Rainbow Hot Springs — Attraction in Pagosa Springs

May 10th, 2022. The hike was pretty great. Steep in the beginning, then just a lot of ups and downs. Between 5 and 6 miles from the lot to the hot springs (found at campsite #8). Because of all the recent fires and intense winds, there were A LOT of downed trees on the path. We called them "tree obstacles" and we counted 151 (fifteenety-one) of them along the trail, where we had to climb over/under/around to get by. So that was a little extra exhausting, but we have fun. The hot springs were more warm than hot, theres a lot of algae in them. The river's very cold. Also there was a good 50 foot chunk of the trail that was knee-deep RIVER, so had to maneuver carefully around that, a little rock climbing, if you will. We enjoyed the entire experience greatly, our two 55 lb dogs did as well. Turned our phones off for all of it, so unfortunately no photos. There wasn't much for crossroads/crossing trails, pretty much just the one path, which made it extra easy to not get lost (added bonus for the directionally...

Ok, but not great at all. The hike is more like 11 miles in and out- the hot spring trail doesn’t start until you pass the private property areas about a mile in. Take plenty of snacks and water (I live at 7,000’ and am acclimated to the dry altitude, so don’t take that lightly). It’s a beautiful- unfortunately, fire scarred- hike, but just make sure you’re prepared. The hot springs are a little difficult to find- go to exactly where the Google Maps pin is, then head straight for the river (which, is a little steep to get to). The spring itself was a bit disappointing. Murky, dirty water and small. Only enough room for a handful of people to get in at a time. And, the river is ice cold! Overall, ok- it was nice to visit a remote hot spring, but is not likely a place I’ll return to.

Follow up on another review- we went on 5/May 23, 2022, and there were only about 15-20 downed trees on the trail and they were all near the end. They weren’t much...

Some of the pictures I've seen on past reviews and some of the reviews are not correct an misleading, it is a 10 mile hike + did it a few years ago the actual hotsprings are very beautiful maybe not piping hot but still a great natural soak and pretty warm with views of sheep mtn near by, the hotspring water flows down a rock above your head or behind you and into the pool your sitting in off the side of a gorgeous river some algae? Yes it's natural, get off your high horses and get down here with the spiders :Atc the one guys post saying everything's dead? What haha and he was too after the hike but the one thing he liked was the hike was easy? He says at end? Bunch of lies the hike is a pretty long up and down hike but so green...