Piedra River Hot Springs

## Overview Piedra River Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring located along the Piedra River in southwestern Colorado, at an approximate elevation of around 7,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains region. Situated at GPS coordinates 37.4488, -107.1694, these primitive hot springs lie in a rugged and scenic river canyon setting, offering a backcountry soaking experience without any developed facilities or admission fees. The name "Piedra" is Spanish for "stone" or "rock," a fitting description for the rocky canyon landscape through which the Piedra River carves its path. The San Juan Mountains area of Colorado is well known for its geothermal activity, with numerous hot springs — both developed and wild — scattered throughout the region. Piedra River Hot Springs is one of the lesser-known, undeveloped soaking spots, prized by those who prefer a more remote and natural experience compared to the commercial hot springs found elsewhere in the area. The hot spring water seeps up along the riverbank, and soakers typically build small rock pools where the geothermally heated water mixes with the cooler river water, allowing bathers to adjust the temperature to their liking. Water temperatures can vary depending on the season, river levels, and the specific seep location. ## Directions 1. The hot springs are located along the Piedra River in Hinsdale or Archuleta County, Colorado, near the coordinates 37.4488, -107.1694. 2. From Pagosa Springs, CO, head west on US-160. Look for signs or roads leading toward the Piedra River area (Forest Road 631 / First Fork Road is a common access route into the Piedra River corridor). 3. Access typically requires a hike along the river or a descent into the canyon. Conditions can be rugged and trails may be unmarked or informal. 4. A high-clearance vehicle may be helpful for the forest roads leading toward the trailhead area. 5. Use the GPS coordinates (37.4488, -107.1694) with a reliable offline map or GPS device, as cell service in this area is limited to nonexistent. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Visitors are encouraged to check current road and trail conditions with the San Juan National Forest ranger station before heading out.* ## What to Expect - **Setting:** A wild, undeveloped hot spring along the banks of the Piedra River, surrounded by the forested canyon walls of the San Juan Mountains. Expect a beautiful, secluded natural environment. - **Soaking Pools:** Pools are typically user-built from river rocks along the bank where hot water seeps meet the river. Pool quality and availability can change significantly with seasonal river levels — spring runoff can submerge or wash away pools entirely. - **Best Season:** Late summer through fall tends to offer the best soaking conditions, when river levels are lower and the hot spring seeps are more accessible. Winter access may be difficult due to snow on forest roads. - **Facilities:** None. This is a completely primitive, undeveloped site. There are no restrooms, changing areas, or trash receptacles. Pack out everything you bring in. - **Access Difficulty:** Moderate to strenuous. Reaching the springs involves navigating forest roads and hiking along or into the river canyon. The terrain can be rocky and uneven. - **Clothing:** As a remote, free hot spring on public land, clothing-optional bathing is common but not guaranteed to be private. - **Water:** The hot spring water has historically been enjoyed by backcountry soakers, but no water quality testing data is available for this site. The water should not be assumed safe for drinking.