Small rock-lined hot spring pool reflecting the sky, with dry grass, a wooden plank and canyon hills behind

South Canyon Hot Springs

Primitive/backcountry · Glenwood Springs

Some soakers may be nude

South Canyon Hot Springs is a set of undeveloped soaking pools in South Canyon, just west of Glenwood Springs. The City of Glenwood Springs owns the surrounding land, about 3,000 acres of designated parkland that also holds a landfill, an archery range, a shooting range and a growing network of trails. The springs, sometimes called the "Hippy Hot Springs," sit on the west side of South Canyon Creek and South Canyon Road.

The city describes the pools as primitive, frequently used and unmanaged. They are mainly used by locals and are reached by a short hike, though the steep ground makes access challenging. Today the site has only about 10 parking spaces and two trash receptacles, and the plan lists no restrooms or other facilities. Plan to carry out what you bring in.

In February 2024 the City Council adopted a management plan for the canyon. It calls for keeping the springs primitive but managing them as an allowed recreation use, with rules and bather-etiquette signs, better parking and access, and some work to protect the creek and nearby wetlands. The plan was written to guide future changes, so conditions on the ground may differ from what it describes.

Water quality has been a concern. A 2021 staff report cited high bacteria levels, while a 2021 water test cited in the plan found no health risk at that time and recommended regular testing. Check with the City's Parks and Recreation Department for current conditions before you soak.

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

Etiquette

No official rule on clothing was found, and some visitors soak without swimwear. Keep your phone and camera put away near the pools, never photograph other people, and expect others to be undressed. This is general etiquette, not a posted rule.

Amenities

Facilities

  • 2 trash receptacles

Parking

  • About 10 parking spaces

Before you go

Best time to visit: Reviewers soak here in every season, and winter and cold evenings get frequent praise because the water feels best against cold air. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter, while afternoons and weekends can fill up quickly. Parking is small, so arriving early helps.

  • Go early in the morning or on a weekday. Reviewers who did say they had the pools almost to themselves, while weekends and afternoons get busy.
  • Arrive early or be ready to wait for parking. The city counts only about 10 spaces.
  • Be ready for a short, steep walk down to the pools, and wear shoes with grip. Reviewers say it is short but the ground can be slippery.
  • Expect a primitive spot. The city lists no restrooms and only two trash receptacles, so carry out everything you bring.
  • Expect clothing-optional soakers at times. Several reviewers mention nudity and say to stay courteous and relaxed about it.
  • Bring a towel, a warm change of clothes and a headlamp if you go after dark, since the walk and the air can be cold in winter.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Free, primitive soaking just minutes from Glenwood Springs
  • Short walk from parking, with canyon and river views
  • Hot water that feels especially good in winter and at night
  • Laid-back local feel, with a few pools of different temperatures
  • Often quiet on early mornings and weekdays

Cons

  • Small parking area and crowds at busy times
  • The pools are unmanaged, so temperature, mud and smell vary
  • Clothing-optional soakers and awkward encounters make some reviewers uncomfortable
  • No restrooms or changing areas
  • The path down is steep and slippery for some

Frequently asked questions

Is South Canyon Hot Springs free?

The City of Glenwood Springs lists no fee, and reviewers call it free.

Are there restrooms?

No. The city's plan lists only two trash receptacles and about 10 parking spaces, so bring what you need and pack out your trash.

Is it clothing optional?

No rule is stated by the city, and some people soak without swimwear. Reviewers say to expect this and to be respectful, and some did not feel comfortable.

How hard is the walk?

Reviewers describe a short walk from the parking area, with a steep drop in places. The city says the steep ground makes access challenging.

Is it crowded?

It can be, especially on afternoons and weekends, and parking is small. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter.

Is the water safe?

The city's 2021 staff report describes the pools as unmanaged and with insufficient filtration flow. Soak at your own risk and avoid getting water in your mouth or eyes.

Nearby hot springs

Last checked October 28, 2026

Sources: cogs.us, cdc.gov