a perfect mid-day stop before tackling more rapids. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the river winding through canyon walls and the steam rising from the pool. Just keep in mind that the trail can get dusty in summer and icy in winter, so plan your footwear accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is open all year, but the best time to visit is from late summer to early fall, when the river runs lower and the rock pool is fully exposed. During these months, the soaking conditions are usually perfect, and you can relax without worrying about cold air or high water.
In spring, snowmelt can cause the Colorado River to rise and completely submerge the pool. While it’s still possible to visit, you might find nothing but swirling river water where the springs should be. In winter, the trail down can be icy and slippery, and the area feels even more remote — which can be magical if you’re prepared, but risky if you’re not.
If you want to avoid crowds, aim for a midweek visit, ideally in the morning, when the sun is warming the canyon and you might just have the whole place to yourself.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Radium Hot Springs
One of the best things about Radium Hot Springs is that they’re open 24/7 and there’s no entrance fee. You can visit any time of year, day or night, and enjoy the warm water under the sun or even beneath a blanket of stars.
The only costs you might encounter are for parking or camping nearby. The Radium Recreation Site and Mugrage Campground, both managed by the Bureau of Land Management, charge a small overnight fee if you want to stay close to the river. But if you’re just soaking for the day, the springs themselves won’t cost you a dime.
For more information, please check the official website.
Where to stay nearby Radium Hot Springs
If you want to stay as close as possible to Radium Hot Springs, the Radium Recreation Site Campground is right next to the river and just a short walk from the springs. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it offers picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Spots are first-come, first-served, and they fill up quickly on summer weekends.
If camping isn’t for you, the nearby town of Kremmling which is 28 minutes away offers a few small motels, inns, and cabins. For a more vibrant mountain town experience, head about 1 hour 25 minutes to Steamboat Springs. Known for its hot springs, ski slopes, and lively downtown, Steamboat offers a mix of outdoor adventure, boutique shopping, and plenty of restaurants ranging from casual cafés to fine dining.
Recommended places to stay nearby Radium Hot Springs
Hotel Eastin (Kremmling)
A historic hotel in the center of Kremmling with simple, comfortable rooms. It’s a great base if you want quick access to restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities like fishing, rafting, or hiking in the nearby Gore Canyon.
The Grand Hotel (Steamboat Springs)
A modern hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and a hot tub, located in the heart of Steamboat Springs. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the town’s famous Old Town Hot Springs, local breweries, and charming boutiques, while also being a short drive from hiking trails and mountain viewpoints.
You can explore more nearby accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Radium Hot Springs
The stretch of the Colorado River around Radium Hot Springs is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. If you are into adventure, join a rafting or kayaking trip through Gore Canyon, known for its dramatic cliffs and challenging rapids.
If you want something calmer, float downstream on a stand-up paddleboard or simply enjoy a riverside picnic while watching the water flow by. Fishing is another popular activity here, with the river home to trout and other species.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife — bald eagles, ospreys, and even bighorn sheep are often spotted along the canyon walls. If you would like to explore further, head to Steamboat Springs for its famous hot springs and mountain trails, or visit Green Mountain Reservoir, about 52 minutes away, where you can swim, boat, or camp by the water.
If you want to turn your visit to Radium Hot Springs into a true adventure, you can join a guided rafting trip on the Colorado River starting from Kremmling. Even the drive there is stunning, taking you through mountain landscapes with breathtaking views. On the water, you’ll pass calm stretches where you can spot bald eagles, deer, elk, and even the occasional bear along the shore.
About halfway through, your guide will take you to the natural hot springs right on the riverbank. It’s an unforgettable feeling — stepping out of the cool river into warm mineral water surrounded by the canyon walls. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try a cliff jump straight into the river.
The trip is relaxed and family-friendly, with your guide taking care of safety and sharing fascinating stories about the area. By the time you return, you’ll have experienced the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation that will make you remember the Colorado River for years to come.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Radium Hot Springs
The region surrounding Radium Hot Springs is full of other scenic geothermal spots worth visiting. About an hour and a half southeast, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort invites travelers to soak in its giant mineral pool with mountain views. Nearby, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more modern experience with multiple pools overlooking the Colorado River. If you prefer something wilder, head west toward Juniper Hot Springs, a remote and peaceful site surrounded by open plains — ideal for travelers seeking a quiet, off-the-grid soak.