As a recent transplant to Colorado, I love to see and do new things in my new home state. I am always amazed by the beauty and diversity of Colorado. One of the quests I have established for myself is to try out as many of the hot springs as possible. And Strawberry Park hot springs in Steamboat Springs was one of the first ones I tried, and it was one of the most spectacular springs in Colorado.
Just outside of Steamboat Springs nestled alongside Hot Springs Creek lies one of the most spectacular mineral springs in the world. The natural hot springs at Strawberry Park is one of Steamboat’s many natural treasures. The Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located less than 7 miles from downtown, features therapeutic, thermal pools with temperatures from 101 – 105 degrees in a rustic mountain setting.
I have heard stories of the past when Hot Springs Creek flowed freely down into the river. Locals would go down to the stream and damn up the water flow using rocks to create natural pools. This is no longer necessary as there are permanent rock structures to maintain the pools, but the rustic, quaint atmosphere still abounds.
There are various pools of different temperatures, with babbling waterfalls between the pools, and smooth pebbles on the bottom. Even when the pools are full of guests, the atmosphere is still that of calm and serene. You can try the warm temperatures of the various pools, and if you are adventurous, you can jump into the icy waters of the creek that runs beside the springs for a polar bear challenge. I’ve seen many do this, but they quickly return to the warm side. The springs are also clothing optional after dark so be prepared for some “au natural” soakers.
There is a heated changing cabin near the entrance so that you can wear warm and comfortable clothing down to the springs and change when you are nearer the springs. We usually change in the cabin and wear robes down to the springs. One of the most important tips is to bring water. Soaking in heated pools can very easily dehydrate you, so you need to drink lots of water, and there are no places to buy water once you are down in the springs, so be sure to bring plenty.
Several other rules should be considered and can be further researched on their website, like no dogs, no glass, and cash/check only, no credit cards for entrance fees ($15 regularly, $20 on weekends or holidays). There is a bit of a curvy (sometimes icy road) to get to the springs, so hopefully, bring your all-wheel-drive car. If you don’t feel comfortable with your vehicle, you can sign up for tours that will bring you to the springs from downtown Steamboat.
For those that want to immerse yourself in the outdoors, there are various rustic camping sites on the property. Most do not have electricity, so research carefully before booking. Another delightful surprise, that may not always be available but definitely worth the effort of asking, is the Owner’s Cabin. Outside of the property, just before you enter the road to the springs, it a very quaint little cabin, called the Owner’s Cabin. It is not always bookable, because sometimes there is a long-term tenant. But on the occasion of our visit, we were able to book it. It was so delightful and quaint. The only way to know if this is available is to call and ask. If it is available, you will have to mail in a check and hope that it arrives before anyone else books. They do not have an online reservation system. But the cabin is worth it.
The bed is comfortably nestled into the corner with these huge windows so that you can lay in bed and stargaze, what the snow falling or just take in the views.
You may be wondering how Strawberry Park got its name. Well, it all started in 1900, when Lester Remington grew the soon-to-be-famous Remington berry on his land in the area now known as Strawberry Park.
It was said that no other strawberry could compare to the Remington in flavor, quality and shipping life. What’s more, this mighty berry commonly was 8 inches in circumference. It was a cross between a domestic and wild variety that grew to perfection on the fertile land in Strawberry Park — no mulching, fertilizing or spraying was necessary since there were no natural pests or plant disease. If you go in the summer, you may have a chance of finding some wild strawberries still growing.
Check out other hot springs in the Colorado area:
Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Glenwood Springs)
