Soaking Pools
Soak, relax & rejuvenate…
in the year-round, natural outdoor hot spring pools at Old Town Hot Springs, right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Fun for the whole family, our facility is easily accessible whether you are driving, or taking a hotel shuttle and is mere steps away from the free town bus stop at Lincoln and 3rd Street. The pools have been here for over 100 years, enjoyed by the Native American Ute Indians who first settled the area and later the first homesteaders.
When to Visit
In the winter months, the hot springs can be busier in the late afternoons and evenings. If you are looking for a quieter experience, we recommend visiting in the morning and on weekdays.
In the summer months, we often get lightning storms in the afternoons. To ensure the pools are open, we recommend visiting in the morning or early afternoon. Whenever you choose to visit, be sure to check this page to view our full hours of operation!
The Heart Spring
The Heart Spring is the reason that Old Town Hot Springs is here today. This all-natural mineral hot spring pumps approximately 220 gallons of 102-103 degree water out of the ground per minute and eventually feeds all of the pools at our facility. The Heart Spring has been pumping consistently for more than a century. The fact that the water just happens to come out of the ground at this temperature is of unique importance. Unlike other hot springs, we do not have to dilute our mineral content by mixing our water with cooler river water in order to be tolerable. The Native American Ute Indians who first settled the area knew them as “medicine” springs, frequenting them for sacred physical and spiritual healing. Later the pools were likely a gathering and bathing place for the first homesteaders. We are lucky to have the famous Heart Spring right in downtown Steamboat Springs.
The Heart Spring is open to anyone age 18 or older. If this is your first visit to Old Town Hot Springs, make sure to spend some time in this pool.
About this Spring
The Heart Spring contains all natural minerals and is not chlorinated. The water in the pool turns over completely approximately every 15 minutes.
The water contains:
- Boron
- Phosphate
- Lithium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Fluoride
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Sulfate
- Magnesium
- Silica
- Manganese
The most abundant minerals in the hot pools are chloride, sodium, sulfate, silica and calcium. Lithium and sulfate are known for their relaxing qualities.
Big Hot Pool
The main hot pool at Old Town Hot Springs serves a number or purposes and provides a family friendly environment for everyone to relax and play. The water in the pool hovers around 98 degrees, providing a comfortable experience throughout the year. The shape of the pool provides lots of little corners and areas to find some privacy. There are multiple fountains in this pool and you can swim under two bridges.
On certain mornings the main hot activity pool holds aquatics fitness classes including Fit 4 Life. This unique fitness class can’t be found anywhere else in Steamboat and provides light impact aerobic benefits. Aquatics fitness classes are a great benefit of membership, but are also open to guests.
Climbing Wall
Tucked away in one corner of the main hot activity pool is our aquatics climbing wall. Featured over a deep end of the pool, try your skills at climbing this wall as water flows down beside you. It’s not too difficult to make it to the top and ring the bell, but either way an exhilarating fall back into the inviting waters of this warm pool awaits you.
The main activity hot pool is treated with chlorine to ensure a sanitary and safe environment for our members and guests.
Spa One
The smaller 2,000 gallon hot tub pool is steps away from the Heart Spring and receives its water directly from that pool. This pool has jets to help sooth muscles and create a relaxing experience. Surrounded by flowers in the summer this small pool can provide a small private experience during slower times of the day or year.
The water in the small hot pool contains many of the natural minerals from the Heart Springs, but does have levels of chlorine to ensure a sanitary and safe experience.
The smaller hot tub pool is often in direct sunlight throughout the day making it comfortable during the winter months. This pool accommodates visitors of all ages and is close to our picnic table area and market. In the summer the pool is also next to our grassy lawn area where you can lay out or enjoy some shade.
Spa Three
Spa Three is a smaller pool with 102-104 degree water. This pool has therapeutic jets to massage aching muscles and is open to all ages. This pool does have some chlorine however provides the benefits of natural hot spring water. This pool receives its water directly from the Heart Spring. All ages are welcome in this pool. This pool provides a nice spot for families who are looking to experience water that is hotter than the main activity hot pool. While Spa Three has some of the hottest water at the facility, it is often in a shadow due to its location on the grounds. The shade combined with hot soothing water provides a relaxing environment in the summer months.
Baby Hot Pool
We’re excited to introduce the newest addition to our lineup of natural hot springs soaking pools! Designed with relaxation in mind, this smaller-yet-mighty pool features a spacious wraparound bench and a warm, welcoming temperature of approximately 98°F, giving members and guests the perfect place to stretch out, unwind, and soak in the healing mineral waters.
In the early mornings and late afternoons, this pool typically offers a quiet space to relax, prepare, or recover from your Steamboat adventure. During the day, it serves as a gathering spot for members and guests of all ages to enjoy together. Whether you’re starting your day with a peaceful soak or joining friends and family for some mid-day fun, this pool is a versatile addition to our historic facility.
Splash Pool
The new Splash Pool was designed with safety and nonstop fun in mind for our youngest swimmers. With a gradual beach-style entry, this shallow pool is perfect for little ones just getting comfortable in the water. Kids will love the playful log slide, rainbow trout splash features, and interactive water garden table. A fence keeps kids safely in one area, and a large shade structure keeps the area cool, making it the ideal place for families to play and stay all day.
Conveniently located just outside the Member & Guest Locker Room, this pool offers easy access for a seamless transition from changing room to water. The surrounding pool deck features plenty of tables, chairs with umbrellas, and benches giving everyone ample space to relax and settle in for the day.
The Icebox
The Icebox is a cold tub filled with 55-degree water that is for adults 18+. Immersing in cold water stimulates a response in the body that can lead to several benefits, such as pain relief, reduction of inflammation and swelling, and an increase in energy and muscle recovery.
How to use the Icebox:
- Exhale as you calmly and steadily enter the tub.
- Continue steady breathing as you submerge your body in the tub. Start slow and work your way up to more submersion for longer periods of time.
- Only stay in the pool as long as you are able (15 seconds – 5 minutes). Do not risk medical incidents such as hypothermia.
Exposure to cold water can lead to risks of cardiac arrest, drowning, or hypothermia. Please consult your physician before using the Icebox.
