Are There Hot SpringsWhat is Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a privately owned natural hot springs about 7 miles north of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Water leaves the ground at about 150°F and is cooled with creek water in four stone-walled soaking pools at roughly 103–107°F, with a cold plunge beside Hot Springs Creek.
It is open year-round, weather permitting. Day visits are 2-hour slots that you reserve ahead and pay for in cash at the gate. Families soak during the day; after dark it becomes adults-only and clothing optional. You can also stay overnight in a rustic cabin, a covered wagon, a converted caboose or a tent site. It is one of the stops on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.
Are there hot springs in Steamboat Springs?
Yes, two that you can soak in. Strawberry Park is the rustic one, out in the forest north of town, and Old Town Hot Springs is the in-town option, a family-friendly pool complex downtown with water slides and day passes. The town itself is named after one of its mineral springs, whose chugging sound early French trappers mistook for a steamboat.
History of Strawberry Park Hot Springs
The land began as Samuel Tankersley's homestead. In the 1930s H.W. Gossard bought it, hoping to build a health spa community that never happened, and in 1935 it passed to the Steamboat Springs Company. Its distance from town made it hard to run, and by the 1970s it had become a party spot where as many as 300 people camped at once.
In 1981 Don Johnson bought the property from the city, saving it from possible demolition and turning it into the stone-pool retreat it is today. It was added to the Routt County Register of Historic Places in 2013.
Is Strawberry Park Hot Springs open today?
Yes. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is open 365 days a year, weather permitting, and no closure was posted when we checked on . The winter road rule is in effect, so plan your vehicle or a shuttle.
- OperatorThe official site lists the springs as open 365 days a year, with no closure notice.
- WildfireNo active wildfire perimeters within 15 miles.
- RoadFrom 1 November to 1 May, Routt County requires a 4WD vehicle with snow tires or chains on County Road 36. In effect now.
- Weather warningsChecked live from the National Weather Service when the weather section loads.
Call the springs on (970) 879-0342 if a storm is forecast; the springs close only when weather forces it.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs hours and prices
Open every daySunday to Thursday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to midnight.
| Days | Open | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday to Thursday | 10 am to 10 pm | 8 pm |
| Friday and Saturday | 10 am to midnight | 10 pm |
From late autumn it is dark by early evening, so later slots fall in the adults-only period.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs prices
Entry is $30 for adults and $20 for ages 17 and under, for a 2-hour slot, paid in cash at the gate.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Adults | $30 per 2-hour slot |
| Ages 17 and under | $20 per 2-hour slot |
| Payment | Cash only: no cards, no checks, no ATM on site |
| Massage, facials, Watsu | Extra; book ahead on the official site |
Do you need reservations for Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Yes, for every pool visit. Slots open 30 days ahead, there is no waitlist, and the reservation also holds your parking space. It is valid only for the time you booked, so returning later the same day needs a second reservation. Weekends and ski season sell out first.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs directions
The springs are at 44200 County Road 36, about 7 miles and 15 to 20 minutes north of downtown Steamboat Springs.
- From downtown Steamboat Springs, follow Lincoln Avenue (US-40) and turn north on 7th Street.
- 7th Street becomes Missouri Avenue and then Strawberry Park Road (County Road 36).
- Stay on County Road 36 for about 7 miles; the last 2 miles are packed dirt.
- Park in the lot at the entrance, check in, and walk down to the pools.
From Denver
Allow about 3 hours for the 160 miles: take US-40 west over Berthoud Pass to Steamboat Springs, then follow the steps above.
Shuttles, Uber and Lyft
Hot Springs Shuttle and Sweet Pea Tours run trips from town; book with them directly. Uber and Lyft passengers are not allowed entry, and there is no parking for RVs or trailers.
Can you drive to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in winter?
