Ouray Hot Springs

Ouray Hot Springs is a modern hot spring facility with multiple pools which are fed by the streams from the natural hot springs nearby. The Hot Spring Facility is located in the City of Ouray which it is named after and is operated and maintained by the City of Ouray. You can book your reservations in advance by visiting The City of Ouray’s Official Website. The Ouray Hot Springs are located in the middle of the San Juan Rocky Mountain Ranges, offering picturesque views of some of the tallest mountains peaks nearby.

The Ouray Hot Springs

The Ute Indian Tribes were the first ones to discover these mineral-rich steamy pools thousands of years ago and considered these Hot Springs scared. The Indigenous people used these hot springs for Warmth, Cleaning, and Healing. These people believed these hot springs are capable of healing illnesses and diseases, which was revealed to be true in recent years. Later, the site was discovered by the settlers who came in search of gold. In the year 1927, City of Ouray officials took it upon themselves to build a commercial hot spring facility with many themed pools for our joy. 

Best Hot Springs in Ouray

Ouray Hot Springs are accessible all year round, offering special interesting activities depending on the seasons. In Summer, the facility is a popular getaway, and it attracts a large number of tourists, and for them, the facility adds special features like slides, obstacle courses, and climbing walls, etc., on the activity pool.

During Winter, soaking in these steamy pools and overlooking the surrounding 13,000 feet snow-capped mountain peaks is an unforgettable experience. While in Fall and Spring, the facility still receives tourists due to the pools offering pleasant and therapeutic soaking experiences. 

Ouray hot springs hours- 10 a.m to 10 p.m

Location of Ouray Hot Springs 

The Ouray Hot Springs Facility is located in the City of Ouray which is 0nly 10.9 miles from the City of Ridgway in the State of Colorado. From Ridgway, take the Sherman Street Road towards the Colorado State Highway 550. Take a left turn on the State Highway 550 and head south towards the Ouray City through the City of Portland. The Drive is short it will take 20 mins to reach Ouray City. Once you enter Ouray City, take the right turn onto the 5 th avenue, follow this road for 350+ feet and now take a left turn onto the 2 nd Street which will lead you to the Hot Springs facility located on the left side. 

Precautions to Take While Visiting Ouray Hot Springs

Wear Protection Gear

If you are new to swimming or have children learning swimming lessons, it is highly advised to wear safety kits or gear like ring buoys and lifebuoys which helps people to stay afloat in the deep pools. 

Splash Yourself

It is necessary to splash yourself with steamy water to get adjusted to the high temperatures of steamy water in the pools. This will reduce the chances of dizziness after soaking into the Hot Spring pools. 

Do Half Body Soaks

It is highly advised to do half-body soaks before entering the steamy pools, this will help your body to adjust to the high water temperatures which would result in Burns and Severe Muscle Aches. 

Don’t Overstay

It is essential to exit the steamy hot springs once your face and neck start sweating because the high water temperatures cause excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration.

Choose the Right Pool

It is highly advised to choose the right pool for soaking due to the abundance of pools in the facility. However, choosing the right pool which is shallow or deep based on your swimming skills ensures your safety and makes your experience more enjoyable.

Drink Plenty of Water

It is also advised to drink plenty of water after soaking in the hot springs. The steamy pools accelerate sweating which can cause Dehydration. This process will help you to regain the lost water levels of your body.

More About Ouray Hot Springs

The Hot Springs facility also houses a fitness center with all essential gym equipment. There are multiple storage lockers, showers, and changing rooms for the visitors. The Facility charges some fees for granting passes to the many pools here. It also has a special pass which grants access to all pools and the activities taking place in them. 

Pools in Ouray Hot Springs

There are five pools in the Ouray Hot spring facility such as Shallow Pool, Hot Pool, Overlook Pool, Lap Pool, and Activity Pool.  A detailed explanation of these fives pools and their rules and regulations are given below. 

Shallow Pool

The shallow pool is the perfect one for children under 13 as it contains depths of 30” to 42” inches. This pool features an expanded seating area, volleyball court, float area, and basketball loop, and it has a volume of 167,720 gallons with a capacity of 739 people. The Steamy pool is maintained at temperatures of 92-98 Degrees Fahrenheit, which are fed by the water from the Hot Springs source. The Pool is located on the left side of the swimming pool facility and has a Tent placed on it to offer shade during hot sunny days. The children under 6 must be within arm’s reach from their parents or adults.

