Entry No. 37 — the Durango file — filed under: soak
Dunton Hot Springs
The saloon bar at this restored 1885 ghost town still carries Butch Cassidy's carved signature, and the iron-rich hot springs — sitting at 8,900 feet with no cell service — will permanently stain anything you wear into them. Thirteen original log cabins line the West Fork Dolores River, reached only after eight miles of unimproved dirt road with almost no signage and a de facto 12-mph speed limit. The pools run clothing-optional, the Milky Way is unobstructed, and no one outside the San Juans seems to know this place exists.
The story
In 1885, Dunton was a raw mining camp wedged into an 8,900-foot fold of the San Juan Mountains along the West Fork Dolores River. By 1918, the silver played out and the last inhabitants walked away, leaving thirteen hand-hewn log cabins to disintegrate in the high-alpine timber. Instead of decaying into standard Colorado ruins, the entire abandoned settlement was bought and systematically restored, preserving the original logs and creaky floorboards while quietly turning a remote ghost town into an ultra-secluded mountain refuge.
Step inside the original saloon and inspect the wooden bar counter—you'll spot Butch Cassidy's signature carved into the wood, reputedly left behind after he robbed his first bank down in Telluride back in 1889. The valley keeps its connection to the surrounding terrain tight, stocking local bottles from Sutcliffe Vineyards down in the valley, but the overarching sensation is that the modern world simply forgot to extend its reach up this canyon.
What it's like
Reaching the valley requires crawling along eight miles of unimproved dirt and gravel road with virtually no signage, keeping your wheels near 12 mph to survive the ruts. Your cell phone will drop all signal long before you arrive. The iron-rich mineral pools bubble up full of manganese and iron, meaning whatever light clothing you wear into the water will come out permanently stained rust-orange. The soaking spots are clothing-optional under pitch-black night skies, but don't roll up unannounced: the town is strictly private property, and you won't get past the gate without an advance reservation.
The move: Book a cabin for a night, soak in the outdoor mineral pool under the stars, then sign your name somewhere in the saloon and see if anyone notices.
📍 Before you go Eight miles of unimproved dirt-and-gravel road to the property — nearly no signage, slow going around 12 mph. Elevation 8,900 ft. No cell reception on site. Iron content in the springs will stain light-colored clothing permanently. Reservations required; this is a private resort.
- 📍 Dolores
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: 8532 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323
Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Geyser Spring Trail — Just two miles down the valley, a 1.5-mile trail leads to Colorado's only active geyser, which spurts turquoise water every 30 to 40 minutes.
- Rico Mine Shaft Inn — Located less than seven miles away over the ridge, this historic mining-era inn gives you a raw, ghost-story-heavy contrast to Dunton's restored timber cabins.
- Ophir Town & Post Office — Sitting 13 miles away in a narrow valley split by active avalanche chutes, Ophir offers a look at a real, living mountain town clinging to the high San Juans.
Good to know
Can I just drive in to see the saloon or soak in the hot springs?
No. Dunton Hot Springs is a private property and resort. Advance reservations are required for all overnight stays or scheduled day visits before you drive out.
Will the water ruin my swimsuit?
Yes, if it's light-colored. High concentrations of iron and manganese in the thermal water permanently dye light fabrics a rusty shade, which is why dark suits or taking advantage of the clothing-optional rule are standard practice.
What are the road conditions like getting there?
Expect eight miles of unpaved, un-signposted dirt and gravel. You'll need to go slowly—around 12 mph—to handle the rocks and rough patches.
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?
Cell service is non-existent once you hit the mountain canyon road leading to the property at 8,900 feet.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: guide.michelin.com · chase.com · Tripadvisor · virtuoso.com · Official site · relaischateaux.com
last checked: 2026-06-21