Hot Springs
Hot Springs Near Buena Vista
Two very different soaking experiences within 20 minutes of our property. One is a full resort; the other is quiet, rustic, and tucked into a canyon.
Chaffee County sits on top of a geothermal hot spot, and BV's position between the Collegiate Peaks and the Sawatch Range means hot springs are practically next door. You have two main options, and they are quite different from each other. Mount Princeton is a large resort with everything built around the springs. Cottonwood is a quieter, more rustic inn focused on the soaking experience itself.
Both are open year-round. Soaking in winter, with snow on the mountains and steam rising off the pools, is one of those things that is hard to adequately describe.
♨️ Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
~20 minutes south of our property · Open daily 9AM–9PM
Mount Princeton Hot Springs is the bigger and better-known of the two. The resort sits at 8,250 feet in Nathrop, Colorado (between BV and Salida on US 285), with direct views of the Chalk Cliffs of Mt. Princeton towering above. The property spans 70 acres and the pools are fed by natural hot springs.
Multiple pool types are available: riverside soaking pools that let you sit in hot water while the cold creek rushes nearby, adult-only spa pools, and in summer, twin 700-foot waterslides. Day passes are available without a reservation, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
The resort also offers overnight lodging, spa treatments, massage therapy, fitness classes, and rental equipment for mountain biking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It is a destination in itself, not just a quick soak.
Mt. Princeton Details
- Hours: Daily 9AM–9PM
- Distance from property: ~20 minutes south
- Location: Nathrop, CO (on US 285)
- Elevation: 8,250 ft
- Pools: Riverside soaking, adult spa pools, slides (summer)
- Also offers: Lodging, spa, bike/ski rentals
- Phone: (719) 395-2447
Riverside Pools
Hot spring water flows into shallow pools carved into the riverbank. The contrast of hot mineral water and cold creek current running beside you is the signature experience here.
Adult Spa Pools
Quieter, elevated pools reserved for guests 18 and older. Deeper water, more privacy, better views of the Chalk Cliffs. These are the pools to book if you are visiting without kids.
Waterslides (Summer)
Twin 700-foot slides operate seasonally. A strong draw for families with kids in summer. Not available in winter or off-season.
🌊 Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
~15 minutes west of our property · Open daily 8AM–10:30PM
Cottonwood Hot Springs is the more intimate option. The springs are naturally fed artesian pools in a quiet canyon setting on the west side of BV. It has a different atmosphere than Mt. Princeton: smaller, more rustic, with overnight accommodations in creekside cabins, lodge rooms, or a dormitory. The focus is on the soak itself.
Day soaking passes are available and walk-ins are welcomed, though reservations can be made in advance. Multiple pools of varying temperatures are available. The setting is peaceful, especially on weekday mornings when it is not crowded.
On-site massage therapy is available by appointment. The property also accommodates RV sites and tent camping if you want to spend the night closer to the springs.
Cottonwood Details
- Hours: Daily 8AM–10:30PM
- Distance from property: ~15 minutes west
- Address: 18999 County Rd 306, BV
- Springs type: Naturally fed artesian
- Accommodations: Cabins, lodge rooms, dorm, RV, camping
- Walk-ins: Accepted
- Phone: (719) 395-6434
Which One Should You Visit?
Go to Mt. Princeton if you want:
- ✓ A full-day resort experience
- ✓ The riverside pool experience (unique to Princeton)
- ✓ Waterslides for kids (summer only)
- ✓ On-site dining, spa services, and rentals
- ✓ Views of the Chalk Cliffs
Go to Cottonwood if you want:
- ✓ A quieter, less crowded experience
- ✓ A more rustic, natural hot spring feel
- ✓ Late evening soaking (open until 10:30PM)
- ✓ A detour on the way to Cottonwood Pass
- ✓ Camping or cabin accommodations at the springs
Both are within 20 minutes of our property. Many guests do one each day on a multi-night stay.
Hot Springs Tips
- ✓Reserve ahead at Mt. Princeton on summer weekends and holidays. Day passes sell out.
- ✓Swimsuits are required at both locations.
- ✓Bring water. Hot soaking at altitude is dehydrating. Most people underestimate this.
- ✓Weekday mornings are the least crowded at both locations.
- ✓Winter is genuinely great. The contrast of cold air and hot water is one of the best things about Colorado winters.
- ✓Check each resort's website for current day pass rates, which can vary seasonally.
Stay Near Both Hot Springs
Our BV property is 15–20 minutes from both Mt. Princeton and Cottonwood Hot Springs. Come and go at your own pace.