about us

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is nestled in a high mountain natural ecosystem area of the majestic Collegiate Peaks Range, bordered by Cottonwood Creek and surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest. We are located 5.5 miles west of the picturesque town of Buena Vista,  Colorado, and about 2.5 hours from bustling Denver, and not far from Monarch Ski Resort and Ski Cooper. 

We offer a safe, welcoming refuge for curious and creative folks who are looking to unwind, unplug and reconnect with themselves and nature. You’ll find inspiration and peace in the sanctuary that is Cottonwood Hot Springs. We can’t wait to have you!

A balcony with wooden chairs on an orange building, overlooking a forested valley and mountains under a blue sky.
An outdoor hot spring pool with steam rising, surrounded by rocks and dry vegetation, with the sun shining brightly in a clear blue sky.
Empty outdoor hot spring surrounded by rocks, bare trees, and benches in a natural setting.
A rustic backyard with a wooden gate, stairs, and fencing, set against a hillside with trees under a clear blue sky.
Sunset over a small stream with two lawn chairs on the rocky bank, leafless trees, and an RV trailer parked on a hillside, with a clear blue sky and a contrail.
View of a small outdoor pond with rocks around it, inspired by a natural hot spring, with a stream flowing into the pond. In the background, there are trees and a few streetlights, with sunlight visible.
A wooden fence with a warning sign that says 'Cold Water Plunge, Enter at Own Risk' with a skull and crossbones symbol. Trees and a creek are visible in the background.
A small inflatable boat with a sculpture of a woman sitting on it, placed near a rocky shoreline with a large tree and a wooden well structure in the background.
A small building with a metal roof, surrounded by leafless trees and hills, with a hot tub and some outdoor furniture in the backyard.
Black and white photo of a large wooden house or lodge in a mountainous area, with rocky terrain and cliffs in the background.

OUR HISTORY

Cottonwood Hot Springs was originally a hotel and then a sanitarium. The original structure was located to the east of the current lodge, at the entrance of Cottonwood Canyon.

The main structure housed the reception room, office, library and parlor, the private rooms of the medical attendant, bridal chamber, dining hall and kitchen. The two outside wings were for sleeping apartments, and bathing purposes. The water from the lower springs flowed hot and was used in the treatment of catarrh and for drinking purposes. The water from the upper springs was conveyed to the house by pipes; and was used for bathing purposes and in the treatment of rheumatism and dyspepsia. The water was said to be between 132 and 150 degrees.

Historic Cottonwood Hot Springs

The Reverend and Mrs. J. A.D. Adams, M.D. built the hotel in 1878 before any railroad in the county, when all materials and furniture had to be brought in by freight teams from Colorado Springs. “Mrs. J. A.D. Adam, M.D. is a physician – through education, rare ability and long experience, and under her care aided by these life-giving waters, almost certain restoration to health is assured to the invalid, and a longer and happier life to those who visit here and need no physician.”

In 1911 a fire destroyed the Cottonwood Hot Springs hotel. The owner at that time, Gabe Durst, did not rebuild.

A wooden exterior wall with a door labeled '3' and a no smoking sign. There are multiple windows and wooden chairs along the wall, with a rustic ceiling above.

Stay

Elevate your hot spring experience by spending the night in our cozy lodge, cabins, dormitories, RV or tent camping sites.

Each overnight stay includes soaking and all accommodations include everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

A PVC pipe positioned among rocks releasing water into a hot spring, with steam rising in the background.
BOOK MY STAY

Enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic soak in one of our many naturally fed artesian hot spring pools.

Reservations are strongly recommended. We accept walk-ins based on availability. The number of guests in the pool area at any one time is limited in order to ensure the best guest experience.

SOAK

A green building with a wooden sign that reads 'Massage' hangs above a narrow alleyway with a wooden fence on one side and a green wall on the other. Mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
RESERVE MY SPOT

Take your relaxation to the next level by booking an appointment with one of our on-site massage therapists.

We have a mix of licensed massage therapists who are all gifted and intuitive with their touch, and all offer their own speciality sessions.

SPA

OUR OFFERINGS