Rainbow Hot Springs

Worth the 12 mile, ~1000 ft. climb round trip! We thought hot springs themselves are sort of forgettable, and like many natural hot springs a little gross with algae and silt, but after hiking the 6 miles out (We couldn't figure out why some state it's as little as 4), you'll really appreciate the relaxing break! The star of this experience is the hike. Super scenic and varied. The contrast of destruction from the 2013 fire and the new life is beautiful and the hike has so much variety to it. At the very least pack a lunch to enjoy before the return hike, or for the more experienced and ambitious- stay overnight!

Hidden gem! The hot springs felt wonderful after hiking half of the five miles in rain and hail without jackets, and spending a cold 45 degree night without enough dry blankets! Next time we’ll know better!! Would do it again, just not through a thunderstorm!

This is a great place to hike if you're able to handle a 5-6 mile hike. A few parts of the trail are difficult. The hot springs at the end are worth the trek! The weather can be tricky so prepare for anything from heat to rain. I'd suggest bringing a towel and a change of clothes.

10.3 miles round trip from the main parking area. Mostly a gradual ascent there, decent back. Went on a Sunday afternoon and were the only people at the springs. Beautiful hike!

Hike was great but mostly exposed. Area is still recovering from the fire. Most of the hike is fairly easy but there are a omw tricky spots. Hot springs where also recovering from the flooding but are functional and a nice reward after the hike.

May 10th, 2022. The hike was pretty great. Steep in the beginning, then just a lot of ups and downs. Between 5 and 6 miles from the lot to the hot springs (found at campsite #8). Because of all the recent fires and intense winds, there were A LOT of downed trees on the path. We called them "tree obstacles" and we counted 151 (fifteenety-one) of them along the trail, where we had to climb over/under/around to get by. So that was a little extra exhausting, but we have fun. The hot springs were more warm than hot, theres a lot of algae in them. The river's very cold. Also there was a good 50 foot chunk of the trail that was knee-deep RIVER, so had to maneuver carefully around that, a little rock climbing, if you will. We enjoyed the entire experience greatly, our two 55 lb dogs did as well. Turned our phones off for all of it, so unfortunately no photos. There wasn't much for crossroads/crossing trails, pretty much just the one path, which made it extra easy to not get lost (added bonus for the directionally challenged).

Some of the pictures I've seen on past reviews and some of the reviews are not correct an misleading, it is a 10 mile hike + did it a few years ago the actual hotsprings are very beautiful maybe not piping hot but still a great natural soak and pretty warm with views of sheep mtn near by, the hotspring water flows down a rock above your head or behind you and into the pool your sitting in off the side of a gorgeous river some algae? Yes it's natural, get off your high horses and get down here with the spiders :Atc the one guys post saying everything's dead? What haha and he was too after the hike but the one thing he liked was the hike was easy? He says at end? Bunch of lies the hike is a pretty long up and down hike but so green and gorgeous!

The hike is about 4.5 miles there are multiple springs that are are all really enjoyable.

This was an AMAZING hike! A little more than 5 miles in, and after a bit of searching past fallen trees and a steep cliff you'll find a unique hot spring right alongside the river. I highly recommend staying the night, making this a two day camping trip. And if you're feeling adventurous, hike to the Continental Divide, another 8 miles up the Rainbow Trail! The views and experience is spectacular.

Where: 10-mile out and back trail in the San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Skip the expensive rates and crowds at Pagosa Springs Resort, and opt for a free visit to Rainbow Hot Springs instead. With a waterfall, this natural hot springs location is worth the moderately difficult hike and makes the perfect spot to get those muscles feeling rejuvenated.

Great hike. Perfect temp for a soak!

Amazing hike with beautiful views. The owner of the nearby ranch was working on signs as we passed through. He was friendly and informative about the history of the area. Sad to think so many people don't listen to signs and can be so hurtful to people that give you the privilege to walk across private land.

Fun hike springs are ok better ones in Pagosa springs. Trees are all dead from nettles though so not as pretty as as normal.

An excellent relaxing spot... if you can find it. If you dead-end at the river, you’ve gone too far.

A very solid 5 miles in 🌈 love natural pools

Terrific hike and refreshing hot springs and a cool river.

Not a bad hike but be sure to bring enough water. From the Rainbow / West Fork trailhead it is about 5.2 miles each way.

The path to the hot spring can be found between various l Camp 6 and Camp 7. The water is a little over a foot deep, and about 100°F -- perfect for relaxing in for hours 😌
If you're really still, you might have some visitors. I had a chipmunk jump onto my exposed knee; and then had a pair of marmots visit 😄 No issues with annoying bugs.