Cottonwood Hot Springs
Checked October 2026 · Sources
Cottonwood Hot Springs is a $45 developed soak in Chaffee County, Colorado, about 9 minutes' drive from Buena Vista: 136 F water at the source (1980 survey), snow likely October to May.
- Day pass $45
- Developed
- No pets
about 9 min
5.5 mi from Buena Vista, no traffic
Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.
The facts
- Water
- 136 F at the source, not the poolQuoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS
- Day pass
"Adults: $45."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026- Hours
"What are your hours & rates for soaking? Monday - Sunday: 8AM - 12:00AM"
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026- Permit or reservation
- No reservation needed.
"Are soaking reservations required? Nope! We always accept walk-ins for soaking passes."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026 - Clothing
"Bathing suits are required."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026- Dogs
"We love pets, but no pets are allowed on the property or in any of the lodge rooms or dormitories, with the exception of ADA recognized service animals."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026- Snow
- Likely October to MayComputed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
- Run by
- The operator, cottonwoodhs.com
- Last checked
- October 2026
Water temperature
136 F at the source, from NOAA's Thermal Springs List (1980 survey). That is where the water leaves the ground; the pool you sit in is cooler.
Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS
Fees, hours and rules
Do you have to pay to go to Cottonwood Hot Springs?
Yes.
"Adults: $45."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
How much is a day pass at Cottonwood Hot Springs?
- Monday - Thursday Soaking Rates, Adults
- $45
- Monday - Thursday Soaking Rates, Children (12 & under)
- $35
- Friday - Sunday Soaking Rates, Adults
- $45
- Friday - Sunday Soaking Rates, Children (12 & under)
- $35
All rates include use of soaking tubs, river plunge, and dry sauna. Towels are NOT included but are available for purchase.
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
When is Cottonwood Hot Springs open?
"What are your hours & rates for soaking? Monday - Sunday: 8AM - 12:00AM"
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Do you need a permit or reservation for Cottonwood Hot Springs?
No reservation needed.
"Are soaking reservations required? Nope! We always accept walk-ins for soaking passes."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Pets and clothing
"We love pets, but no pets are allowed on the property or in any of the lodge rooms or dormitories, with the exception of ADA recognized service animals."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
"Bathing suits are required."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Seasons and winter access
Snow likely October to May at the spring.
Computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
Road and gate closures: check the operator's website.
Before you go
- Day pass: Monday - Thursday Soaking Rates, Adults $45; Monday - Thursday Soaking Rates, Children (12 & under) $35; Friday - Sunday Soaking Rates, Adults $45; Friday - Sunday Soaking Rates, Children (12 & under) $35.
- No reservation needed.
- Hours: What are your hours & rates for soaking? Monday - Sunday: 8AM - 12:00AM
- Snow likely October to May.
- Clothing: Bathing suits are required.
- Dogs: We love pets, but no pets are allowed on the property or in any of the lodge rooms or dormitories, with the exception of ADA recognized service animals.
- Check operator website (no feed) before you drive.
Getting there
Drive times from each town's center, no traffic (computed).
Both open at Cottonwood Hot Springs.
Nearby hot springs (6)
Questions
Is Cottonwood Hot Springs free?
"Adults: $45."Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Is Cottonwood Hot Springs clothing optional?
"Bathing suits are required."Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Can I bring my dog?
"We love pets, but no pets are allowed on the property or in any of the lodge rooms or dormitories, with the exception of ADA recognized service animals."Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Is Cottonwood Hot Springs open, and what are the hours?
"What are your hours & rates for soaking? Monday - Sunday: 8AM - 12:00AM"Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Do you need a permit or reservation?
"Are soaking reservations required? Nope! We always accept walk-ins for soaking passes."Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Sources and last checked
Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).
- ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso: water temperatureChecked Oct 11, 2026
- cottonwoodhs.com: fee, hours, permit or reservation, day pass pricesChecked Oct 11, 2026 and Oct 14, 2026
- cottonwoodhs.com/policies: clothing, dogsChecked Oct 11, 2026
- Drive times from Buena Vista, Salida, Breckenridge: computed with GraphHopper 11.1, car profile, no trafficOpenStreetMap extract of Oct 12, 2026
- Snow months (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May): computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasonsMethod page explains the rule