Piedra River Hot Springs
Checked October 2026 · Sources
Piedra River Hot Springs is a wild soak in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado, about 68 minutes' drive from Durango: 108 F water at the source (1980 survey), a 1.38-mile walk from Sheep Creek Trailhead, snow likely November to April.
- Wild
- Walk 1.38 mi
about 68 min
45 mi from Durango, no traffic
Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.
The facts
- Water
- 108 F at the source, not the poolQuoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry PIEDRA RIVER HOT SPRINGS
- Walk
- 1.38 miles one way from Sheep Creek TrailheadComputed on an OpenStreetMap foot route · start 37.30297, -107.33633
- Fee
- Not paying a recreation fee is prohibited, and the fine for a first offense of nonpayment may not exceed $100. Forest Service general rule
No fee posted for this spring that we found (checked Oct 13, 2026)What the Forest Service says
Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.
- Permit or reservation
- None posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Clothing
- Being publicly nude is prohibited on a national forest only when an order says so; the regulation lists it among the things a forest order can prohibit. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says
Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.
- Dogs
- At Forest Service developed recreation sites, an animal other than a service animal must be crated, caged, on a leash of 6 feet or less, or otherwise under physical restrictive control, and may not be brought into a swimming area. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says
Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.
- Snow
- Likely November to AprilComputed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest
- Last checked
- October 2026
Trail and trailhead
Sheep Creek Trailhead
The Forest Service says:
"The hike to the hot springs is about 1.5 miles one way, making for a 3-mile round trip. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, with only a slight elevation gain."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Distance
- 1.38 mile one wayComputed on an OpenStreetMap foot route
- Climb
- About 50 ft up and 650 ft down, one wayComputed from USGS 3DEP elevations at 27 points on our route, Oct 14, 2026 (rough)
- Start
- Sheep Creek Trailhead37.30297, -107.33633
Water temperature
108 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 PIEDRA RIVER HOT SPRINGS
Fees and rules
Do you have to pay to go to Piedra River Hot Springs?
No fee posted for this spring that we found (checked Oct 13, 2026). Forest Service general rule
Forest Service general rule: see The facts.
Do you need a permit or reservation for Piedra River Hot Springs?
None is posted. not posted
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Clothing and dogs
Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.
Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.
Seasons and winter access
Snow likely November to April at the spring.
Computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, San Juan National Forest.
Before you go
- No permit or reservation is posted.
- Snow likely November to April.
- Check Forest Service alerts, San Juan National Forest before you drive.
Getting there
Drive times from each town's center, no traffic (computed).
Both open at the start, Sheep Creek Trailhead, not at the pool.
Camping near Piedra River Hot Springs
"Camping and caching equipment for more than 14 days is not permitted. ... Please camp at least 100 feet from water sources."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Nearby hot springs (6)
All 17 hot springs in ColoradoSouthern Colorado hot springs (6)
Questions
Is Piedra River Hot Springs free?
How long is the hike to Piedra River Hot Springs?
Is Piedra River Hot Springs clothing optional?
Can I bring my dog?
Can you camp at Piedra River Hot Springs?
"Camping and caching equipment for more than 14 days is not permitted. ... Please camp at least 100 feet from water sources."Quoted from the Forest Service, 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
- fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/recreation/piedra-river-hot-springs: trail, campingChecked Oct 14, 2026
- Walk: 1.38 mi, computed on an OpenStreetMap foot route (FOSSGIS routing, foot profile) from 37.30297, -107.33633Map data OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
- Drive times from Durango, Alamosa: computed with GraphHopper 11.1, car profile, no trafficOpenStreetMap extract of Oct 12, 2026
- Snow months (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr): computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasonsMethod page explains the rule
- Climb: computed from USGS 3DEP elevations along our OpenStreetMap foot routeComputed Oct 14, 2026