Only in a 4WD vehicle with snow tires or chains, which Routt County law requires from 1 November to 1 May; two-wheel-drive cars are not permitted on County Road 36. A front-wheel-drive rental won't meet the rule, so book a shuttle instead.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs map
The springs sit at the end of County Road 36 in the hills north of Steamboat Springs. Open the larger map to follow the last, unpaved stretch of road.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Strawberry Park Hot Springs weather
The forecast below is the National Weather Service forecast for the springs' exact location, loaded when you reach this section.
Loading the forecast… If it doesn't appear, open the weather.gov forecast for Strawberry Park.
At about 7,000 feet the walk between the lot, the changing cabin and the pools is cold for much of the year. Bring a robe and warm layers, and drink water: hot water and altitude dehydrate you fast.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs weather by season
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter | Deep snow and nights well below freezing. Steam over the pools is at its best, and the 4WD rule on County Road 36 applies from 1 November to 1 May. |
| Spring | Snowmelt, mud and a fast, cold creek. The 4WD rule ends on 1 May, but the dirt road can stay soft into late spring. |
| Summer | Warm days and cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan morning soaks and get out of the water if you hear thunder. |
| Autumn | Crisp days and cold nights. The aspens around the springs usually turn gold in late September. |
How hot is Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
The four soaking pools run from about 107°F next to the source down to about 103°F by the creek. The spring leaves the ground at about 150°F, and cold water from Hot Springs Creek, around 40°F, is let in through a headgate to cool it. The water is not chlorinated.
- 1Source springabout 150°F
- 2Hottest soaking pool, next to the sourceabout 107°F
- 3Two middle pools103–107°F
- 4Coolest soaking pool, lowest on the slopeabout 103°F
- 5Cold plunge of dammed creek waterabout 40°F
Temperatures shift with weather and creek flow. Start in a lower pool and move up as you adjust.
How long should you soak at Strawberry Park?
About 10 to 15 minutes at a time in the top pool, then cool off before you go back in. At about 107°F it is hotter than the 104°F the US Consumer Product Safety Commission sets as the maximum for hot tubs. The lower pools, nearer 103°F, suit a longer soak, and the cold plunge by the creek is there for cooling down between rounds.
Is the water at Strawberry Park Hot Springs clean?
The pools hold natural spring water cooled with creek water, with no chlorine. Staff clean the pools on Sunday and Monday evenings after closing. Because the water is untreated, keep your head above water.
Is Strawberry Park Hot Springs clothing optional?
Only after dark. By day it is a family soak and swimsuits are worn; once it gets dark the springs become 18+ only and clothing optional until the pools reopen the next morning.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs at night
- Adults only: no one under 18 is admitted after dark.
- No phone lights, cameras or video after dark.
- Lighting is kept low. Bring a dim headlamp or a low-intensity flashlight for the paths and the lot.
Can kids go to Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Yes, during daytime hours. Children under 3 must wear a swim diaper.
Are dogs allowed at Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
No. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the property, including the parking lot, and they cannot be left in vehicles.
Can you bring food or drinks?
No. Food, glass, alcohol and smoking are not allowed. Bring drinking water.
What to bring to Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park is cash only with no ATM, has no phone signal and checks bags for food, glass and alcohol, so it pays to pack carefully. A day visit needs little more than this:
- Cash for entry; there is no ATM on site.
- A swimsuit worn under your clothes, and a robe for the walk between pools.
- Sandals or water shoes for the slick, uneven stone.
- A dim headlamp for evening slots.
- Drinking water and warm layers for after your soak.
- Your reservation and directions saved offline: there is no cell signal.
Restrooms and a heated changing cabin are on site. There are no lockers and no showers for day visitors.
Mistakes visitors make
- Arriving without cash or without a reservation.
- Driving a two-wheel-drive car between 1 November and 1 May.
- Bringing children to an after-dark slot.
- Packing a cooler or snacks, which are not allowed in.
- Dressing too lightly for the cold walk from the lot.
