Beautiful Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is a gorgeous small town in the Four Corners region of Southwestern Colorado. Because it is surrounded by the beautiful San Juan Mountains and home to a number of natural wonders, Pagosa is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a scenic and adventurous vacation destination. The gorgeous natural scenery of Southwestern Colorado combined with amazing natural hot springs and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the most gorgeous natural setting, make Pagosa Springs a perfect vacation choice for outdoor and nature lovers. Unlike more touristy Colorado destinations, the small town vibe and easy access to nature allows for a more relaxing vacation experience.

The San Jan National Forest

The awe-inspiring San Juan mountains comprise the backdrop and the San Juan river flows right through the middle of town. The massive San Juan National Forest spreads out for almost 2 million acres. The mix of aspens and pines ensures gorgeous scenery whenever you visit. Fall is really spectacular as the leaf peeping is amazing. The brilliant golden aspens dramatically pop out amongst the green pines.

Beautiful golden foliage in the San Juan National Forest
Gorgeous foliage in the San Juan National Forest

Lots of wildlife call the San Juan Forest home. Although the last grizzly was spotted in 1979, they are thought to possibly still inhabit the region. There are dozens of hikes within this gorgeous forest as well as numerous other recreational opportunities. Additionally, the nearby Durango and Silverton Railroad passes through portions of the forest that are not accessible any other way. This spectacular train ride (covered in detail later on) is one for your travel bucket list – the views are out of this world!

The amazing Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, just an hour away, travels a scenic course through the San Juan wilderness.

Pagosa sits at an elevation of 7000 feet, which means beautiful cool summer days and frequent winter snow storms. While summer is one of the best times to visit as the hiking trails here are really incredible and the weather is just right, visiting any time of the year really works in a gorgeous mountain town like Pagosa. The colors are gorgeous for leaf peeping in the fall and there are plenty of fun winter activities, so really there is outdoor fun to be had all year-round in Pagosa.

Where to Stay

The Elk Trace Inn B & B in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

First off, you will need a place to stay. There are a few dozen options in town including the very popular Springs resort. Unfortunately, this hot springs resort often books out months and advance and can be really pricey. Fortunately, there is a really nice rustic lodging choice which is much better than The Springs. I really recommend checking out the Elk Trace Lodge Bed and Breakfast.

This is by far the most relaxing B &B I’ve ever stayed at. The massive 8000 acre property is located out in the country and surrounded in every direction by pure wilderness. You can even see Pagosa Peak (a prominent 12,000+ foot mountain) from the inn’s deck. The gorgeous San Juan National Forest backs the property and the views are just terrific. As Elk Trace is a working ranch, there are horses and cows on-site so the overall environment is just really relaxing and natural. Additionally, there is a gorgeous lake about 1/2 mile down the road. During your stay, take a walk over and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the mountains.

Elk Trace Ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Serene sunset in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pretty mountain scenery in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

The inn owners are incredibly friendly and even went out of their way to make breakfast for us super early before our train ride. They go out of their way to entertain guests and can help you with area activity recommendations. Nightly wine and 24 hr coffee are provided for guests.

The cabin is gorgeously decorated in a rustic theme which fits in perfectly with the overall outdoorsy nature of the region. Being out here in this secluded natural setting really is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and enjoy the great outdoors. Each room is tastefully decorated in a cute mountain theme. There are just a handful of rooms, so the inn never feels overcrowded – allowing you to enjoy a truly relaxing getaway in the mountains.

Cute rustic decor at the Elk Trace Inn B & B in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
The cozy living room, complete with a fireplace and several cozy couches, is the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee prior to breakfast or a relaxing glass of wine after your evening activities.
Rustic room at the Elk Trace Inn B & B in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Each room is rustic with a cute little mountain theme. There are so many extra little design touches. It’s very cozy and comfortable.

A full hot breakfast is provided each morning in the cozy rustic living area. In the winter, a roaring fire takes center stage, and during the summer months you have the option of enjoying your meal on the beautiful wrap around deck, surrounded by gorgeous pines. You may even see an occasional black bear due to the super secluded setting.

Beautiful patio of the Elk Trace B &B in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
The wrap around deck is so gorgeous – I could take in the gorgeous mountain scenery all day!

Although the Elk Trace is located a bit away from town, it’s totally worth staying here for the private natural setting. The drive into town is just 20 minutes or so.