Hot Pool

This High temperatures pool is maintained at the range of 100-106 Degrees, and it stores water up to 80,000 gallons. The Hot Pool is perfectly suited for soaking due to its high temperatures, curved private areas, and shaded spaces. This is the main attraction of the Hot Spring facility, which is open all year long. The Hot Spring Pool has depths ranging from 30’’ to 36’’ inches. The Rules and Regulations for this pool are children under 6 need an adult escort, no rough play, no inflatable crafts in the pools, and it is highly recommended to restrict the soaking time beyond 15 mins. 

Overlook Pool

The Overlook Pool features two pools, with one infinite edge pool consisting of a waterfall feature falling into the second pool below. This feature attracts most tourists as they love to take pictures near the infinity edge pool waterfall. The Ouray hot springs pool hours are from 10 am to 10 pm every day and opens only in peak season. The Pool has similar depths to the Shallow pool, and it can accommodate 248 people at once. The pool is maintained at temperatures of 104 to 106 degrees. The pools are open to only people above 18 years, and it is intended to give private and peaceful experiences. Soaking more than 15 mins is not recommended. 

Lap Pool

Another unique pool in the Hot Springs facility consists of eight 25 meter full-size lanes with features like staired entry and ADA Access lift. The pool is ideal for people looking for lap exercises as it has depths of 48’’ inches to 72’’ inches. The temperature of this lap pool is less compared to other pools at 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool is strictly restricted for lap swimmers and children must take swimming tests for entering this pool. 

Activity Pool

This is the most popular pool in the hot spring facility, and it is often crowded during the peak season. The pool has a capacity of 255 people and is maintained at the same temperature as the lap pool. The pool is open to all people regardless of their age. However, the pool’s main attractions are the inflatable obstacle course, 12-foot climbing wall. This tests your climbing skills, balance, and agility making it a fun, exciting, and exhilarating experience. Children under the age of 12 years must go through the swim test before entering this pool. 

Apart from these pools, the facility also has picnic tables, patios, outdoor seating areas, and many more. The Facility charges different rates for individuals based on their age, and it is open all week long. For children under 4 and old people above 75+, it is free. For youth 4-17 they charge $12, for adults 18-61 they charge $18, and for the senior citizens 62-74 they charge $14.

Tourist Attractions Near Ouray Hot Springs

The City of Ouray is surrounded by many scenic natural attractions you can visit during your trip. Apart from the Hot springs facility, visiting all these natural and man-made tourist attractions make your trip worth a while. 

Box Canyon Falls

Box Canyon is a spectacular rock or cave waterfall located on Canyon Creek in Box Canyon Park, Ouray City. The falls are often referred to as Ouray’s own natural wonder. The Water in the Falls cascade from a height of 285 feet directly on the narrow quartz canyon below. The falls are surrounded by 100 feet high rocks and boulders, making it a cave-like experience. The Falls have been popular among the locals and the tourists for more than 100 years.

Now the site and the surrounding park are operated and maintained by the City of Ouray officials. The falls feature a suspension bridge overlooking the gorge, offering views of the raging water below. The site can be reached by a short 0.3 km long hiking trail from the park. The Box Canyon Falls are open all year long, and they are free from December to April. Whereas from May to November the park charges a fee to enter. 

Ouray Ice Park

Ouray Ice Park is a popular man-made ice climbing site located in a gorge along Camp Bird Road, from where there is a trailhead that leads you to the Ouray Ice Park. The Hiking Trail is 6 km long, and it ventures deep into the Uncompahgre National Forest where the Ice park is located. The Ouray Ice Park is operated and managed by the Ouray City Officials. The Ice Park is a popular getaway for tourists every year. The Ice Formations in the park are created by a group of volunteers known as “Ice Farmers” in November every year.

