Pagosa Springs calls itself the “hot springs capital of Colorado” with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools. "Pagosah" is a Southern Ute word for "healing waters" and the town is home to the world's deepest hot spring. If driving through stop and soak in the free mineral-rich waters right on the river or if you can stay a while in more upscale hot spring resorts. This refreshingly authentic mountain town has great murals, and a playground and picnic area right on the San Juan River that floats right through the center of town. We spent a few hours here and watched rafters floating down the river.
Activities here change throughout the seasons. When the sun is shining the San Juan National Forest offers mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and there are nearby there are many farm festivals. In Fall the foliage is abundant with color. In Winter enjoy cross-country skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides, dog sleds or skiing at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area. Experience the area from a hot air balloon, visit Chimney Rock National Monument or venture to Durango and Mesa Verde.
Pagosa Springs is surrounded by Southern Ute Indian lands and lies just thirty minutes west of the Continental Divide beautiful painted hills in Echo Canyon, just north of Abiquiu. Typically, The Continental Divide is indicated with big sign and a great deal of fanfare. Not the case on US 64, around here. It’s elusive
