Pagosa is known for its hot springs, but that's only one of the many reasons to visit.
A few miles from the base of Wolf Creek pass sits a town long known for its healing waters, but it's quickly becoming popular as a gateway to adventure.
Pagosa Springs is a winter playground that is less crowded than most any other "ski towns" in Colorado. While the closest ski area is at the top of Wolf Creek Pass, Pagosa offers an amazing home base for skiers, and a wonderland of cross-country skiing, sledding, soaking and so much more.
Pagosa is pretty amazing in the summer, as well, but we'll focus on the winter activities you don't want to miss!
Hot Springs A-Plenty
Among the best-known hot springs in our state live in this little berg. The mineral-rich waters of this sulfur spring (yes, that's the type that has a bit of an eggy smell, but you get used to it) at several resorts in the area are known to really do a body good. Here are a few recommendations to try out!
Courtesy of The Springs Resort and Spa (Facebook)
The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Springs
You can surely soak your cares away in one of the resort's 23 soaking pools in a range of temperatures. This sulfur spring contains 12 other minerals for healing relaxation. Lodging is available. Hit up Wolf Creek Ski Area and then get warm in the springs.
Healing Waters Resort and Spa, Pagosa Springs
Welcoming guests since 1950, you can take a dip in undiluted mineral water in year-round pools. Dip in the large outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, or the men's and women's indoor hot baths. You can either stay at the resort or purchase a day pass.
Wolf Creek Ski Resort and Activities
Wolf Creek Ski Resort is just over 20 miles from Pagosa, and it and the surrounding area provide hours and hours of winter fun. We'll start with skiing—the ski resort often averages over 400 inches of natural snow a year, and you can ski on it for much cheaper than almost any other ski resort in the state. Lift tickets are $76 for adults, $46 for seniors, and $39 for children. In addition, it offers groomed cross-country skiing trails, a lodge to warm up and grab a bite, and an overall relaxed atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
If skiing isn't your thing, or you just want to get our in the backcountry of the awe-inspiring San Juan Mountains, there are several snowmobile companies that can take you on a tour, such as Wolf Creek Snowmobile Tours, just to name one of many. There is almost endless country to explore on Wolf Creek and the San Juans, so finding a tour you enjoy and is set to your skillset won't be difficult. You can also take your own snowmobiles out on some well-known trails, and it's always best to check weather conditions beforehand.
Courtesy of Wolf Creek Ski Resort
Winter Activities as Far as the Eye Can See
There are tons of things to do besides skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling that won't take you too far from the heart of Pagosa. If sledding is your thing, hit Reservoir Hill right in downtown Pagosa. Or, you can check out High Country Lodge's Tubing Park just a few miles out of Pagosa for a ton of fun!
Ice skating is available at the ponds of the River Center, as long as the ice is thick enough, and are maintained for people who want to enjoy some ice time.
Astraddle a Saddle also offers sleigh rides, giving you a chance to enjoy winter with old-school charm.
Save Time for the Brews
We are in Colorado, so no visit would be complete with hitting up the craft breweries. It's a perfect way to cap off a day on the slopes before you hit the hot springs. Riff Raff Brewing, Pagosa Brewing Company, and The Break Room Brewing Company are just a few places you'll want to stop and enjoy some suds. Most also offer food, but there are also some amazing restaurants available. And everything in the downtown area is within walking distance, so you can enjoy it all without having to go very far.
There is so much more to do around the Pagosa area, and this list just covers the tip of the iceberg. The best way to keep up on all the things to do, as well as plan a trip is to check out VisitPagosaSprings.com. It will give you a great overview of everything you need to know for an amazing vacation.
Have you vacationed in Pagosa Springs? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below!