Things to Do

Gorgeous mountain views along the Treasure Falls hike in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

There is so much to see and do in Pagosa particularly if you are a fan of hiking, relaxation, and in general being surrounded by beautiful mountain views in every direction. Here are a few of the top things to do while you are in town.

The Springs

The world's deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is home to the deepest hot springs in the world. The Springs Resort is home to 25 healing hot springs. Not only are the pools super relaxing, but the views of the river and surrounding pines are also spectacular. Soaking in these pools has been treasured since ancient times as the mineral content of the water is said to heal many different diseases, especially those pertaining to the muscles and joints. Due to the high sulfate content, the waters are known to be a powerful all over body detoxifier. Although there are many different hot springs resorts throughout the US, none combine spectacular scenery with such a diverse assortment of pools as well as Pagosa’s The Springs resort.

One of a dozen natural hot springs at the world's deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
One of many hot springs around the resort
Pagosa Springs hot springs resort
A really cool bridge crossings the hot springs to get to the best mineral pool on-site: the perfect 102/103 degree pool.
Gorgeous views at the Springs hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Beautiful views of the river at The Springs hot springs resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pool temps range from a cool 83 degrees to over 110 degrees on average in the “Lobster Pot.” All pools are fed from “The Mother Spring” which is 144 degrees. There are a number of pools in the 100-105 degree range, which is the most perfect temperature range for relaxing on a cold night. As you soak, you can literally feel all your stress melting away. Really, it’s impossible not to relax here. And for some reason (most likely no easy access as the small Durango airport is very pricey and Denver is hours away), this resort and the area in general does not see nearly as much traffic as you would expect.

The on-site spa is extraordinary as well. There are so many little extras included in your treatment (like eye pillows and hot towels) which are not typically included with the base price at most spas. Plus, you get free admission into the springs with any treatment (which is normally 65 bucks), so really it’s a steal.

Treasure Falls

Gorgeous Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

There are many wonderful hiking trails within the massive San Juan National Forest. Treasure Falls is one of the best choices for tourists as the hike to get to the falls is easy, relaxing, and incredibly scenic. The towering 105 foot tall waterfall is accessed via a short steep stroll of just under a half mile. For anyone on vacation looking to take it easy but still enjoy world-class views, this is as good as it gets. The drive to get over here is picturesque as well with relaxing views of the open countryside. If you really prefer to avoid any hiking on your vacation, you can still view most of the waterfall via a scenic overlook near the parking lot.

Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Amazing scenery along the Treasure Falls waterfall hike in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Guided horseback tour

A beautiful horseback riding tour through Martinez Canyon in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Signing up for a guided horseback tour through the beautiful San Juan Wilderness is a great alternative to hiking. If you are new to horseback riding, I recommend checking out Diamond Hitch Stables. The staff are incredible with newbies and will ensure that you are comfortable with the horses and riding techniques before taking off. They are also really friendly and sociable and quite funny which makes the ride even more enjoyable. The horses are all well-trained, healthy, and well taken care of.

The gorgeous horses of Diamond Hitch Stables in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Diamond Hitch Stables in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Gorgeous views on the Diamond Hitch Stables horseback ride in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Gorgeous views of the wide open countryside. This is one beautiful ride!

They offer a number of options, from 30 minute rides to all day tours. The 1.5 hour ride is a nice half day activity which I think is basically the perfect amount of time to enjoy the wilderness. This way you still have time to check out other area activities instead of spending the entire day just doing one thing.

The 1.5 hour trail ride follows a picturesque trail through the woods. It’s very relaxing and very secluded. It’s so quiet in fact that black bears often make appearances. We did not encounter any wildlife, although the guide carries a gun to scare them off an encounters are pretty common. If you can sign up for a fall ride, the colors are really beautiful this time of year. A golden hue is cast over the mountains courtesy of the brilliant autumn foliage of the aspens. The people here are all wonderful and will give you lots of tips and tricks if you are new to riding horses so newbies to horseback riding do not be afraid to sign up for a tour!

Rocky Moutain Wildlife Park 

Beautiful wolf at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

The privately owned Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park features only animals native to the area.  Most animals are rescued injured wild animals. Others are former pets whose owners realized keeping exotic animals as pets wasn’t the best idea! The park is very small although it’s nice to see animals roaming around in their natural environment and well taken care of. Gorgeous mountain scenery surrounds the park. It is a relaxing place in general to spend an hour or so out in the beautiful countryside.

