A forest canyon filled with steaming pools, icy creek plunges, and star-filled skies. Get the essential tips for visiting Strawberry Park Hot Springs year-round.
If you're looking for polished spa facilities and infinity pools, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is not it.
Tucked into a forested canyon just outside Steamboat Springs, this is Colorado hot spring soaking at its most rustic. Steam rises through towering pines, mineral-rich water flows through stone-lined pools, and the surrounding wilderness gives visitors the sensation of being far removed from the ski crowds downtown, although you're never too far from them.
The park is widely considered the crown jewel of Steamboat's geothermal attractions, and it should definitely be on your bucket list if you're visiting the town anytime soon. Best of all, this rustic attraction changes with the seasons, allowing visitors to experience it in different ways. In winter, you'll be soaking beneath falling snow; in fall, you'll be surrounded by golden aspens; and after dark, you can relax under a blanket of stars. Summer and spring, meanwhile, showcase the surrounding nature at its most vibrant and green.
In this guide, I've put together everything you need to know about enjoying Strawberry Park Hot Springs, including how to get there, available facilities, and local tips to make the most of your visit.
Before enjoying the warm waters and mountain scenery, a quick introduction:
At Steamboat Lodging Company, we manage several carefully curated vacation rentals across Steamboat Springs, ranging from ski-in/ski-out homes and luxury mountain lodges to downtown condos and pet-friendly townhomes. All designed to give you a home base that's anything but ordinary between adventures.
We can also help you plan adventures such as hot air balloon rides, find the best restaurants and breweries in town, and much more. Visit our destination blog to find everything you need to plan your Steamboat Springs getaway.
Now, let's dive into those warm pools and learn how to make the most of Strawberry Park!
Start with the Pools
As soon as you arrive, the pools will instantly call your name. The first thing most visitors do is change in the park's heated changing cabins and decompress in the warm waters.
The pools here are built into the landscape using stone and rock, with sandy bottoms and flowing mineral water that blends seamlessly into the surrounding canyon.
The geothermal water originates roughly two miles underground and emerges at around 148°F before being cooled and distributed throughout the pool system. Temperatures range between 102°F and 107°F.
One of the best ways to enjoy the springs is to move between the different pools. If you want to soak in the hottest waters in the park, make your way to the upper pools. If you prefer cooler temperatures, stick to the lower pools. But as I said, to make the most of your visit, you should explore them all. You'll see many visitors moving from pool to pool before finishing with a refreshing dip in the nearby creek.
For the brave, Hot Springs Creek provides a natural cold plunge. During winter, water temperatures can drop into the 30s. It's not for everyone, but are you up for the challenge?
Four Seasons, Four Different Soaks
Part of what makes Strawberry Park so special is that it never looks quite the same twice, attracting visitors year-round.
Winter is an iconic experience. Snow-covered evergreens surround the pools, and steam drifts through the cold mountain air. Snowflakes fall into the water, and you'll find yourself sitting comfortably in 104°F water while frost forms on your hat or hair.
Spring is for those who want to experience the park at its most uncrowded. As ski season winds down, visitor numbers ease off considerably. The mountain air is still cool, which makes the water incredibly inviting. Many locals consider this the best time to visit.
Summer transforms the canyon into a lush green oasis. Wildflowers bloom, sunlight filters through the trees, and birdsong fills the air. After a day of hiking, mountain biking, or tubing, the springs are a popular place to decompress and relax.
Then there's fall, which may be the most underrated season of all. This is the time of year when golden aspens light up the surrounding hillsides, temps are comfortable, and crowds are smaller. Soaking while watching the leaves shimmer in the breeze is quite a magical experience.
Experience Strawberry Park After Dark
Daytime visits are family-friendly, but after sunset, Strawberry Park is reserved for guests aged 18 and over, as the pools transition to clothing-optional use.
Why do so many people prefer the adults-only experience? Without city lights nearby, the night sky is a major attraction. On clear evenings, the Milky Way stretches overhead, and many visitors come for the peaceful sounds of the forest and the nearby creek.
If you're concerned about privacy, there's no need to worry. The park takes privacy seriously. Photography, video recording, and bright artificial lights are prohibited after dark. Guests are encouraged to use dim lighting or red-light settings if they need illumination when moving between pools.
Upgrade Your Visit with a Massage or Wellness Treatment
A soak is relaxing on its own, but Strawberry Park also offers an impressive range of wellness treatments.
Traditional massages include Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and prenatal options. Treatments take place in unique stonework facilities designed to complement the natural surroundings.
Looking for something different? You can book Watsu aquatic therapy sessions in a dedicated warm-water pool. These treatments combine gentle stretching and floating techniques that promote deep relaxation.
The menu also includes body rituals featuring mud masks, body polishes, and hydration treatments. Several facial options are available, including the Forest and Strawberry Facial, customized treatments, and an Aquatic Flower Floating Facial.
For a unique addition to your soak, consider booking an Aquatic Sound Bath, available for individuals or couples.
Heads up: Reservations for all treatments must be made by phone well in advance.
What Facilities Are Available?
Strawberry Park embraces its rustic identity, so don't expect a full-service resort.
There are restrooms and a heated changing cabin near the pools, but facilities are intentionally limited. Day visitors will not find lockers, showers, indoor lounges, or extensive amenities.
Know that simplicity is part of what makes the park appealing. The focus here is squarely on the springs and the surrounding landscape.
Getting There
The springs sit roughly seven miles from downtown Steamboat Springs, but the final stretch of the journey deserves attention.
During the summer, most standard vehicles can reach the property without difficulty. The final two miles are unpaved and somewhat steep, but manageable.
Winter is another story.
From November 1 through May 1, Routt County requires visitors to use AWD or 4WD vehicles equipped with snow tires and/or chains. The final section of road is steep, shaded, and often covered in packed snow and ice. Staff regularly check vehicles at the entrance, and non-compliant vehicles can be turned away.
For most visitors, taking a shuttle is the best option.
Both Sweet Pea Tours and The Hot Springs Shuttle operate services from downtown Steamboat. Shuttle tickets typically include admission, eliminating the need for a separate reservation. Drivers are familiar with the road conditions, and shuttle services continue operating during weather that makes personal vehicle travel difficult.
After a long soak and plenty of relaxation, it's a big advantage to let someone else handle the drive back to town.
Tips from Regulars and Locals
- Book early: Pool reservations open 30 days in advance, and lodging reservations open 90 days ahead. Popular dates fill quickly.
- Bring cash: Admission is cash-only, and there is no ATM on-site.
- Pack a robe and two towels: Many regulars swear by the "two-towel rule": one for drying off and another to stand on when changing.
- Don't forget a waterproof bag: It will keep your dry clothes protected from snow, splashes, and wet towels.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes: This makes changing much easier, especially during busy periods.
- Bring sandals or water shoes: Pool edges can be wet and slippery.
- Pack your own water bottle: Soaking in hot mineral water can be dehydrating, and drinking water is not available on-site.
- Follow the rules: Alcohol, smoking, pets, glass containers, and outside food are prohibited.
- Take the plunge: Move between pools of different temperatures and, if you're feeling brave, finish with a dip in Hot Springs Creek.
- Consider the shuttle: It's often the best way to reach the springs during winter and means you won't have to drive home after a long, relaxing soak.
Time to Answer Steamboat's Call
Some visitors arrive for the skiing. Others come for the trails, the scenery, or simply a change of pace. Regardless of what brings you to Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Lodging Company's collection of vacation rentals offers a welcoming place to call home during your stay. Our local guest experience team is also ready to help create a seamless and comfortable stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Steamboat Springs!