Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

## Overview Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool is a beloved geothermal attraction located at 1220 Main Street in the heart of Ouray, Colorado — a small mountain town often called the "Switzerland of America" for its dramatic box canyon setting in the San Juan Mountains. Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,800 feet, this municipally operated hot springs pool has been a cornerstone of the Ouray community for well over a century, drawing visitors who come to soak in the naturally heated mineral waters that rise from deep within the earth along the Uncompahgre River valley. The hot springs in the Ouray area have a long history of use. The Ute people are believed to have frequented these thermal waters long before European settlers arrived, valuing them for their warmth and perceived healing properties. The town of Ouray, incorporated in 1876 during the Colorado silver mining boom, eventually developed the springs into a public bathing facility. Today, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is one of the largest hot springs pools in Colorado, featuring multiple soaking sections maintained at varying temperatures — typically ranging from around 96°F to 106°F — alongside a cooler lap-swimming area and a shallow activity pool. The mineral-rich waters are sourced from natural geothermal springs and are sulfur-free, which means they lack the strong sulfur odor commonly associated with many hot springs. The water has historically been noted for its clarity and mild mineral character, making it a pleasant soaking experience. Perched at the southern end of the Million Dollar Highway (US-550), Ouray offers a stunning alpine backdrop of 13,000-foot peaks surrounding the pool on nearly all sides, making a soak here a uniquely scenic experience — especially during winter when snow blankets the surrounding mountains. ## Directions 1. **From the north (Montrose/Ridgway):** Travel south on US-550 through Ridgway. Continue approximately 10 miles south into the town of Ouray. As you enter town on Main Street, the hot springs pool will be on your right (west side) near the south end of town at 1220 Main Street. 2. **From the south (Silverton/Durango):** Travel north on US-550 over Red Mountain Pass (the famous Million Dollar Highway). Descend into Ouray and continue on Main Street. The pool will be on your left (west side) near the north end of the commercial district at 1220 Main Street. 3. **Parking:** A public parking area is available adjacent to the pool facility. During peak summer months and holiday weekends, parking can fill up — arriving earlier in the day is recommended. ## What to Expect The Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool is a developed, publicly operated facility — not a wild or primitive spring. Visitors should expect a well-maintained pool complex with changing rooms, restrooms, and a snack area. The pool is open year-round, though hours and admission fees may vary by season, so checking current schedules before visiting is advisable. The facility features multiple pool sections kept at different temperatures to suit various preferences, from warm soaking areas ideal for relaxation to a cooler section suitable for lap swimming. The views from the pool are spectacular in every season: lush green canyon walls in summer, golden aspens in fall, and snow-covered peaks in winter. Ouray itself is a charming Victorian-era mining town with numerous restaurants, shops, and lodging options within easy walking distance of the pool. The area also offers world-class ice climbing in winter, jeep trails and hiking in summer, and access to other nearby hot springs such as those in Ridgway and Pagosa Springs. The pool sits at GPS coordinates 38.0189, -107.6718, making it easy to locate with a navigation app. Given the high elevation, visitors should stay hydrated and be mindful of sun exposure, especially during summer months.