Pretty mountain scenery at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Beautiful countryside surrounds the park, making it a great place to spend an hour or so out in nature.

Gorgeous snow capped mountain views in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
The drive over to the park is breathtaking, so much so that we got out of our car at several points to take pics of the mountains!

Where to eat

If there is any downside to visiting Pagosa, it is definitely the lack of quality dining options. In a way this is a good thing because it keeps the congestion down and the lack of businesses means more beautiful surroundings. If you are looking for more upscale dining, I recommend taking the drive over to Durango, which is home to a wonderful downtown with lots of great local restaurants. In terms of Pagosa Springs restaurants, here are a few good choices.

2 Chicks and a Hippy – Great little breakfast place with a nice outdoor patio. Affordable pricing, lots of allergy friendly substitutions, friendly staff

Kip’s Grille – Great casual Mexican restaurant with a lively outdoor patio. Great Grilled Shrimp tacos!

River Point Coffee House – Local coffee house offering great views of the springs via the outdoor patio. Coffee is rich and flavorful without a burnt aftertaste. Lots of homemade breakfast choices including homemade Quiche and pastries. Great place to grab a quick bite before relaxing at The Springs. Update: Now Root House Coffee.

Pretty mountain views from the River Pointe Coffee House in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Nice views of the snow capped mountains from the coffeehouse’s quaint outdoor patio
Americano at River Pointe Coffeehouse in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Higher Grounds Coffee House – Great local coffeehouse offering a nice rustic ambiance. Delicious espresso drinks and tasty mochas. Fresh baked pastries daily and a small menu of healthy breakfast and lunch options round out the menu.

Cozy setting of Higher Grounds in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Also if you plan on visiting Durango, check out The Irish Embassy Pub and Jean Pierre Bakery

Delicious food at the Irish Embassy Pub in downtown Durango, Colorado
The Fish and Chips and Potato Leek soup at the Irish Embassy Pub are must trys! The food here is all pretty delicious! Treat yourself after the long train ride!
Amazing mac and cheese at the Irish Embassy Pub in downtown Durango, Colorado
This mac and cheese was beyond amazing
Irish Embassy Pub in downtown Durango, Colorado
The beautiful bar inside the Irish Embassy Pub
Decadent dessert at Jean Pierre Bakery in downtown Durango, Colorado
Jean Pierre offers an amazing selection of homemade desserts. Skip the regular menu (which is severely overpriced) and head straight to dessert!
Jean Pierre bakery in downtown Durango, Colorado
Jean Pierre offers the perfect setting for a dessert date!

A bucket list worthy attraction is just an hour away

Picturesque views from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

In addition to the many wonderful activities & attractions in the Pagosa Springs area, Durango is just an hour’s drive away. While you are here, you absolutely must plan for a ride on the gorgeous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is without a doubt the most stunningly beautiful train ride you will ever take in your life. Plan your visit in the fall and you will be treated to the same wonderful views plus amazing golden foliage. This is a half-full day activity, so be sure to make reservations in advance and block out at least half a day -trust me, it’s well worth it!

A few pics from a fall ride – take a look at the post above to see more!

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad arriving in Silverton, Colorado
Beautiful views of the countryside seen from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Pretty views of the river from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Stunning fall foliage along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Winter fun

If your visit happens to fall during the winter, you still have plenty of opportunity for outdoor fun. Both Pagosa and Durango offer lots of opportunity enjoy recreational activities during the cold snowy months. First off, the hot springs are even better during the cold winter season with the spectacular snowy setting. Dog sledding, ice skating, hikes to frozen waterfalls, sleigh rides, cross country skiing & snowshoeing, and ice fishing are some fun ways to pass a winter’s day. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just over 20 miles away and known for having “the most snow in Colorado” as the resort sees over 400 inches of non man-made snow per season! Here are 10 more ways to enjoy the winter season in Pagosa.

Overall, there’s lot to do in both Pagosa and Durango year-round. I recommend combining activities in both areas to enjoy the best-of-the-best available in Southern Colorado. One thing’s for sure -a visit to the hot springs, a hike within the San Juan National Forest, and a ride on the enchanting Durango Silverton Railroad should definitely top your must-do list while vacationing in the Four Corners.