What not to bring
Leave food, snacks, glass, alcohol and smoking materials in town, and leave pets at home: they are not allowed anywhere on the property, even inside a car. Phones are fine by day, but phone lights, cameras and video are not allowed after dark.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs safety tips
The main risks here are heat, altitude, slick stone and the winter road. These habits keep a soak safe.
- Keep your head above water.The pools hold untreated geothermal water. The CDC advises never putting your head under in hot springs, because a rare but deadly ameba in warm fresh water can enter through the nose.
- Take short soaks in the hottest pool.The top pool runs about 107°F. For hot tubs, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission sets 104°F as the maximum and calls 100°F safe for a healthy adult. Move to a cooler pool or sit out if you feel dizzy, light-headed or sick.
- Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or have a heart condition.The CPSC advises pregnant women to stay in water no hotter than 100°F, and every soaking pool here is hotter.
- Drink water, not alcohol.At about 7,000 feet, hot water dehydrates you fast. Alcohol is banned on site; the CPSC warns that drinking in hot water causes drowsiness and can lead to drowning.
- Ease into the cold plunge.At about 40°F it is a shock after 107°F water. Jumping and climbing on the rocks are not allowed.
- Watch your footing.Stone edges, steps and paths are slick when wet and icy in winter. Wear sandals or water shoes, and use a dim headlamp after dark.
- Watch children closely.Kids are allowed in the daytime only, and young children overheat faster than adults in hot water.
- Plan the drive and the signal gap.Don't take a two-wheel-drive car between 1 November and 1 May. There is no cell service, so save directions offline and tell someone your plans.
Is Strawberry Park Hot Springs worth it?
Yes, if you want a rustic soak in natural, stone-walled pools in the forest and don't mind planning ahead.
Why people love it
- Hand-built stone pools beside a creek, ringed by aspens
- Unchlorinated spring water at a range of temperatures
- A cold plunge and a starry, low-light night soak
- Cabins, covered wagons and a caboose to stay in
What to know first
- Cash only and reservations required
- Steep dirt road, with a 4WD rule all winter
- No lockers, showers or phone signal for day visitors
- Adults only after dark
Best time to visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Autumn is a sweet spot: the aspens turn gold and crowds thin after Labor Day. Winter brings snow and steam but needs the right vehicle or a shuttle. In summer the lower pools feel refreshing, and any careful driver can make the road. Weekday slots are easier to book than weekends.
Strawberry Park vs Old Town Hot Springs
| Strawberry Park | Old Town | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | 7 miles north, up a dirt road | Downtown Steamboat Springs |
| Feel | Rustic stone pools in the forest | Family pools with water slides |
| Booking | Reservation required | No reservation needed |
| Payment | Cash only | Cards accepted |
| After dark | Adults only, clothing optional | Family pools, standard rules |
Strawberry Park Hot Springs cabins and camping
You can sleep right at the springs in a rustic cabin, a covered wagon, a converted train caboose or a tent site, or stay in Steamboat Springs and drive up for your soak.
| Places to sleep | Small and large rustic cabins, covered wagons, a train caboose and tent sites |
|---|---|
| Power and water | No electricity in the cabins. Running water, showers and flush toilets are in the shared bathhouses |
| Bedding | Bring your own |
| Check-in and check-out | Check in 5 to 8 pm, check out by 11 am |
| Soaking for guests | Check-in to midnight on arrival day, sunrise to midnight on full days, sunrise to 11 am on departure day |
| Booking | Opens 90 days ahead. Changes at least 14 days before arrival; no cancellations |
A small wagon or cart helps you move gear from the car. Full details are on the Strawberry Park lodging page.
Can you camp at Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Yes, at its tent sites. Campers share the bathhouses with cabin guests, get the same pool access and bring all their own gear.
