Charlotte Hot Springs

## Overview Charlotte Hot Springs is a natural geothermal spring located near Buena Vista, Colorado, in the heart of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet along County Road 343, the spring sits within one of Colorado's most geothermally active regions — the same corridor that feeds the famous hot springs of the Collegiate Peaks area, including Cottonwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs. The geothermal activity in this part of Chaffee County is driven by deep fault lines associated with the Rio Grande Rift, which allows heated groundwater to rise to the surface. Buena Vista and the surrounding Sawatch Range have a long history of hot spring use, with Indigenous peoples — including the Ute — known to have frequented the region's thermal waters for centuries before European settlement. While specific historical records for Charlotte Hot Springs are limited, the spring is part of this broader tradition of geothermal bathing and wellness in the Arkansas River corridor. ## Directions 1. From Buena Vista, Colorado, head south on US-24. 2. Turn west onto County Road 343 (Chalk Creek Drive / CR 162 may also be referenced locally — follow signs toward the Chalk Creek area). 3. Continue along County Road 343 for several miles. The spring is located near the address 19256 County Road 343. 4. GPS coordinates: **38.8100, -106.2229** — use these for precise navigation, as the area is rural and signage may be limited. *Note: Road conditions on County Road 343 may vary seasonally. During winter months, snow and ice can affect access. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended.* ## What to Expect Charlotte Hot Springs is located in a scenic mountain setting along the western edge of the Arkansas River Valley, with views of the surrounding Collegiate Peaks and Sawatch Range. The area is characterized by rugged terrain, pine forests, and the dramatic geology of the Chalk Creek drainage. As a geothermal spring in this region, the water is likely mineral-rich, potentially containing dissolved minerals such as calcium, sodium, bicarbonate, and silica — typical of hot springs along the Rio Grande Rift. Exact water temperature and mineral composition have not been independently verified for this specific spring, so visitors should exercise caution when entering the water. The spring is situated in a relatively remote area along a county road, so visitors should come prepared. Cell service may be limited. The surrounding Buena Vista area offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and visits to other well-known hot springs nearby. Access conditions and any usage rules or fees are not confirmed — visitors are encouraged to check locally for the most current information before planning a trip.