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If you’re looking for a location with beautiful scenery where you can dip into thermal waters exceeding 100 degrees, you must check out Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado.
Not only are the views spectacular, but the number of pools on the property makes this one of the best places to relax and bring healing to your body. Let’s learn more!
About Orvis Hot Springs
With views of the San Juan Mountains, Orvis Hot Springs is a beautiful location. Just down the road from Ouray and Telluride, guests can also enjoy shopping and dining in these Colorado cities.
This clothing-optional, natural hot springs resort sits at the base of the mountains and offers guests access to 10 pools and ponds. Campers who stay on-site have 24-hour access to the hot springs.
Once a sacred place of healing for the Tabeguache tribe, Orvis Hot Springs was the place where the Tabeguache would soak to receive its calming effects and curative powers.
Ouray County and the local town by the same name got their name from Ute Chief Ouray.
Today, these natural hot springs continue to offer therapeutic results whether you’re looking for a nice relaxing soak or seeking healing for ailments.
How Many Pools are in Orvis Hot Springs?
The 10 pools and ponds are full of natural lithium water. Never heated or treated, these pools help visitors relax and rejuvenate. “The Pond” is the largest pool at 40 feet across and 5 feet deep.
There’s also a “Smoking Pond,” which is the only location where smoking is allowed. Both indoor and outdoor soaking areas have water temperatures from 65 degrees to 112 degrees.
There are also massage therapists on-site for additional relaxation and to help release tension.
When Is Orvis Hot Springs Open?
Orvis Hot Springs is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Those staying on the property have access to the hot springs 24 hours a day.
Campers can enjoy a starlit evening soaking in these 100-degree pools among the beautiful Cimarron Ridge and the San Juan Mountains. Or they can get up early and watch the sunrise before the public arrives.
How Much Does It Cost to Soak in Orvis Hot Springs?
A daily visit to Orvis Hot Springs is $28 for an adult. A one-hour quick dip will cost $24. Children aged 4 to 12 are $15, and children aged 3 and under are free. Towel rentals are available for $3 as well.
Orvis Hot Springs does offer an annual membership of $150. Members soak for $11 per visit and are allowed one guest per day for an additional $11. Member’s children aged 4 to 12 years old soak for $4 per visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Orvis Hot Springs?
Although Orvis Hot Springs is open daily throughout the year, you’ll experience higher crowds in the winter as visitors flock to soak in the thermal waters during Colorado’s cold season. It’s a popular winter getaway for travelers.
In the summer, the temperatures can be extreme, so a dip in 100 degrees might not be as relaxing as you hope. So the best time to visit Orvis Hot Springs is spring or fall.
The crowds will be less, and the temperatures will be mild. Cool nights and brisk mornings are the perfect time to head over and enjoy the healing powers of the hot springs.
Best Campgrounds Near Orvis Hot Springs
When looking to visit Orvis Hot Springs, there is a campground on-site that gives guests 24-hour access to the pools and ponds.
However, if you’d rather stay off-site and enjoy other activities during your visit, there are a few other good options for a comfortable and enjoyable stay near Ridgway, Colorado.
Orvis Hot Springs Campground
Address: 1585 County Rd. 3 Ridgway, Colorado 81432
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Rate: $25 to $60
At Orvis Hot Springs Campground, guests get two days of soaking in the hot springs for every night of camping. In addition, guests have all-night access to the hot springs ponds, pool, tubs, sauna, and bathrooms.
Pricing at Orvis Hot Springs Campground is a bit different because of the amenities. Prices are per person and not per campsite.
Children aged 3 and under are free, children from 4 to 12 are $25 per night, and adults are $60 per night.
Keep in Mind: If you’re considering traveling to Colorado, these Photos of Colorado National Parks will convince you to start vacation planning!
Elk Ridge Campground
Address: Elk Ridge Campground Rd, Ridgway, CO 81432
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Rate: $36
On the top of a mesa covered in pine and juniper trees, Elk Ridge Campground is the most popular campground in Ridgway State Park near Orvis Hot Springs. It offers electric and water hookups, but a dump station is on-site.
You can make reservations up to six months in advance. Ridgway State Park has over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. Paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and boating are common activities within the park.
Dakota Terraces Campground
Address: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Rate: $36
Also located in Ridgway State Park, Dakota Terraces Campground offers guests the best views in the park. Like Elk Ridge Campground, there are electric and water hookups at each site with an on-site dump station.
The campground is also within walking distance of the reservoir and a swimming beach. Year-round camping is offered here at Dakota Terraces Campground.
Visitors enjoy the same amenities of Ridgway State Park, like fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.
Ouray KOA Holiday
Address: 225 Co Rd 23, Ridgway, CO 81432
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Rate: Starting at $68
For a more resort-type atmosphere with many amenities, Ouray KOA Holiday has a dog walk, a coffee bar, a playground, a restaurant, a laundry room, a gift shop, DirecTV, and more.
Guests can also rent Jeeps, purchase propane or firewood, and relax in the hot tub.
This campground is big-rig friendly, with sites stretching 90 feet in length. Back-in and pull-through sites are available.
Pro Tip: Do you think the KOA Rewards Membership Program Is Useless? Here’s why you need to enroll ASAP!
Basecamp 550
Address: 225 Co Rd 23, Ridgway, CO 81432
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Rate: starting at $46
Basecamp 550 has showers and restrooms, free WiFi, a clubhouse, picnic tables, and laundry on-site for guests. RV sites are full hook-ups and located in a private, fenced-in area.
Still a work in progress, Basecamp 550 is a mountain oasis in Ridgway, Colorado.
Relax Those Tired Muscles at Orvis Hot Springs
Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Cy Young, and Jackie Robinson bathed in thermal waters. During WWII, one division after another within the military found rest and rejuvenation as well.
So there must be something curative about thermal springs. But even if you’re not seeking healing for a particular ailment or skin condition, natural hot springs offer tranquility amid a chaotic lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, consider Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado.
With camping nearby, you won’t ever have to leave until the day you check out if you don’t want to. Enjoy the peace, beauty, and relaxation these hot springs provide.
When will you visit Orvis Hot Springs?