Staying in Steamboat Springs
Hotels and rentals in town put you 15 to 20 minutes from the springs, and close to shuttle pickups in winter.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs FAQ
How long can you stay at Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Two hours per day-visit reservation. To return later the same day you need a separate reservation. Overnight lodging guests can use the pools from sunrise to midnight on each full day of their stay.
Is the water at Strawberry Park Hot Springs chlorinated?
No. The pools hold natural spring water cooled with creek water, without chlorine.
Are there showers or lockers at Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Not for day visitors. There are restrooms and a heated changing cabin. Overnight guests share bathhouses with showers and flush toilets.
Is there cell service at Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
No. There is no cell service or Wi-Fi, so save your reservation and directions before you leave town.
When are the pools cleaned?
On Sunday and Monday evenings after closing.
What is the phone number for Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
(970) 879-0342.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs pictures
Photos can only be taken in daylight: cameras are not allowed after dark. This October photo shows the stone-lined pools beside Hot Springs Creek.
We only show photos whose licence allows reuse, and credit the photographer under each one.
Hot springs near Steamboat Springs
Old Town Hot Springs, downtown, is the other place to soak in Steamboat Springs, and Hot Sulphur Springs is an easy stop on US-40 if you drive in from Denver.
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In town
Old Town Hot Springs
Downtown Steamboat Springs, about 7 miles south. Public pools fed by natural hot springs, with water slides and day passes.
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19 pools
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort
Hot Sulphur Springs, on US-40, the road you take from Denver. 19 pools, and a historic motel, open since 1943, whose stays include pool passes.
Sources and verification
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs, official site (status, hours, prices, rules, winter road)
- Official FAQ, facilities and lodging pages
- Colorado Tourism Office (official state tourism)
- CDC: preventing Naegleria fowleri infection and CPSC hot tub temperature warning (safety tips)
- Nearby and Colorado listings: each spring's official site (Hot Sulphur Springs, Iron Mountain, The Springs Resort, Mount Princeton, Valley View)
More hot springs in Colorado
Are there hot springs in Colorado?
Yes, dozens, from free natural pools in the mountains to big resort pools. Steamboat Springs is one stop on the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, an 800-mile driving route through western Colorado that links 23 hot springs facilities. These are some of the best known.
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90–104°F
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Glenwood Springs. A 405-foot Grand Pool at 90–93°F and a 104°F Therapy Pool.
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89–112°F
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs. 35 pools from 89°F to 112°F, open 9 am to 10 pm daily.
-
95–106°F
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
Ouray. City-run pools fed by Box Canyon water, with no sulfur smell and an adults-only soaking area.
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Varies
The Springs Resort
Pagosa Springs. 45-plus soaking pools beside the San Juan River, all fed by the Mother Spring.
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Varies
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Nathrop, between Buena Vista and Salida. Creekside hot springs, a historic bathhouse and upper pools; the spa area is 16+.
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Varies
Valley View Hot Springs
Moffat, in the San Luis Valley. Natural geothermal springs, clothing optional across the property, with capped admission, so book ahead.
See all hot springs in Colorado or plan the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.
More hot springs in the United States
Further afield, these are some of the best-known hot springs we list in the West, from free soaks at the end of a hike to stone pools you book ahead.
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80–115°F
Remington Hot Springs
Kern River, California. Free volunteer-built tubs on the riverbank, a short, steep walk from the road.
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View only
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone, Wyoming. Steaming travertine terraces seen from boardwalks, reachable by car all year.
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113°F
Goldbug Hot Springs
Near Salmon, Idaho. Free natural pools at the end of a 2-mile hike with a steep finish.
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110–112°F
Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua National Forest, Oregon. Travertine pools above the river, 0.3 miles up a steep trail; daylight only.
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100–102°F
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah. Milky blue pools below a waterfall on a 4.5-mile round-trip hike.
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Varies
Travertine Hot Springs
Bridgeport, California. Free natural pools a short walk from a 1-mile dirt road; temperatures differ a lot.