Pagosa Springs: An Abundance of Adventure

Whether you’re a ski fanatic and have spent the day gliding effortlessly down the slopes or you’ve spent the day hiking in the San Juan Mountains, there is no better way to wind down and de-stress than slipping into one of downtown’s hot springs facilities. Pagosa Springs is home to the deepest geothermal hot springs pool in the world, and the beauty that surrounds the resorts and spas is breathtaking. The best part is that the pools are open to anyone, not just hotel guests. In fact, although the resorts are great places to stay, there are many hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, cabins and rental houses to choose from in Pagosa Springs, all offering their own take on Colorado charm.

Located within San Juan National Forest and the majestic San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is surrounded by 3 million acres of natural beauty. Nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area gets an annual average of nearly 12 meters of snow, so there’s no need to make any. This uncrowded, family-friendly resort even has a ski school, so it’s perfect for all experience levels.

There is an abundance of other winter activities for the family, including over 48 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, plus sledding, tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating. Hot-air balloons take off all year-round for panoramic views. In fact, the only problem you’re likely to face in Pagosa Springs is trying to decide what to do first.

Don’t for one minute think that Pagosa Springs is just a winter destination, because the warm weather here puts this wonderful town in a whole new light. The hikes you can do in the surrounding 1 million hectares of wilderness and national forest areas are fantastic. At Williams Creek Reservoir, you can fish, canoe or kayak, or simply enjoy the amazing grandeur of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Just like in the winter, the summer activities are nearly endless. Put your nine iron to work on the great golf course, soar high above it all on a hot-air balloon ride or go horseback riding, rock climbing, white-water rafting, mountain biking, fishing or camping. For a change of pace, check out a professional theater production at the Center for the Arts or visit one of the many art galleries. Discover the area’s heritage at nearby Chimney Rock National Monument or in one of the local museums.

The bottom line: Choose your own adventure in Pagosa Springs!