Mount Princeton Hot Springs

## Overview Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a renowned geothermal destination nestled in the heart of Colorado's Collegiate Peaks region, near the small community of Nathrop. Situated at the base of 14,197-foot Mount Princeton — one of Colorado's famous fourteeners — these hot springs have been drawing visitors for well over a century. The geothermal waters here rise from deep within the earth along the Chalk Creek fault zone, heated by residual volcanic activity beneath the Sawatch Range. Historically, the Ute people are believed to have used these thermal waters long before European settlers arrived in the area. By the late 1800s, the springs had become a popular bathing destination for miners and travelers passing through the Arkansas River Valley. Today, the area is anchored by the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, a full-service facility located at 15870 County Road 162. However, the surrounding Chalk Creek corridor is also known for natural, free-flowing hot springs along the creek banks, where geothermally heated water mixes with the cold creek water to create a unique soaking experience. Water temperatures at the source springs have been reported to reach upwards of 135°F (57°C), though the creek-side soaking spots offer a wide range of temperatures depending on how much cold creek water mixes in. The mineral-rich waters are said to contain dissolved solids including sodium, potassium, silica, and trace amounts of lithium — minerals commonly associated with geothermal springs in this part of the Rocky Mountains. ## Directions 1. From the town of Buena Vista, Colorado, head south on US-285 for approximately 8 miles. 2. Turn west (right) onto Chaffee County Road 162 (also signed as Chalk Creek Drive) near the community of Nathrop. 3. Follow County Road 162 west for roughly 5 miles. The Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort will be on your left at 15870 County Road 162. 4. For the natural creek-side hot springs, continue past the resort along County Road 162. Pulloffs and informal access points can be found along Chalk Creek where hot water seeps into the streambed. Look for other parked vehicles and short trails leading down to the creek. **GPS Coordinates:** 38.7323, -106.1632 ## What to Expect Visitors to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs area can choose between the developed resort experience and the more rustic, natural creek-side soaking spots. The resort offers multiple pools of varying temperatures, lodging, dining, and spa services — making it a comfortable option for families and those seeking amenities. For a more adventurous experience, the natural hot springs along Chalk Creek allow visitors to dig out their own soaking pools where geothermal water bubbles up through the creek bed. The temperature of these improvised pools can be adjusted by moving rocks to let in more or less cold creek water. This experience is weather- and season-dependent: during spring runoff (typically May through June), high water levels in Chalk Creek can submerge the soaking spots entirely. Late summer through fall and winter tend to offer the best conditions for creek-side soaking. The setting is spectacular — surrounded by towering peaks, dense stands of aspen and pine, and the rushing waters of Chalk Creek. The elevation here sits around 8,500 feet, so visitors should be mindful of altitude effects, sun exposure, and rapidly changing mountain weather. The area can be accessed year-round, though County Road 162 may see winter snow and ice. Whether you're soaking in a hand-dug pool along the creek or relaxing in the resort's developed facilities, Mount Princeton Hot Springs offers one of Colorado's most scenic and accessible geothermal experiences.