Still pool among large boulders beside a wide river in a rocky canyon

Radium Hot Spring

Primitive/backcountry · Kremmling

Radium Hot Spring, which the Bureau of Land Management calls Radium Warm Springs, is a natural spring beside the Colorado River near the small community of Radium, downstream of Gore Canyon. It lies within the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area, run by the BLM's Kremmling Field Office, and Kremmling is the nearest town with supplies.

Reaching the springs means walking in from a trailhead, not from the riverside campground. The BLM says there is no designated trail or access to the springs from the Radium Recreation Area itself. Instead, drive about 1.5 miles northeast on Trough Road, following the sign at the Radium Road junction, to the Warm Springs Road trailhead. From there the Warm Springs Trail is open to foot travel only, while the Ol' Warm Springs Trail also allows horses, bicycles and e-bikes. The old state wildlife area path from Radium Road, including its restroom, is closed to protect bighorn sheep habitat, and parking along the narrow Radium Road is not allowed.

The BLM began charging day-use fees at the Warm Springs area in July 2025: $5 for walk-ins, bicycles and motorcycles, and $10 per vehicle, paid on site. The agency points to expanded parking, a developed trailhead and new restrooms. The agency pages used do not give a trail length, water temperatures or soaking rules, so check with the Kremmling Field Office before you go.

Water safety

Naegleria risk

Naegleria fowleri is an ameba that can live in warm fresh water, including naturally hot springs. Infection is rare, but it is almost always fatal, and it happens when water goes up the nose. The CDC advises keeping your head above the water in hot springs, holding your nose shut or using a nose clip if you jump or dive in, and not stirring up the sediment on the bottom.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Getting there

  1. From Radium Recreation Area, go to the junction of Radium Road and Trough Road. Do not park on Radium Road, which is narrow and kept clear for emergency vehicles.
  2. Follow the sign and drive about 1.5 miles northeast on Trough Road to the Warm Springs Road trailhead.
  3. Park at the trailhead and pay the day-use fee on site ($10 per vehicle, $5 for walk-ins and bicycles).
  4. Hike the Warm Springs Trail (foot only) or the Ol' Warm Springs Trail (foot, horse, bicycle and e-bike) to the springs.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Trailhead restrooms (new)
  • Developed trailhead

Parking

  • Expanded trailhead parking (fee)

Before you go

Best time to visit: Reviewers visit in every season, and one says the springs are open at any time of day. The pool is small and warm rather than hot, so many prefer cooler weather. In summer, rafting groups stop here on weekends and fill the spring, so go early on a weekday if you want space.

  • Go early or on a weekday. Several reviewers say rafting groups stop at the springs for a break and make them crowded, especially on summer weekends.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Reviewers describe a steep trail and a final rocky scramble down to the water, which is harder on the way back up.
  • Bring cash for the day-use fee. The BLM lists $10 per vehicle and $5 on foot or by bike, and a few reviewers say they paid $10 in cash at the trailhead.
  • Pack out your trash and pet waste. A few reviewers mention litter at the springs.
  • Do not expect a hot soak. Many reviewers describe the water as warm, not hot, and the river next to it as cold.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Scenic spot right beside the Colorado River with canyon views
  • Warm, relaxing water that suits a long soak in cool weather
  • Easy to combine with a rafting, kayaking or fishing day on the river
  • New trailhead with parking and restrooms, according to the BLM
  • Low cost compared with developed hot springs

Cons

  • The pool is very small and gets crowded, especially with rafting groups on summer weekends
  • The water is warm rather than hot, so some reviewers are disappointed
  • The last stretch is a steep rocky scramble that some find hard
  • A parking and day-use fee now applies

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Radium Hot Spring?

The BLM began charging day-use fees at the Warm Springs trailhead in July 2025: $5 on foot, by bicycle or by motorcycle, and $10 per vehicle with up to 15 passengers. An America the Beautiful pass covers it. A few reviewers say the vehicle fee was paid in cash on site.

How do I get to the springs?

The BLM says there is no designated access from the Radium Recreation Area. Drive about 1.5 miles northeast on Trough Road to the Warm Springs Road trailhead and walk in. Reviewers describe a steep trail and a rocky scramble at the end.

Is the water hot?

Many reviewers describe it as pleasantly warm rather than hot, so a hotter soak should not be expected. No agency page gives a temperature.

Is it crowded?

It can be. The pool is small, and reviewers say rafting groups stop here, especially on summer weekends. Going early or on a weekday helps.

Can I camp at the trailhead?

One reviewer says there is no camping at the trailhead. The BLM page describes a separate Radium Recreation Area campground by the river, but not camping at the springs.

Do I need a permit or reservation?

The pages used mention only the day-use fee and no permit or reservation. Check with the BLM Kremmling Field Office before you go.

Nearby hot springs

Last checked October 28, 2026

Sources: blm.gov, recreation.gov, cdc.gov