Old Town Hot Springs

## Overview Old Town Hot Springs is a well-known geothermal hot springs facility located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Situated at 136 Lincoln Avenue, the springs sit at an elevation of roughly 6,700 feet in the Yampa River Valley, a region long celebrated for its abundant natural hot springs. Steamboat Springs itself was named after early explorers who thought the chugging sound of a nearby mineral spring resembled a steamboat engine — a testament to the area's deep geothermal heritage. The hot springs in this area have been used for centuries, with the Ute people historically visiting the Yampa Valley to bathe in and benefit from the naturally heated mineral waters. Today, Old Town Hot Springs operates as a community recreation center and hot springs pool complex, making the area's geothermal waters accessible to both locals and visitors year-round. The facility is fed by natural mineral hot springs, and the water is reported to contain a variety of dissolved minerals typical of Colorado's geothermal sources. Water temperatures in the natural springs of the Steamboat Springs area generally range from around 100°F to over 150°F at the source, though the pools at Old Town Hot Springs are maintained at comfortable soaking temperatures. With its convenient downtown location, Old Town Hot Springs offers a rare opportunity to enjoy natural geothermal waters without venturing into the backcountry — making it one of the most accessible hot springs experiences in northern Colorado. ## Directions 1. Old Town Hot Springs is located at **136 Lincoln Avenue** in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado (GPS: 40.482495, -106.828046). 2. If arriving from **US Highway 40** (the main route through Steamboat Springs), head toward downtown and turn onto **Lincoln Avenue**, which is the town's main street. 3. The facility is situated on the north side of Lincoln Avenue, just a few blocks from the Routt County Courthouse and other downtown landmarks. 4. Parking is available on-site and along nearby streets. During ski season and summer weekends, downtown parking can fill up, so arriving early is recommended. ## What to Expect Old Town Hot Springs is a developed hot springs facility rather than a wild or primitive spring. Visitors will find multiple geothermally heated pools, including a large lap pool, soaking pools, and a fitness center. The pools are outdoors, offering views of the surrounding mountains — particularly stunning during winter when steam rises from the warm water against a snowy backdrop. The facility is open year-round and is popular with both tourists and Steamboat Springs residents. Because it operates as a community recreation center, there is an admission fee. Hours and rates may vary seasonally, so checking ahead is advisable. The downtown location means restaurants, shops, and lodging are all within easy walking distance. For those interested in exploring more of Steamboat's geothermal features, several other natural hot springs — including Strawberry Park Hot Springs — are located in the surrounding area. Whether you're stopping in after a day on the ski slopes or looking for a relaxing soak during a summer road trip through the Yampa Valley, Old Town Hot Springs provides a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Colorado's natural geothermal waters.