Cottonwood Hot Springs

Cottonwood Hot Springs is one of my favorites! As the other half only has one day off a week, I thought I'd surprise him with an evening of relaxation one night at Cottonwood Hot Springs. Cottonwood Hot Springs is 6(ish) miles west of Buena Vista. From town you just go west on Main Street and the Hot Springs are on the right about 6 miles past the one stop light.

It had been far too long since I had made a trip up there (it is after all only about 10 miles from our house). Of course I have already mentioned in previous posts that I prefer more relaxing soaking pools than larger swimming pools.

Cottonwood Hot Springs has 5 different natural stone soaking pools (which are all different temperatures) and a sauna that are all included in the cost. The cost also covers the full day (8am - midnight) so you can come and go as you please during the day (the pools are also open all night to anyone staying there).

The hotel rooms have recently been renovated (there was a fire in the lodge building last year); there are rooms and a dormitory (hostel type lodging) in the lodge, several cabins, a 'guest house' and tent camp sites.

Newly remodeled common area at Cottonwood Hot Springs

Fish ponds at Cottonwood Hot Springs

Sunset at Cottonwood Hot Springs

While children are allowed at Cottonwood Hot Springs, it isn't the most child friendly Hot Springs. They do ask that the pool area is quiet:

"Please respect our relaxing environment by keeping it a quiet area around the pools." -http://cottonwoodhotsprings.com/

And we all know kids aren't always quiet while swimming, additionally, no one under the age of 16 is permitted after 6pm. As a local of the area, it's pretty common knowledge that Cottonwood Hot Springs is better for adults and Mount Princeton Hot Springs is better for families.

Cottonwood Hot Springs is located near lots of hiking and mountain biking trails and is a great place to relax after a day of activities.