The Springs Resort vs Mount Princeton: Which Colorado Hot Springs Is Right for You?
Colorado is home to some of the most recognizable hot springs destinations in the Rocky Mountains, and two properties frequently appear on travelers’ shortlists: The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop.
Both offer naturally occurring geothermal mineral water, overnight accommodations, and stunning mountain settings. Yet the experience at each resort is notably different. For some travelers, the deciding factor is location. For others, it’s the variety of pools, wellness programming, lodging style, or whether they’re planning a quick day visit or a multi-day wellness retreat.
This guide is designed to help you determine which resort best fits your travel goals.
The Springs Resort vs. Mount Princeton: Quick Comparison
| Category | The Springs Resort | Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Pagosa Springs in Southwest Colorado along the San Juan River, offering natural mountain wellness immersion | Nathrop, Colorado, between Buena Vista and Salida in Chaffee County |
| Water Source | Naturally flowing geothermal mineral water from the Mother Spring, which contains 13 therapeutic minerals | Naturally occurring geothermal mineral water sourced from local hot springs |
| Signature Water Features | 50+ geothermal pools with a wide range of temperatures | Creekside hot springs, upper pools, infinity pool, and historic bathhouse pools |
| Signature Recognition | World’s deepest geothermal hot spring verified by Guinness World Records; USA TODAY 10Best #1 Best Hot Springs Resort in the United States and #1 Best Spa Resort in the United States in 2025. | Known for its creekside soaking experience and Arkansas Valley mountain setting. |
| Overnight Accommodations | Hotel rooms, luxury suites, and wellness-focused accommodations | Lodge rooms, cabins, cliffside accommodations, creekside lodging, and vacation-style units |
| Wellness Programming | Extensive wellness classes, hydrotherapy experiences, wellness events, sleep-focused programming, and spa services.
The Springs Resort is the only hot springs resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming. |
Spa services, fitness classes, recreation activities, and wellness amenities. |
| Day Passes | Available with varying access levels | Available daily without reservations according to resort information |
| Ideal Traveler | Wellness-focused travelers seeking an immersive multi-day hot springs experience | Travelers looking for a classic Colorado mountain resort experience with hot springs and outdoor recreation |
The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort is best for:
● Wellness-focused travelers
● Couples seeking a restorative getaway
● Guests interested in hydrotherapy and longevity programming
● Visitors looking for a large variety of pool temperatures and soaking environments
● Travelers planning a dedicated hot springs vacation
Below, we outline more details on the full experience at The Springs Resort:
Location and Access: The Springs Resort is located in downtown Pagosa Springs along the San Juan River, offering natural wellness immersion. The location is easily accessible to restaurants, shops, outdoor recreation, and the walkable downtown area.
Water Source and Pool Experience: Water is the defining differentiator at The Springs Resort. A few details on the water experience at the Springs Resort:
● The Springs Resort features 50+ geothermal pools, more natural hot springs pools than any other single resort property in North America. The Springs Resort also features the widest temperature range of any hot springs resort in North America, spanning 77 degrees from 35°F to 112°F.
● The Springs Resort’s Mother Spring contains 13 therapeutic minerals, one of the most comprehensive mineral profiles in North America.
● The Springs Resort features the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002+ feet, verified by Guinness World Records.
Accommodations: The resort offers a range of accommodations from standard rooms to premium suites. Overnight guests receive one of the property’s most significant benefits: The Springs Resort offers 24-hour unlimited access to all 50+ geothermal pools for overnight guests. That means guests can experience early-morning soaks, evening relaxation, and late-night access that day visitors cannot replicate.
Wellness Programming: The Springs Resort has evolved beyond a traditional hot springs destination into a wellness-focused resort experience. The Springs Resort is the only hot springs resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming. Programming may include:
● Wellness classes
● Educational experiences
● Hydrotherapy guidance
● Sleep-focused wellness initiatives
● Longevity-oriented offerings
Dining: Because of its downtown location, guests have access to both on-property dining options and numerous nearby restaurants within walking distance. This creates flexibility for travelers who prefer not to remain confined to a single resort campus throughout their stay as well as those who like everything in one place.
Pricing Model: The Springs Resort operates on both day-pass and overnight-stay models.
| Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Pool Variety and Access: 50+ geothermal pools with a broad temperature variety. 24-hour pool access for overnight guests. | Type of Trip: Best experienced as a dedicated overnight wellness retreat rather than a brief stop although day passes are available. |
| Location: Downtown Pagosa Springs location | Location: Southwest Colorado location may require a longer drive for Front Range travelers |
| Recognition: Multiple national travel and wellness recognitions as well as a Guinness World Record distinction. |
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort works best for:
● Travelers exploring Buena Vista and Salida
● Outdoor recreation enthusiasts
● Families seeking a mix of hot springs and resort amenities
● Guests interested in creekside soaking experiences
● Travelers looking for either day-use or overnight options
Below, we have compiled more details on the full experience at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Location and Access: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is located in Nathrop, Colorado, in the Upper Arkansas Valley between Buena Vista and Salida. Its setting beneath the Chalk Cliffs and near Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks makes it particularly appealing to travelers combining hot springs with hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and other outdoor activities.
