Steaming stone-edged hot spring pool in a snowy forest of pines and aspens, with wooden chairs along the bank

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs

Developed pool · Steamboat Springs

Clothing optional after dark · No cameras

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs is a rustic mountain retreat in the forest above Steamboat Springs, about 7 miles from downtown. The pools are open-air and built with hand-laid stone, set among trees with no cell service or Wi-Fi to pull your attention away. The last 2 miles of road are unpaved, steep and winding.

Daytime is the family session: children are welcome, and anyone under 3 must wear a swim diaper. After dark the property changes. Minors are no longer admitted, the pools become clothing optional, and phones, cameras and bright lights are not allowed, so bring a red or low-intensity light for walking around. Swimsuits are fine during the day, and the site suggests wearing one under your clothes and bringing a robe.

Every visit needs a reservation, booked up to 30 days ahead for a two-hour slot. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children 17 and under, paid in cash on arrival, with no ATM on site. From November 1 to May 1 the road requires a 4WD vehicle with snow tires. Uber and Lyft riders are turned away, and trailers and RVs have nowhere to park, so many visitors take a shuttle instead.

There are restrooms and a heated changing cabin, and massage, facials and watsu can be booked in advance. Rustic cabins and tent sites are available for overnight stays. Food, alcohol, glass, smoking and pets are not allowed.

Visitor policy

After dark the pools are clothing optional and for guests 18 and over only, and children are not allowed. Phones may be brought in, but phone lights, cameras and video recording are not permitted after dark. Swimsuits are fine during the day.

Source: Strawberry Park FAQ

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Heated changing cabin
  • Massage and watsu (book ahead)
  • Facials

Family & kids

  • Children welcome in daytime
  • Adults only after dark

Lodging

  • Rustic cabins (no electricity)
  • Tent sites
  • Shared bathhouse with showers

Parking

  • Limited parking (reservation guarantees a spot)
  • Shuttle partners (bus shelter and fire pit in winter)

Before you go

Best time to visit: Reviewers soak here in every season, and winter and clear night visits get the most praise, with snow, stars and warm water. The site says the road needs a 4WD vehicle with snow tires from November 1 to May 1, so many winter visitors take a shuttle. After dark the pools are clothing optional and adults only, which reviewers describe as quieter and more private.

  • Book your slot ahead and arrive on time. Every visit needs a reservation, and reviewers say people without one were turned away.
  • Bring cash for admission. The site says it is cash only with no ATM, and several reviewers repeat that, though one says it may differ in 2026, so check before you go.
  • Plan for the road. The last 2 miles are unpaved and steep, and reviewers describe it as bumpy. In winter use a 4WD vehicle with snow tires or take a shuttle.
  • Come after dark for the quietest soak and the stars, but remember it is adults only and clothing optional, and phone lights, cameras and video are not allowed after dark.
  • Bring a robe, sandals and a red or low-intensity light. Reviewers like having a robe for the walk between pools, and the site suggests wearing a swimsuit under your clothes.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Beautiful mountain forest setting with hand-built stone pools
  • Stargazing and magical night soaks
  • Creek-side cold plunge to switch from the hot pools
  • Peaceful, off-grid feel with no cell service or Wi-Fi
  • Family-friendly daytime session and a clothing-optional evening session
  • Cabin and tent camping available

Cons

  • Several reviewers found the gate and front-desk staff unfriendly or abrupt
  • Pricey for the 2-hour slot, and prices have risen, say some reviewers
  • Rough, steep, unpaved road, and 4WD or a shuttle is needed in winter
  • Strict reservations and a cash-only rule can surprise first-time visitors

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. Every visit needs a reservation, booked up to 30 days ahead for a two-hour slot. Reviewers say people without one were turned away.

How much does it cost?

Adults pay $30 and children 17 and under pay $20 for a two-hour slot. The site says payment is cash only on arrival, with no ATM.

Is it clothing optional?

After dark, yes: the pools become adults only and clothing optional, and phone lights, cameras and video recording are not allowed. Phones themselves may be brought in. Swimsuits are fine during the day.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes, during the day. Children under 3 must wear a swim diaper. Minors are not admitted after dark.

What is the road like in winter?

The site says the last 2 miles are unpaved, steep and winding, and from November 1 to May 1 you need a 4WD vehicle with snow tires. Many visitors take a shuttle. Uber and Lyft riders are turned away.

Is there cell service?

No. The site says there is no cell service or Wi-Fi, so book and pay for your visit before you go up.

Nearby hot springs

Last checked October 26, 2026

Sources: strawberryhotsprings.com