Travel Guide: Strawberry Hot Springs Winter Weekend Getaway

If this isn’t on your Colorado winter bucket list, you’re not living right. Okay, maybe that’s a little too strong of a statement, but that’s how passionately I feel about this place. Visiting a hot spring in the winter has become a tradition my partner and I look forward to every year, and I’d definitely revisit Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat, CO. It’s fairly easy to get to from Denver, it’s affordable, and has a very natural feel unlike other places that are too manicured.

Everything you need to know about Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Location & Getting There:

Strawberry Hot Springs Park is located in Steamboat Springs, CO and is about 3 hours from Denver. To get there, it is required that you have an AWD or 4WD vehicle with snow tires, since the road into the park is unpaved and frequently snow covered in the winter. There are shuttles available if you do not own a vehicle that meets these requirements. 

Reservations & Tickets:

Make a reservation in advance online to choose your preferred time slot and save a spot. The cost is $20 per person for a 2 hour time slot. However, payments are made in person when you arrive and they only accept cash. Cards are not accepted due to poor internet service in the area, so make sure you have cash on you or stop at an ATM in town before you make your way to the park (there is no ATM on site).

How It Works:

After you arrive at the park, you will walk over to the entrance kiosk where you check in with the attendant and make your cash payment. They do have restrooms available near the entrance before you walk down to the springs. It is a little bit of a downhill walk, which can be slippery, so be prepared with appropriate footwear. 

Changing rooms are available adjacent to the hot springs, so you can quickly change into your swimwear and immediately hop into the springs before you freeze. The changing hut is rather small, there are only three changing rooms, coed, and not super private. Since there isn’t much changing space, it is recommended that you wear your bathing suit under your clothes and just bring a robe with you when you leave. 

There are multiple large pools you can choose from all at varying temperatures, although the pools at the top are hotter than the pools at the bottom (the last pool is very much a cold plunge). 

Keep in mind that there is no food or drink service at Strawberry Park, so bring your own water and snacks. You can learn more about the other amenities at the park by visiting their website here.

Also, be aware that clothing is optional after dark and minors are not allowed to enter during this time.

My Review

Five stars all around! This is definitely my favorite hot spring I’ve been to in Colorado so far. I love the large sized pools, which are kept at comfortable temperatures (not too hot), and the natural look they have. The water is clean and clear, and the vicinity is well maintained. The last hot springs I visited in Glenwood Springs felt more like a resort than a natural environment and it was more like sharing a hot tub with a bunch of strangers. That’s not the case here. 

The views are completely magical! You are completely encased by snow covered evergreens, steamy air, and the constant babbling of the springs trickling down from pool to pool. It’s secluded enough that you don’t hear the sound of traffic or other industrial noises. 

My only negative review would be that the changing rooms are small, so you may have to wait in line for a bit, and the bathrooms aren’t located directly next to the hot springs. But other than that, this place is incredible! 

This is a great Colorado winter destination for travelers on winter vacation or spring break! And a perfect little getaway for couples.

Where We Stayed

You could make this a day trip if you live in Denver, but we didn’t want to feel rushed so we decided to make it an overnight trip. I would 100% recommend staying at the Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Suites. This location was previously an apartment that was turned into a hotel, so every room has a full kitchen, living room, and separate bedrooms. It literally felt like I was at an apartment instead of a hotel, which I loved. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with other people since the space offers privacy and plenty of room for hanging out.

Where We Ate

Dinner at Del Mezcal Tacos and Margaritas

After our soak at the hot springs we headed into the town of Steamboat Springs and found a hip spot for tacos and margs. Our meals were delicious and fairly priced. I also thought the restaurant staff were friendly and we were served our food very quickly.

Breakfast at The Egg

The following morning we found a cute breakfast joint across the street from our hotel called The Egg. They offer a great selection of eggs benedict along with other traditional breakfast options. I would absolutely recommend this place for breakfast or brunch.

Snack for the road from Powder Day Donuts

Who doesn’t love donuts? We couldn’t leave without getting ourselves a little sweet treat for the 3 hour drive back home! These donuts did not disappoint and they were perfect for munching on in the car.

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you plan your own winter wonderland getaway in Colorado this year!