Valley View Hot Springs is a clothing-optional community hot springs retreat located in Moffat, Colorado, and operated by the non-profit Orient Land Trust (OLT). Set on a mountainside overlooking the San Luis Valley, this off-grid sanctuary features multiple natural geothermal soaking pools with water temperatures ranging from 98°F to 107°F. Surrounded by forests, wildlife, and scenic views, it promotes sustainability, privacy, and respectful coexistence with nature. The springs are open year-round, but advance reservations are required due to limited daily capacity.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs is a clothing-optional facility where nudity is permitted throughout the entire property, including all soaking areas, hiking trails, and lodging zones. Guests are expected to respect others’ privacy and maintain a peaceful atmosphere at all times. The site is managed by the Orient Land Trust, and all visitors must adhere to specific community guidelines focused on environmental stewardship, quietude, and respectful behavior.
The springs are open year-round, but reservations are mandatory for both day-use and overnight stays due to a strict daily visitor limit. All guests must check in upon arrival and agree to the site’s rules, which prohibit amplified music, smoking, glass containers, and pets. Children and families are welcome, but parents must ensure supervision, especially around the soaking areas.
Pets are allowed under specific conditions. Well-behaved, leashed pets are permitted in private cabins, camping areas, and for day-use visitors. However, pets are not allowed in shared accommodations such as the Sunset House, Oak House, or Spruce House. Pets must be leashed at all times, never left unattended, and are prohibited from entering pools, ponds, restrooms, saunas, and the Welcome Center. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals, and pet fees apply: $5 per pet for day visitors, $10 per pet for campers, and $15 per pet for cabin guests.
Children are welcome at Valley View Hot Springs. Parents or guardians must list all accompanying children during registration and are responsible for their supervision, especially around soaking areas. The facility emphasizes a family-friendly environment, and respectful behavior is expected from all guests.
How to Get to Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs nestled in the remote San Luis Valley. The resort is accessible via gravel roads, which are maintained year-round. While a standard vehicle can reach the property, a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, especially during wet or snowy conditions.
From Denver, the drive takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, most directly via US-285 South through Fairplay and Poncha Springs, then onto CO-17 South. After passing Joyful Journey Hot Springs, turn left onto County Road GG and continue for about 7 miles until you reach the resort.
From Alamosa, it’s roughly a one hour drive, heading north on CO-17. After passing the town of Moffat, turn right onto County Road GG and proceed for approximately 7 miles to the entrance.
There is free on-site parking available for all registered guests. As there is no public transportation serving the area, visitors must arrive by private vehicle.
Best Time to Visit Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs is open year-round, offering a different kind of experience in each season. The most popular time to visit is from late spring through early fall, when temperatures are mild, hiking trails are fully accessible, and wildlife sightings are frequent across the surrounding landscape. Summer weekends often reach maximum capacity, so advance reservations are essential during this period.
Autumn brings cooler air and vibrant fall foliage, especially across the Cottonwood and aspen forests on the hillside. It’s a favorite time for those seeking peaceful soaks and fewer crowds.
Winter visits offer a truly quiet, reflective retreat. Snow occasionally blankets the property, and soaking in 100+ degree pools surrounded by a snowy forest is a highlight for many returning guests. Some trails may be limited due to snow, but the main pools remain open.
Spring tends to be less crowded and is ideal for guests who prefer a tranquil atmosphere, although weather can be unpredictable.
No matter the season, the combination of natural soaking, minimal light pollution, and off-grid living makes Valley View an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and recharge.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs in Valley View Hot Springs
Valley View Hot Springs is open year-round, giving visitors the chance to enjoy its natural hot springs in all seasons. Reservations are mandatory for both day-use and overnight stays due to limited daily capacity. A day pass costs $20 per person and is valid from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Guests using a day pass are expected to arrive between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. An overnight pass is priced at $40 per person, per night, allowing access from 11:00 AM on the day of arrival until 8:00 PM on the day of departure. All overnight guests must arrive before 9:00 PM.
Children are welcome and must be included in the reservation. Rates may vary slightly by age, and all minors must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Please note that overnight stays require both the overnight pass and a separate accommodation fee, depending on the lodging type selected. While non-members can book up to 24 hours in advance, supporting members of the Orient Land Trust receive priority access to reservations, with longer booking windows based on membership level. All rates are subject to change, reservation can be made via the official site.
Where to Stay Nearby Valley View Hot Springs
If you’re planning to stay overnight at Valley View Hot Springs, there are a variety of accommodations available on-site, managed directly by the Orient Land Trust. Guests can choose from private cabins, rooms in shared houses, dormitory beds, tent camping, or vehicle/RV sites. All options are off-grid, simple, and designed to support the resort’s focus on sustainability and quiet retreat. There is no Wi-Fi, limited to no cell service, and amenities are intentionally minimal.
Overnight stays require both an overnight pass and a separate lodging fee, and spaces often fill up weeks in advance, especially in summer and during holidays. Reservations are available at the official website.
If on-site lodging is unavailable or you’re looking for more conventional amenities, there are great options within driving distance. Nearby towns like Salida and Villa Grove offer comfortable hotels and lodges with easy access to the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Recommended Places to Stay in Valley View Hot Springs
Browns Canyon Inn – Salida
A rustic, mountain-themed hotel with clean, cozy rooms and a hot tub for post-hike relaxation. Located in Salida, about 40 minutes from Valley View, it’s a guest favorite for comfort and affordability.
Silver Ridge Lodge
This charming lodge located in Salida offers rooms with beautiful mountain views, an outdoor hot tub, and quiet surroundings. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to explore the Arkansas River Valley and still stay within reach of the hot springs.
You can explore more nearby lodging and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Valley View Hot Springs
While Valley View Hot Springs is a destination designed for slowing down, the surrounding region offers several meaningful activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. On the resort property itself, you’ll find a network of hiking trails, including the scenic path to the historic Orient Mine, where thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk during the summer months—a rare and unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can also enjoy peaceful forest walks filled with deer, hawks, and other native species. Evenings are best reserved for stargazing, as the minimal light pollution of the San Luis Valley reveals astonishing views of the Milky Way and distant constellations.
For a more active excursion, visitors can take a birding hike and hot spring soak day tour from Denver, combining expert-led wildlife spotting with geothermal relaxation.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the valley, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad near Cañon City offers a breathtaking journey through the steep canyon walls of the Arkansas River.
Another top-rated experience is a guided jeep tour to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, where you’ll ride through iconic red rock formations and up one of the state’s most famous 14,000-foot peaks. It’s perfect for visitors looking to pair relaxation with adventure.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Valley View Hot Springs
The San Luis Valley is home to several other incredible geothermal spots worth visiting. Just a short drive south, Joyful Journey Hot Springs offers outdoor soaking pools with panoramic mountain views and a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere. To the north near Salida, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort combines natural river pools with luxurious spa facilities — perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. Not far away, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa provides a more rustic and peaceful setting surrounded by forested hills. Each of these hot springs offers its own unique charm, making this region one of Colorado’s best for hot spring hopping.