Entry No. 58 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: hot-springs-wellness
South Canyon Hot Springs
Dump trucks rumble up the county road past the pullout roughly every ten minutes — the county landfill is just up the canyon — and yet the 100–112°F pool half a mile from I-70 Exit 111 is free, clothing-optional, and unknown to most of the tourists soaking at the famous commercial springs five miles east. The pool bottom is peat and volcanic ash mud; the water smells of sulfur; and nothing separates you from the hillside except the well-worn path you walked in on. It sits on the opposite side of Glenwood Springs from the marketing machine, which is exactly why it stays quiet.
The story
Five miles east of here, tourists shell out real money to sit in sanitized, concrete-lined pools flanked by gift shops and concession stands. You, on the other hand, just took Exit 111 off I-70, turned onto South Canyon Creek Road, and watched county dump trucks haul trash up toward the landfill roughly every ten minutes. Welcome to South Canyon Hot Springs—or "Hippy Hot Springs," as locals call it when they aren't actively trying to keep it off the radar.
There are no ticket booths, no turnstiles, and no swim-up bars. You step straight into a shallow pool fed by thermal water hitting anywhere between 100°F and 112°F. Forget smooth tile underfoot: the pool bottom is composed of dark peat and volcanic ash mud that releases small bubbles of sulfur gas every time you shift your weight. Nothing sits between your chest-deep soak and the canyon hillside except the well-worn dirt track you walked in on.
Because the local authorities manage the canyon area without slapping down a resort fee or a guard shack, the pool remains completely undeveloped. That means you get a raw mineral soak in the open air without spending a dime—provided you don't mind the faint scent of sulfur and the total absence of municipal polish. Keep it quiet, pack out every single piece of trash, and don't expect anyone to hand you a warm towel.
What it's like
Parking happens at an unmarked gravel pullout off County Road 134 that squeezes in roughly ten cars. You won't see the water from your car; you have to pick your way down a soft dirt path, cross South Canyon Creek, and climb the unpaved hillside opposite the road. The atmosphere is stripped-down and raw—clothing is strictly optional, so expect a blend of nude bathers and swimsuit clad day-trippers depending on the hour. Because there are zero amenities (no restrooms, no trash bins, no soap stations), pack a dry bag, bring a headlamp if you stay late, and keep a close eye on your belongings.
The move: Park the car at the gravel pullout off South Canyon Creek Road, cross the creek, and spend an afternoon in a steaming canyon pool with no wristbands, no towel rentals, and no swim-up bar.
📍 Before you go Take I-70 Exit 111 west of Glenwood Springs, turn left at the stop sign onto South Canyon Creek Road (CR 134), cross the bridge, and watch for the gravel pullout on the right about 0.5 miles past the bridge — fits roughly 10 cars. The springs are not visible from the road. The path drops downhill, crosses South Canyon Creek, and climbs a short hillside — soft footing, not paved. No fee, no gate, no restrooms.
- 📍 Glenwood Springs
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: South Canyon Creek Rd (CR 134), ~0.5 miles past the bridge, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves — Trade the wild, muddy canyon pool for subterranean steam chambers carved into natural rock under an 1893 spa building five miles east.
- Powers Art Center — Clean the canyon mud off your feet and head south toward Carbondale to see high-end contemporary art housed in a red sandstone cube on a cattle ranch.
- Rifle Mountain Park Ice Caves — If you're visiting in winter, contrast a 110-degree soak with frozen turquoise ice formations inside limestone caves down near Rifle.
- Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs — If you decide you prefer landscaped stone pools and paid admission after all, head south into the Crystal River Valley for a commercial alternative.
Good to know
How much does it cost to soak at South Canyon Hot Springs?
It is completely free, with no admission fees, parking passes, or entry gates.
Where do I park and how do I reach the pool?
Take I-70 Exit 111 west of Glenwood Springs, turn left onto South Canyon Creek Road (CR 134), cross the bridge, and look for a gravel pullout on the right about half a mile down. Follow the unpaved path down across South Canyon Creek and up the hillside.
Are swimsuits required?
No. The springs are historically clothing-optional, so expect to see both clothed and nude visitors.
Are there restrooms or changing facilities on site?
None. There are no restrooms, changing rooms, trash cans, or running water, so plan accordingly and pack out all trash.
How warm is the water and what is the pool like?
Water temperatures range between 100°F and 112°F. The pool is primitive, with a bottom composed of peat and volcanic ash mud that smells noticeably of sulfur.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: uncovercolorado.com · whimsysoul.com · aspentrailfinder.com · postindependent.com · followtiffsjourney.com · alltrails.com
last checked: 2026-06-21