40 Best Stops Between Bend and Boulder (2024)

I've been to a lot of hot springs and this one is my favorite! Especially in the fall, I love being surrounded by all of the changing colors. 5 dragonflies landed on me the last time I went in fall, it was magical 😍🍁It's stunning year-round, I love the location in the wilderness. I just wish the road to it was more accessible and not 4x4 only in winter. The view of the stars is amazing at night! I actually feel very comfortable getting naked here at night because they keep the lighting low, so nobody can see too much of each other. It feels safe and comfortable. I love that the pools are deep and each has a little bit different temperature. I wish they had more formal accommodations, I would stay here all the time!!

This is the hot spring of choice for adults in Steamboat Springs. (The other one is more of a kid-friendly spot with a slide and such.) Strawberry Park is nestled in a natural canyon, with a series of pools artistically constructed of stone walls. It is beautiful and the pool temperatures are lovely, plus you can swim in the COLD creek for a bracing contrast if you like. (Try it!) Amenities are minimal, so bring your own towel and (non-glass) water bottle. Service was also minimal, but the online reservation system worked fine and it doesn't matter much if the guy taking cash for entry isn't a social butterfly. Will definitely return next time we're in the area.

First time visit to the hot springs, with family.We weren't interested in the clothing optional scene nor stumbling around on rocks after dark, so we booked a 4-6 time slot. It was a very hot summer day so we were questioning the sanity of this, but it ended up being very nice.The range of pool temperatures let us move between hot and cool. Lots of people were in the lower cool (not cold) pool, switching to occasional dips in one of the hotter pools. The upper cold pool (unheated mountain stream water) was VERY brisk; only a few die hards ventured in there even on a hot dayThe mountain canyon setting was also much more pleasant than the sweltering temps in town.The pools have moss growing on the rocks, which is slippery. Enter and exit carefully and use the hand rails and you will be ok. The dark colored moss also makes it very hard to see the bottom and the rock steps. Water shoes are nice to have so you don't kick a rock with bare toes while fumbling around for a step.Reservations are necessary; you book one of the two hour time slots. Two hours was plenty of time for us. Services are minimal...bring your own towels. They do have a cooler with bottled water for sale where you check in.As others have pointed out, parking is limited, though it was never full when we were there.'Shift change' is at the two hour reservation starting times, if you want to claim chairs watch for people from the prior time slot packing up to leave.

This place is gorgeous, clean and wonderful to visit. I went in the early fall, so it was not crowded, and I was able to get a reservation on a weekday and a reservation on a weekend. Also, because I went in the fall, I didn’t have to deal with the snow. If I was going when it was snowing out, I would definitely take the shuttle. There’s information on their website. I don’t have any photos to post because I’m not the type of person that goes into a hot tub situation and starts snapping photos. Frankly, I think that’s rude and please don’t. However, it’s as beautiful as the website to depicts & probably more so.

To enjoy this place for the first time, go during daylight hours. There is nothing on the website about it being pitch black and icy once the sun sets (we visited in November). There is zero lighting and it's incredibly slippery. The pools felt nice, but we couldn't enjoy the natural setting. Perhaps an evening visit is best if you've already been and know where to go. There's a very basic changing room with a curtain. No instructions upon arrival, basically good luck! I was really looking forward to this hot spring experience for my birthday, but was seriously disappointed. Please update your website with this information!

We did an evening soak on our trip over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend! It was a wonderfully therapeutic and spiritual experience even at -13 degrees! We highly recommend it! Couple of tips: wear your swimsuit under your clothes for ease of entering the pools. The pools are clothing optional, but it is very dark, so we never really saw too much or felt uncomfortable even though we opted to wear bathing suits. It’s is not lit very well. So be prepared for that. It’s also very slippery when it’s as cold as it was when we were there. So you may consider some kind of non-slip swim shoe.Also a word of caution: I don’t recommend bringing anything valuable. My debit card was stolen out of my coat pocket while we were in the pools. I had to cancel it as soon as I realized it. Luckily I noticed it early on. You will need to pay admission if you don’t book a shuttle and they do have water and snacks for purchase. I didn't see any lockers, and the changing room and bathrooms are a little bit of a walk from the pools, so plan accordingly.Overall it was a great experience and we would do it again!