The Gorge consists of 150+ man-made and mixed climbs and 11 distinct climb areas spread over an area of three vertical miles. If you are into Ice climbing or canyoning, a unique sport involved in climbing ice structures similar to rock climbing, then this park is the ideal destination for you. You can enjoy your time here by doing exhilarating ice climbing through the many ice climbing trails located in the park.

Animas Forks Ghost Town

The Animas Fork Ghost Town is at a distance of 35.7 miles from the Ouray Hot Springs in San Juan County, Colorado. It is located at a staggering elevation of 11,000 feet atop the San Juan Mountain Range

 The Town was inhabited by the miners who worked in nearby gold mines. The Town was bustling with people until the Federal Govt decided to stop the mining expeditions nearby as the profits declined, and also it was affecting the surrounding environment. Since then, the site became a ghost town as the miners and their families left. The Town now attracts a lot of tourists every year. They love to explore the settlements and the surrounding log cabins in the town. At its height during the mining expeditions, the town housed more than 30 log cabins with hotels, a general store, and a Post office, etc. 

Ouray Perimeter Trail

This trail is one of the popular sites nearby the City of Ouray in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The spectacular scenery of San Juan Mountain Ranges, Cliffs, Canyons, Scenic Passes, and the Famed Box Canyon Waterfall are picture-perfect. The Trail is only 9.7 km long, and it is best suited for people with Medium to Advanced Skills.

The hiking trail is open from May to October. The Trail Head is pretty close to the Colorado State Highway 550. There is a popular campground for you to stay. Also, there are many other scenic hiking trails nearby.

Wiesbaden Hot Springs

Wiesbaden is another popular commercial hot spring facility located nearby the Ouray City in Colorado. This rustic facility is a historical hot spring facility that has been popular among tourists for years. The Facility’s main attraction is the Vapor Cave, which is a deep cave located under the pools filled with steam coming from a geothermal pool in it. Soaking in this cave pool, surrounded by steam clouds, is a unique and pleasant experience you cannot forget.

The Pool in the vapor cave has high temperatures, i.e., 107 to 109 degrees, and is the hottest pool in the facility. Apart from this, the facility has an outdoor pool with seating areas, and it is maintained at a temperature of 99 to 102 Degrees. Then there is also Lorelei, an open cemented rock pool with a waterfall feature enclosed inside the facility.

Activities Near Ouray Hot Springs

Ouray City also offers many interesting activities for the Tourists visiting Ouray Hot Spring Facility.

Canyoning

Canyoning is a unique sport that has gained popularity recently. The sport shares similarities with Rock Climbing, however, it offers many other activities like Walking, Running, Climbing, Rappelling, Jumping, Climbing, etc. To participate in this exhilarating sport, you need to be fit and most importantly brave. Colorado is a famous destination for Canyoning as it has diverse landscapes and also most importantly mighty mountain ranges, Gorges, trails, Ice canyons, and many more.

They are many facilities here that offer canyoning tours through the mountain ranges at affordable rates. A certified trainer will be sent on the tour who will help you learn the tips and tricks of canyoning. Also, this adventurous sport offers unique experiences of exploring the Mountain Ranges and the canyons of Colorado. 

Scenic Jeep Tours

Another exhilarating activity you can participate in when you are here. The Scenic Jeep Tours are becoming famous in this part of Colorado, as there is a rise in the Tourism facilities offering stunning tours of the Mountain Ranges and the Wilderness around the City of Ouray. The Scenic jeep tours involving driving through the many OHV Trails in the surroundings offering picturesque views of the landscapes here.

The Facilities offer these unique tours for affordable prices. A certified off-road driver takes you to the hidden natural wonders, scenic passes, etc., through the trails snaking through Uncompahgre Wilderness. The modified jeep with offroading kits speeds through the trails and the many obstacles like Steep Climbs, Boulder Climbing, River Crossing, and many more. 

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding in the wild west of Colorado is a bucket list dream for many tourists from all over the country. If you want to explore the wilderness in Colorado in the wild west style by wearing cow hats and boots, the Ouray city might be the ideal destination for you. Horseback riding, unlike hiking, helps you witness wild animals like Elks, Brown Bears, Deers, Owls, Raccoons, and many more. Apart from that, horseback riding helps you to cover many hiking trails and the natural wonders of the forest nearby. The Horse Stables in the city provide training for enthusiasts and offer guided horseback tours for cost-effective prices. 

