Things to Do in Pagosa Springs: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Pagosa Springs, in southwest Colorado, is home to the Mother Spring, certified as the world's deepest geothermal hot spring, and sits on the San Juan River beneath the San Juan Mountains.
This guide covers the best things to do in Pagosa Springs, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Wolf Creek, Chimney Rock, Durango and Mesa Verde, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Pagosa Springs
The Springs Resort
Terraced hot spring pools beside the river.
Mother Spring
The world's deepest known geothermal hot spring.
San Juan River
Tubing, fishing and the Riverwalk.
Treasure Falls
Short hike to a 105-foot waterfall.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Famous for Colorado's deepest snow.
Chimney Rock National Monument
Ancestral Puebloan great house.
Fourmile Falls
Scenic hike in the San Juans.
Overlook Hot Springs
Rooftop tubs downtown.
Pagosa Springs in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Hot springs
Begin with a soak at The Springs Resort, then walk the Riverwalk along the San Juan River. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, tube the river in summer or browse the galleries. Return for an evening soak under the stars.
2Day 2 · Waterfalls
Hike the short trail to Treasure Falls, then drive up to the Wolf Creek Pass overlook. Lunch in town. In the afternoon, tackle the longer Fourmile Falls trail if you have time. Dinner at a local brewery.
3Day 3 · Chimney Rock
Take a guided tour of Chimney Rock National Monument, where Ancestral Puebloans built a great house about 1,000 years ago. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon, fly-fish the San Juan. In the evening, relax at Overlook Hot Springs.
Pagosa Springs in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Wolf Creek
In winter, spend the day skiing Wolf Creek; in summer, hike the Continental Divide Trail near the pass. Lunch at the lodge or a trailside picnic. In the afternoon, return via the scenic highway. Dinner in Pagosa.
5Day 5 · Durango
Drive about an hour to Durango and ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the canyon. Lunch in Silverton. Ride or bus back in the afternoon. Return to Pagosa Springs in the evening.
Pagosa Springs in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Mesa Verde
Visit Mesa Verde National Park, with its cliff dwellings, about two hours away. Lunch in the park. In the afternoon, join a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace. Stay in Durango or return to Pagosa.
7Day 7 · Last day
Finish with a final morning soak and a walk on the Riverwalk, then pick up local honey and souvenirs. Lunch downtown. Durango–La Plata County Airport is about an hour away.
What to do in Pagosa Springs on a weekend
For a weekend in Pagosa Springs, combine hot springs, river time and the Treasure Falls hike.
Durango is about an hour west.
What to do in Pagosa Springs in the evening
Evenings mean hot spring soaks under starry skies and dinner at a local brewery.
Summer brings live music in Town Park.
Pagosa Springs for couples
Couples can book a private hot tub, stargaze by the river and dine on elk and local trout.
Pagosa Springs with kids
With kids, river tubing, easy waterfall hikes, the hot springs and Chimney Rock's guided tours work well.
What to eat in Pagosa Springs
Green chile
A Southwest staple.
Elk burger
Mountain favorite.
Craft beer
From local breweries.
Rainbow trout
Fresh from the rivers.
Navajo tacos
Regional classic on fry bread.
Where to stay in Pagosa Springs: best areas
Downtown
Walk to the hot springs.
Uptown
Lakes and golf.
Mountain cabins
Quiet and scenic.
The Springs Resort
Unlimited pool access.
What to do in Pagosa Springs when it rains
On rainy days, soak in the hot springs, visit the Fred Harman Art Museum or browse downtown shops.
How much does a trip to Pagosa Springs cost?
Expect $150 to $300 per night, $15 to $30 for a meal and about $50 to $80 for a day pass at The Springs Resort.
Practical tips for Pagosa Springs
Best time to visit
June to September for hiking; December to March for skiing.
Getting around
A car is needed; check Wolf Creek Pass conditions in winter.
Our practical tips
- Book hot spring passes ahead.
- Bring warm layers.
- Check pass conditions.
- Drink plenty of water at altitude.
- Respect wildlife.
- Reserve the Durango train early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving the pass without winter tires.
- Overheating in the hottest pools.
- Ignoring the altitude.
- Missing Chimney Rock's tour season.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Pagosa Springs?
Hot springs, the San Juan River, waterfall hikes and Wolf Creek.
Are the hot springs open year-round?
Yes, they are open all year.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer for hiking, winter for skiing.
How far is Durango?
About an hour by car.