Lauren’s Pagosa Guidebook
Hot Springs
Hot springs options around town
Your choice of 18 geothermal pools terraced to overlook the beautiful San Juan River starting at $28 per person. Varying temperatures ranging from 83-114 °F.
77 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Pahgosa Spa at The Springs Resort
125 Hot Springs BlvdYour choice of 18 geothermal pools terraced to overlook the beautiful San Juan River starting at $28 per person. Varying temperatures ranging from 83-114 °F.
A local secret. This is a free hot spring pool located underneath the Hot Springs Blvd bridge as it crosses over the San Juan River. Park in the lot on the NE corner of Hot Springs Blvd and San Juan St. Head underneath the bridge and you can't miss it!
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hippy Dip Hot Spring
321 Hot Springs BlvdA local secret. This is a free hot spring pool located underneath the Hot Springs Blvd bridge as it crosses over the San Juan River. Park in the lot on the NE corner of Hot Springs Blvd and San Juan St. Head underneath the bridge and you can't miss it!
Skiing
Runs for all ages and experience levels, reasonably priced, friendly staff.
118 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Área de esquí de Wolf Creek
U.S. 160Runs for all ages and experience levels, reasonably priced, friendly staff.
Hiking
Conveniently located in the San Juan National Forest, off U.S. Highway 160, about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Pagosa Springs. There is a trailhead on the highway. The falls are somewhat visible from the parking lot, and a short and moderately steep hike of about 15 minutes and 300 feet (91 m) of elevation gain will bring hikers to the base of the falls, where there is a foot bridge for viewing. A switchback trail will take hikers closer to the plunge base, called the "Misty Deck" where hikers can view and feel the spray of the falls.
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Treasure Falls
Valhalla PlaceConveniently located in the San Juan National Forest, off U.S. Highway 160, about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Pagosa Springs. There is a trailhead on the highway. The falls are somewhat visible from the parking lot, and a short and moderately steep hike of about 15 minutes and 300 feet (91 m) of elevation gain will bring hikers to the base of the falls, where there is a foot bridge for viewing. A switchback trail will take hikers closer to the plunge base, called the "Misty Deck" where hikers can view and feel the spray of the falls.
With access points off of Hot Springs Blvd and behind the San Juan Motel, Reservoir Hill is an outdoor treasure. Locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing on the many trails traversing the hill. Look for the wood sculptures scattered on the hill, try your hand at disc golf, search for the endangered Pagosa Skyrocket, or enjoy the music festivals held in the meadow.
27 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Reservoir Hill Park
320 Hot Springs BlvdWith access points off of Hot Springs Blvd and behind the San Juan Motel, Reservoir Hill is an outdoor treasure. Locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing on the many trails traversing the hill. Look for the wood sculptures scattered on the hill, try your hand at disc golf, search for the endangered Pagosa Skyrocket, or enjoy the music festivals held in the meadow.
Rainbow Hot Springs is a primitive and isolated hot springs, north of Pagosa Springs. It involves a lengthy hike into the secluded Weminuche Wilderness Area. The soak is worth the 4.5 mile one-way hike. You’ll be rewarded with exceptional views and a therapeutic, relaxing time.
From Pagosa Springs – Head northeast on US 160 for about 16 miles to the sign for West Fork Campground. The sign is on the left (west) side of the highway and southwest side of Wolf Creek Pass.
Take the West Fork Campground road (CR 648), following signs for West Fork Campground and Born Lake. It is about 7 miles until you reach the West Fork Trail-head parking.
Depending on road closures, the hike-to Rainbow Hot Springs is between 4 and 5 miles. Sometimes the last mile or so of the West Fork Campground road is closed for construction. The hike gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, so expect a real workout. The way back will be easier though!
Began hiking up the trail past the Borns Lake community of cabins. While following the West Fork Trail in search of Rainbow Hot Springs, keep an eye for signs and clues. The trail is usually marked during the beginning of the hike but can be tough to follow towards the end.
The route involves old forest roads, bridges, streams and narrow edges. The last mile is probably the toughest. Near the end look for camp sights, old fire rings and signs of people.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rainbow Hot Springs
Rainbow Hot SpringsRainbow Hot Springs is a primitive and isolated hot springs, north of Pagosa Springs. It involves a lengthy hike into the secluded Weminuche Wilderness Area. The soak is worth the 4.5 mile one-way hike. You’ll be rewarded with exceptional views and a therapeutic, relaxing time.
From Pagosa Springs – Head northeast on US 160 for about 16 miles to the sign for West Fork Campground. The sign is on the left (west) side of the highway and southwest side of Wolf Creek Pass.
Take the West Fork Campground road (CR 648), following signs for West Fork Campground and Born Lake. It is about 7 miles until you reach the West Fork Trail-head parking.
Depending on road closures, the hike-to Rainbow Hot Springs is between 4 and 5 miles. Sometimes the last mile or so of the West Fork Campground road is closed for construction. The hike gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, so expect a real workout. The way back will be easier though!
Began hiking up the trail past the Borns Lake community of cabins. While following the West Fork Trail in search of Rainbow Hot Springs, keep an eye for signs and clues. The trail is usually marked during the beginning of the hike but can be tough to follow towards the end.
The route involves old forest roads, bridges, streams and narrow edges. The last mile is probably the toughest. Near the end look for camp sights, old fire rings and signs of people.
Drive south on Highway 84 from Pagosa Springs approximately eight miles to Blanco Basin Road (#326). After driving 10 miles, turn right across the Blanco River Bridge. Follow the Castle Creek Road (#660) to the signed junction for the Opal Lake Trailhead. Turn right here and drive a short distance to the trailhead on the right. The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to hike. A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake. Groves of large aspen line the trail and several beaver dams can be seen in the area. The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face. Minerals deposited at the inlet of the lake give it its milky color.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Opal Lake Trailhead
Drive south on Highway 84 from Pagosa Springs approximately eight miles to Blanco Basin Road (#326). After driving 10 miles, turn right across the Blanco River Bridge. Follow the Castle Creek Road (#660) to the signed junction for the Opal Lake Trailhead. Turn right here and drive a short distance to the trailhead on the right. The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to hike. A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake. Groves of large aspen line the trail and several beaver dams can be seen in the area. The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face. Minerals deposited at the inlet of the lake give it its milky color.
Restaurants
Great place right off of Pagosa St for a traditional breakfast
20 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Rose
408 Pagosa StGreat place right off of Pagosa St for a traditional breakfast
Right off Pagosa St in the heart of town. A great place to stop for a hearty meal.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Lost Cajun
438 Pagosa StRight off Pagosa St in the heart of town. A great place to stop for a hearty meal.
Great for take out or for a cool bar to visit for a night out.
26 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rosie's Pizzeria
100 Country Center DrGreat for take out or for a cool bar to visit for a night out.