Gold Panning

Gold Panning is an activity that includes finding gold particles in water streams or mines deep underground. Colorado is home to many historic gold mines in the United States. Like Bachelor Syracuse Gold Mine, which is located near the Ouray Hot Springs in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The Mine is a popular site that attracts numerous tourists every year. Gold Panning in these historic gold mines and getting lucky is an amazing experience you can never forget. Apart from the Gold Panning, you can also tour the historic gold mines and hear the tales of those miners who worked here. There is also a café outside the mine to provide nutritious and healthy meals for you. 

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is another popular activity nearby Ouray City in Colorado. Due to the location of the city in the middle of San Juan Mountain Ranges, the trails let you explore the surrounding wilderness. Also, this activity does not involve much training, and also you have the freedom to choose from the different types of trails of various lengths in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. You can rent your mountain bikes and protective gear in the nearby Biking Facilities for reasonable prices. 

Accommodations Near Ouray Hot Springs

There are many famous hotels located near the Ouray Hot Springs for you to choose from.

River’s Edge Motel Lodge and Resort

River’s Edge is one of the Budget-friendly lodges located on the 7th Avenue of the Ouray city. The Motel charges only 99-150 $ for a stay. The lodge and resort offer three types of rooms like Non-smoking Rooms, Family rooms, and Luxury Suites with various features like Air-Conditioning, Desk, Iron, Wake up Service, Coffee/Tea Maker, Microwave, Flat-screen TV, Hair Dryer, Refrigerator, and Complimentary Toiletries. The Resort also features luxury amenities such as Private Hot Tubs, Free Parking Spaces, Picnic Area, Free Breakfast, Free High-Speed Internet Access, and many more. 

Timber Ridge Lodge

Timber Ridge Lodge is on Main Street of Ouray City. The Lodge presents Non-Smoking rooms and Family rooms for reasonable prices from $90 to $160. The Rooms in this hotel have various features like Separate Living Rooms, Air-Conditioning, Clothes Rack, Microwave, Hair Dryer, Iron, Bath/Shower, Flat-screen TV, Microwave Oven, Stove Top, Kitchenware, Wake-up Service, Housekeeping, and Complimentary Toiletries.

The Hotel also has features like Free parking Space, High-Speed Internet Connection, Snack Bar, Shared Lounge Area, Express Check-in/Check-out, Picnic Area with Sun Umbrellas, Board Games/Puzzles, Outdoor Fire Place, and Complimentary Welcome Drinks.

Restaurants Nearby Ouray Hot Springs

Brick House 737

The brick house is a popular restaurant here in Ouray city offering cuisines like American, Contemporary and Healthy. The restaurant only provides meals for dinner at the price range of $4-$26. The Brick house also has special diets with Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten-Free, and Vegan Options. It has many features like Reservations, Takeout, Indoor Seating, Outdoor Seating, High Chair Seating, Wheelchair Accessibility, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, and Table Service. The restaurant accepts payments through American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and Credit Cards. 

Bon Ton Restaurant

This Italian Restaurant located nearby the Ouray Hot Springs in the City of Ouray offers Italian, American, and Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes and offers meals for Lunch and Dinner at the price range of $14-$35. They also offer special diets with Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten-Free, and Vegan Options. Bon Ton Restaurant has features like Outdoor Seating, Indoor Seating, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessibility, Wine and Beer, Full Bar, Table Service, and many more. Bon Ton Restaurant also accepts payments from American Express, Visa, Credit Card, and Mastercard.

Conclusion

We highly recommend visiting this commercial hot spring facility located in the City of Ouray. The Facility has pools and activities specifically designed for customers. Various interesting activities soaking, lap swimming, rock climbing, water sliding, and much more enjoyable experiences attract tourists every year. And also due to the abundance of pools in the facility, it is ensured that you can get soaking spaces even on crowded weekends and holidays. Also, the pools are divided for customers based on their age and so it is a family-friendly hot spring facility. The Facility most importantly contains a training center with all necessary equipment and a certified trainer. Moreover, Ouray City has many other tourist attractions for you to visit and interesting activities for you to take part in. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)