Headed To A Hot Springs In Wyoming, Montana Or Colorado? Better Plan Early

People are very hot for hot springs, and various spas across the Mountain West are expanding and upgrading to accommodate more visitors. But if you’re eager for a dip this year, you better plan ahead.

Some hot springs resorts are undergoing major renovations, though a broader trend is a greater focus on wellness — including things like cold plunges, aqua yoga, sound baths and educating guests about how to make the most of hydrotherapy, according to Jessica Meath, executive director of the Hot Springs Association, based in New Castle, Colorado.

In addition, smaller pools that offer a more “intimate soaking experience” have also become more common, she added.

“We’re continuing to see this entire upward resurgence and re-energization in the hot springs space,” Meath said.

Many people are seeking a soak thanks to a greater focus on wellness experiences, and the health benefits of hot springs in particular, she added, while some resorts have also found success attracting conferences and other events, she added.

While demand can vary widely location-to-location, many hot springs are increasingly busy year-round, Meath said, adding that, “Overall, it’s wise to be booking further in advance than not.”

Snagging a reservation for a winter getaway at a couple popular resorts might be tough if you haven’t already.

All of the lodging options are booked through March at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, in Paradise, Montana, while there’s sparse availability at Strawberry Peak Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

And the famous Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, remains closed because of an ownership dispute.

But there are a range of options to choose from for wellness-minded people to experience hot springs, including day-use hot springs parks and undeveloped natural pools.

“You can find a hot spring that has an entry price point that’s really feasible for anybody all the way to these really luxurious resorts,” Meath said.

Here are some planned changes coming to popular hot springs destinations this year in Wyoming, Colorado and Montana.

Wyoming Hot Springs

Significant changes are coming to two of Wyoming’s most-visited hot springs.

A major expansion is underway at the park that surrounds the Astoria Hot Springs in Hoback. Construction of an expanded park, nearly 100 acres, is already underway and will include new amenities and facilities, though no changes are currently planned for the six hot springs pools. The project is projected to be completed sometime in 2026.

Meanwhile, Star Plunge in Thermopolis has temporarily closed, though for how long remains an open question.

Negotiations for a potential sale of these facilities are still ongoing, but a court ruled in December that legal disputes must be settled before a new operator can take over the facilities. In the interim, the free bath house at Hot Springs State Park remains open.

In the southern part of the state and a little off the beaten path is Saratoga’s famous Hobo Hot SpringsAlthough a tad remote, the facility is a magnet for visitors at all times of the year, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Colorado Hot Springs

A major expansion that’s underway at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is scheduled to open this spring.

In addition to expanded geothermal pools and new soaking experiences, visitors can expect to find new accommodations and dining options.

“It’s probably the largest project going on between the three states,” Meath said. Reservations are available beginning May 15.

Charlotte Hot Springs near Buena Vista is a smaller venue that opened in late 2024 and offers a “nice, intimate setting,” Meath said. There are adjacent botanical gardens and lodging options.

A major expansion at Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves in Glenwood Springs wrapped up in May 2024, and included five new pools. In the spring, renovations of the guest rooms in the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge are scheduled to be completed, as is a new boutique hotel.

Construction of new pools is underway at Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, with a grand opening slated for summer. Once completed, there will be a new lap pool, kiddie splash area and four new pools.

Montana Hot Springs

While a Montana radio station floated the possibility that Hunter’s Hot Springs in Butte could soon reopen, there are now no plans for that, said Jeff Birkby, the geothermal consultant for the Hot Springs Association.

While nothing is confirmed, the owner has been exploring some redevelopment options, he said.

Likewise, the owner of Tice’s Hot Springs near Three Forks has done some preliminary investigations on the geothermal source, but there are no plans to reopen the springs that have been closed for at least 40 years, Birkby said.

But one resort that will undergo some renovations this year is Chico Hot Springs in Pray, which will be working on some pool renovations in the fall.