Rhode warm spring

## Overview Rhode Warm Spring is a free natural hot spring located along Warm Springs Road near Fairplay, Colorado, in Park County. Situated at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet in the heart of the South Park basin, this geothermal spring sits within the broader geological context of Colorado's mineral-rich Rocky Mountain region, where underground heat sources warm groundwater as it circulates through deep fractures in the earth's crust. The spring takes its name from the surrounding area historically known for its warm water features, as evidenced by the aptly named Warm Springs Road. South Park and the upper Arkansas River valley have long been recognized for their geothermal activity, and Rhode Warm Spring is one of several thermal features found in this high-altitude landscape. The area around Fairplay has a rich mining and frontier history dating back to the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1850s and 1860s, and warm springs in the region were valued by early settlers and, before them, by the Ute people who frequented South Park for its abundant resources. ## Directions 1. From Fairplay, Colorado, head toward Warm Springs Road (the spring's nearest address is along the 1–599 block of Warm Springs Road, Fairplay, CO 80440). 2. Follow Warm Springs Road to the approximate GPS coordinates: **39.16369, -106.06443**. 3. The spring is accessible from the road, though conditions may vary seasonally — unpaved mountain roads in this area can become muddy or snow-covered during winter and early spring months. *Note: A GPS device or offline maps app is recommended, as cell service can be unreliable in this part of Park County.* ## What to Expect Rhode Warm Spring is a rustic, undeveloped geothermal spring in a high-mountain setting. As a free hot spring, visitors should expect a natural, minimally improved site rather than a commercial soaking facility. The surrounding landscape features the wide-open grasslands and rolling hills characteristic of the South Park basin, framed by distant mountain peaks. Given the elevation near 10,000 feet, temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, making the warmth of the spring especially welcome. Water temperatures at Colorado's warm springs in this region typically range from lukewarm to moderately warm rather than scalding hot, though exact temperatures at Rhode Warm Spring may vary with seasonal conditions and flow rates. The area around Fairplay offers additional attractions for visitors, including the historic South Park City outdoor museum, excellent trout fishing, and access to numerous hiking and four-wheel-drive trails in the surrounding mountains. The spring makes a worthwhile stop for hot spring enthusiasts exploring Colorado's lesser-known geothermal sites. Visitors should be prepared for a remote, high-altitude environment: bring layers, sun protection, and plenty of water. Road conditions on Warm Springs Road should be checked in advance, particularly during winter months or after heavy rain.