Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Resort · Nathrop
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort sits at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks near Nathrop, in the Arkansas River Valley. Soaking here goes back well over a century, and the resort calls itself one of the oldest in Colorado. Today it combines public hot springs with a lodge, cabins, a spa and a restaurant.
The day pass covers several areas. The Historic Bath House has a soaking pool and an exercise pool, and further out are the Creekside Hot Springs, a set of Upper Pools with a range of temperatures, and an Infinity Pool with mountain views. From Memorial Day to Labor Day there is also a pair of 700-foot water slides. Everything in the public area is family-friendly, and children 3 and under get in free.
No reservations are needed; day passes are sold at the entrance on a walk-in basis, and the hot springs are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Swimsuits are required, and a signed waiver is needed to enter. Outside alcohol is not allowed at the pools, but the Bathhouse counter sells drinks.
A separate Spa & Club is reserved for overnight guests and spa patrons ages 16 and up, with its own pools, sauna and steam rooms. Staying over includes access to the springs, daily fitness classes, and bike or snowshoe rentals. Dogs are allowed only in a few room types, for a fee.
The pools
- Historic Bath House · Soaking pool and exercise pool. Family-friendly.
- Creekside Hot Springs · Natural creekside pools. Family-friendly.
- Upper Pools · A range of temperatures. Family-friendly.
- Infinity Pool · Mountain views. Family-friendly.
- Spa & Club pools · Relaxation pool and cascading hot springs. Overnight guests and spa patrons ages 16 and up only.
Amenities
Facilities
- Locker rental
- Towel rental
- Day spa and treatments
- Fitness classes
- Tennis, basketball and pickleball courts
- Princeton Market
Family & kids
- Two 700-foot water slides (summer)
- Family-friendly pools
- Free for children 3 and under
Food & drink
- Mary Murphy Steak House
- Juice Bar (Spa)
- Bathhouse service counter
Lodging
- Lodge rooms
- Creekside Suites
- Cabins (up to 10 guests)
- Cliffside and Hillside rooms
- Estates
- Pet-friendly rooms (fee)
Before you go
Best time to visit: The pools are open all year, and reviewers praise the mountain views in both summer and winter. Summer weekends and holidays bring the biggest crowds and the slides, while cooler months and weekdays feel calmer. Some reviewers say it was busy or understaffed at peak times, so arriving early helps.
- Go early or on a weekday. Several reviewers say the pools and front desk were busy at peak times.
- Look beyond the main pools. Reviewers highlight the creekside and upper pools and the infinity pool with mountain views.
- Bring a swimsuit and sign the waiver. The resort requires swimsuits and a signed waiver, and outside alcohol is not allowed at the pools.
- Bring your own towel to save the $10 rental deposit. Towels cost $10 ($5 back on return) and lockers are $7, per the resort's rate sheet.
- Make dinner plans in advance if you want a steak at the restaurant. Several reviewers praise the food but mention busy times.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Beautiful mountain views from the pools
- Several pools at different temperatures, including creekside and infinity pools
- Family friendly, with slides in summer and a calmer adults-only spa
- On-site restaurant that many reviewers praise
- Lodging from cabins to suites with pool access included
- Friendly staff praised by many reviewers
Cons
- Pricey, especially for lodging and extras
- Can be crowded at peak times, with lines at the front desk
- Some reviewers found service inconsistent or understaffed
- Some rooms and cabins feel dated for the price
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for the hot springs?
No. Day passes are sold at the entrance on a walk-in basis, and the hot springs are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
How much does a day pass cost?
Adults pay $40 Monday to Thursday and $45 Friday to Sunday. Children and seniors pay $35, and children 3 and under are free. Slides are $7 extra.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. The public pools and summer water slides are family-friendly. The separate Spa & Club is for guests 16 and up.
What can I bring?
Bring a swimsuit and sign a waiver. Outside alcohol is not allowed, and the Bathhouse counter sells drinks. Towels cost $10 ($5 back) and lockers are $7.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. The resort has lodge rooms, suites, cabins and estates, and overnight stays include access to the hot springs. Dogs are allowed only in a few room types, for a fee.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. The Mary Murphy Steak House is on site, and reviewers often praise the food. There is also a Juice Bar in the spa.
Nearby hot springs
- Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens · about 6 miles away
- Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa · about 6 miles away
- Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center · about 17 miles away
Last checked October 26, 2026
Sources: mtprinceton.com