Raspberry Hot Swimming Spring

## Overview Raspberry Hot Swimming Spring is a natural hot spring located in the mountains of Clear Creek County, Colorado, at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Situated at GPS coordinates 39.7813, -105.5543, this spring lies in a remote area west of Idaho Springs along the corridor between Georgetown and the Continental Divide. The name suggests water temperatures warm enough for soaking and swimming — a rare and appealing feature among Colorado's natural springs. Colorado's hot springs owe their warmth to deep geothermal activity, where water percolates far below the earth's surface, is heated by geologic processes, and rises back up through fractures in the ancient Precambrian granite and metamorphic rock that characterizes the Front Range. The "Raspberry" name likely references local flora or a nearby geographic feature, as wild raspberries are common in Colorado's montane zone during summer months. While detailed historical records and water quality data for this particular spring are limited, Colorado's hot springs have been valued for centuries — first by the Ute people and other indigenous groups who considered thermal waters sacred and healing, and later by miners and settlers during the 1859 gold rush era who sought relief in the region's geothermal pools. ## Directions 1. From Denver, head west on Interstate 70 toward the mountains. 2. Continue past Idaho Springs and Georgetown, traveling approximately 45–50 miles from Denver. 3. The spring is located at GPS coordinates **39.7813, -105.5543**, which places it in a remote, mountainous area south of I-70 in the vicinity of the upper Clear Creek drainage. 4. Due to the remote location, a GPS device or offline maps app with the coordinates loaded is strongly recommended. Cell service may be limited or unavailable in this area. 5. Access may require a high-clearance vehicle and/or a hike on unpaved forest roads or trails. Road conditions can vary significantly by season — many mountain roads in this area are impassable in winter and early spring due to snow. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on GPS coordinates. If you have visited this spring and can provide more detailed route information, your contributions would be invaluable to fellow visitors.* ## What to Expect Raspberry Hot Swimming Spring sits in Colorado's high-country terrain, surrounded by dense coniferous forest, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows. At roughly 9,000 feet of elevation, visitors should be prepared for mountain weather conditions — temperatures can drop quickly, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. As the name implies, the spring is reportedly warm enough for swimming or soaking, which would make it one of the more secluded natural hot spring experiences in the Front Range region. The remote location means you're unlikely to encounter crowds, but it also means you should come prepared: - **Seasonal access:** The best time to visit is likely late spring through early fall (June–September), when mountain roads are most passable and weather is mildest. - **Elevation:** At this altitude, the sun is intense and the air is thin. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated. - **Terrain:** Expect rugged, backcountry conditions. Sturdy footwear, layers, and basic supplies (water, snacks, first aid) are advisable. - **Solitude:** This is a remote, undeveloped spring — there are no facilities, restrooms, or services nearby. Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this natural feature for future visitors. The combination of warm geothermal water and a high-alpine setting makes Raspberry Hot Swimming Spring a compelling destination for adventurous hot spring enthusiasts willing to make the journey into Colorado's backcountry.