Aqua Hot Spring

## Overview Aqua Hot Spring is a natural hot spring located in the mountains of central Colorado, near the town of Buena Vista in Chaffee County. Situated at approximately 38.7245°N, 106.1741°W, this spring sits within the geologically active Upper Arkansas River Valley — a region well known for its abundance of geothermal features. The area's hot springs are fed by water that percolates deep underground along fault lines in the Precambrian crystalline rock of the Sawatch Range, where it is heated by residual geothermal energy before rising back to the surface. Chaffee County is home to one of the highest concentrations of hot springs in Colorado, and Aqua Hot Spring is part of this remarkable geothermal corridor. While detailed historical records and water quality data specific to this spring are limited, the broader region has a long history of hot spring use — first by the Ute people, who considered the thermal waters sacred and healing, and later by settlers and miners in the 19th century who built bathhouses and resorts around the valley's geothermal sources. ## Directions 1. From Buena Vista, Colorado, head south on US-24 / US-285. 2. The spring is located in a relatively remote area east of the Arkansas River at GPS coordinates **38.7245, -106.1741**. 3. Use a reliable GPS or mapping application to navigate to these coordinates, as the spring may not appear on standard road maps. 4. Be prepared for unpaved roads or rough terrain on the final approach, as many hot springs in this region require some off-road travel or a short hike. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general knowledge of the area. Conditions may vary seasonally, and some access roads may be impassable in winter or during spring runoff. It is recommended to check local road conditions before visiting.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Aqua Hot Spring can expect a backcountry hot spring experience in the scenic Colorado high country. The surrounding landscape features rugged mountain terrain, pine and aspen forests, and sweeping views of the Sawatch Range and the Arkansas River Valley. As with many natural hot springs in the region, water temperatures can vary depending on the season and flow conditions. The geothermal waters in this part of Colorado are often mineral-rich, sometimes containing dissolved minerals such as calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and silica — though specific water chemistry data for Aqua Hot Spring has not been independently verified. The spring is located at an elevation of roughly 8,000–9,000 feet, so visitors should be mindful of altitude and weather conditions, which can change rapidly in the mountains. Summer and early fall tend to offer the most accessible conditions, while winter visits may require snowshoes or a high-clearance vehicle depending on the route. There are no known developed facilities at this location — no restrooms, changing areas, or signage. Pack out all trash and leave the area as you found it to help preserve this natural resource for future visitors.