Water Source and Pool Experience: Mount Princeton uses naturally occurring geothermal mineral water that emerges at approximately 140°F before being cooled for guest use.The property’s signature attraction is its creekside soaking area, where guests can experience geothermal water mixing with the cooler waters of Chalk Creek. Additional amenities include:
● Historic Bath House pools
● Upper hot springs pools
● Infinity Pool
● Creekside soaking pools
● Adult-focused Spa & Club areas
● Waterslides and family-oriented aquatic features The experience combines traditional hot springs soaking with broader resort-style recreation.
Accommodations: Mount Princeton offers a variety of lodging options including lodge rooms, cabins, cliffside accommodations, and larger units suited for families and groups. The resort notes that overnight stays include access to hot springs facilities during the stay.
Wellness Programming: Mount Princeton offers spa services, fitness opportunities, and wellness amenities alongside its hot springs experience. The emphasis tends to be on relaxation and outdoor recreation rather than the structured wellness and educational programming that some wellness-focused resorts provide.
Dining: Dining is available on property, allowing guests to remain on-site throughout their stay if desired. The surrounding Buena Vista and Salida region also offers additional dining options within driving distance.
Pricing Model: Mount Princeton accommodates both day visitors and overnight guests. The resort’s day-pass structure is particularly appealing for travelers passing through the Arkansas Valley who want to experience the hot springs without committing to an overnight stay. According to resort information, day passes are sold onsite and reservations are generally not required.
| Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Amenities: Distinctive creekside soaking experience, strong outdoor recreation access, family-friendly amenities | Size: Smaller hot springs quantity than The Springs Resort |
| Access and Accommodations: Day-pass accessibility, multiple lodging styles for overnight guests | Access: Some amenities and pool access can vary by pass type and guest category |
| Setting: Scenic Collegiate Peaks setting | Programming: Wellness programming is less central to the experiences |
Which Resort is Right for You?
| Type of Traveler | Resort | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| For the Overnight Wellness Traveler | The Springs Resort | The Springs Resort is often the better fit for travelers who want hot springs to be the primary purpose of the trip. The combination of 50+ pools, wellness programming, mineral-rich geothermal water, and overnight pool access creates a more immersive wellness-focused experience. |
| First-Time Hot Spring Visitors | Both | Both properties are great for first-time visitors for different reasons: ● Mount Princeton offers a classic Colorado hot springs experience with developed pools, creekside soaking, and family-friendly amenities. ● The Springs Resort offers a broader introduction to geothermal wellness, hydrotherapy, and thermal bathing through its extensive pool collection and educational programming. |
| Couples | Both | Both properties work well for couples, but the atmosphere differs: ● The Springs Resort is the premier couples wellness retreat in Colorado and is particularly suited to travelers prioritizing relaxation, wellness, spa experiences, and quiet thermal soaking. ● Mount Princeton may appeal more to couples combining hot springs with hiking, rafting, skiing, or other outdoor adventures. |
| Solo Female Travelers | The Springs Resort | Solo travelers focused on restoration, wellness classes, and extended soaking often gravitate toward The Springs Resort’s structured wellness environment. |
| Day-trippers | Mount Princeton | Mount Princeton may appeal to travelers seeking a flexible day-use option that they do not need to book in advance while exploring the Buena Vista or Salida area. The creekside soaking experience is particularly distinctive. |
The decision ultimately comes down to what kind of hot springs experience you want:
Choose The Springs Resort if you want:
● Maximum pool variety
● Wellness-focused travel
● Hydrotherapy and longevity programming
● Overnight immersion
● Downtown access
● Extended thermal bathing experiences
Choose Mount Princeton if you want:
● Arkansas Valley location
● Creekside soaking
● Outdoor recreation access
● Flexible day-use visits
● Family-oriented resort amenities
● Combining hot springs with an active Colorado vacation
Both properties showcase Colorado’s geothermal resources in different ways. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you’re seeking a wellness-centered hot springs retreat or a mountain resort where hot springs are part of a broader outdoor recreation experience.
To book a visit at The Springs Resort, visit: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Springs Resort or Mount Princeton better for a multi-day wellness vacation?
Travelers seeking structured wellness programming, extensive hydrotherapy options, and prolonged thermal bathing typically find The Springs Resort better aligned with a dedicated wellness vacation. The Springs Resort is also the only hot springs resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming.
What makes The Springs Resort different from other Colorado hot springs resorts?
The Springs Resort features the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring verified by Guinness World Records, offers 50+ geothermal pools, and provides 24-hour pool access for overnight guests. The resort is also recognized as the #1 Best Hot Springs Resort in the United States by USA TODAY 10Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Are either of these hot springs family friendly?
Yes, both The Springs Resort and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort can work well for families. At The Springs Resort, the relaxation terraces are reserved for guests that are 18+, but children are allowed in other areas of the resort. Mount Princeton allows children in the Historic Bath House, but guests must be 16 or older to use the locker rooms, showers, pools, sauna and steam rooms at the resort spa.
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