I brought my husband here for his birthday. I would definitely recommend booking at least 2 months ahead for a cabin. What an amazing experience. We stayed in the train caboose. It did have a shower, toilet, pull out bed, linens and kitchenette and a loft like area to shove unwanted guests that you don't want to hang out with.. What I loved most was we got to stay until midnight instead of 10pm and got the whole hot springs to ourselves. Clothing optional as well, so if that bothers you stay home. There are 5-6 hot springs pools. Some are very warm and some are like warm bath water. If you are brave enough there is a cool area for an ice bath experience. Its cold but worth the adrenaline. I'm not sure what everyone was talking about regarding a cranky old man ruining the experience in the reviews. Everyone was so kind and welcoming.

A unique experience staying at this place: I lucked out and stayed in Cabin #4 for the weekend. We had after hours access to the thermal hot springs where the sky was dark enough to see constellations galore and shooting stars pass by. The cabin bed was surprisingly comfy and our window looked over the river. The heaters had a hard time warming up the little room so we limited how often we opened the door. The grill outside was great to cook breakfast and the wooden seats were also solid. We kept our food inside with us and I believe we were visited (more so raided) by little mice who nibbled on some food but I never saw them with my own eyes. A unique aspect about this cabin is that you bring your own bed linens and towels, which is super sustainable; this place also runs on solar energy which I am happy to hear! The showers were a bit of a let down. The water from the sink ran HOT but the showers gave off a wimpy lukewarm stream. The shower floors could've been cleaner but I've seen way worse. The rest of the bathroom was in relatively good shape and the design of the bathroom was attractive. I would come back a little reluctantly in the Winter since the shower water wasn't cutting it for me, but I would come back in the Summer since the temp doesn't matter that much at that time or Fall when the Aspens change leaves. The mice obviously should be something to address ( whether by providing a food box OR suggesting to guests to keep their food in their cars) but it's also a legit old log cabin so it's natural to encounter critters. It's definitely like an established campground except that you have heat and a comfy bed to keep you sleeping happily through the night. Thank you for having us! I would recommend this place with the cautions that I mentioned above.

A very unique hot spring experience! We came right after dark and luckily the couple we came with had came the night before so they could navigate us through the dark. There is a path reasonably lit but when you go off that path the light is very scarce. There are two pools we went in, one which was extremely hot and the other which was comfortably warm for a long period of time. They also had a cool pool that we did not go into. After a certain point in the evening the crowd seemed to turn so we headed home after hours of enjoying the springs. We will definitely be back again and maybe shoot for late afternoon and sunset.

Beautiful hot springs, with a creek running through it. Hot springs water comes out of the ground at 145 and the pools are about 107. The creek is 45 degrees if you are brave enough to swim across. I did once and at 74 years old that was enough for me.Nice changing room, massage service available and all the pools have a great view. Lots of young people there as well as some my age.It was 20 dollars and reservations reccomend as there is not a great deal of parking at the site. We didn't have reservations and had no problem getting in. I will definitely go back.

A natural oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, these geothermal springs offer a serene and soothing escape from the everyday hustle. The mineral-rich waters provide a unique and therapeutic experience, perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature. Whether you're looking to unwind under the stars or seek solace in the midst of picturesque landscapes, Strawberry Hot Springs offers an unforgettable retreat that blends tranquility and natural beauty in perfect harmony.

I visited the hot springs yesterday 8/27 and it is a lovely place.However I really want to warn others about the danger of entering and exiting the pools. I slipped and fell two separate times and the second time I injured my back. I am laid up in bed and if my back is truly injured I will be considering legal action. It would be very easy to hit the head on the stone steps and have even worse injuries.There are no signs, no warning of the slick algae on the stairs, there are no rubber mats, there are very few railings. I am afraid someone older will be seriously injured and I am writing this review to warn others. Be very careful and use the limited rails as much as you can to enter and exit.It is very upsetting to me that very minimal precautions like rubber mats could eliminate this dangerous hazard. I feel frustrated and sad that this happened to me and I want to do something about it. Be safe, be careful.Also as others have mentioned, person at the front was rude and demanding, it would be nice to have a friendly kind face as the front of your business. Also no one is around in the pool area to check on guests or make sure everyone is safe and well. Would not expect such lax service and dangers at a very busy business in America.For five people and one child we paid $140 including a couple bottles of water. I expect safety and friendly customer service for the price. Maybe this is too much to ask for.

Overall I loved it. Awesome environment and everything. 3 different pools at different temperatures. The only complaint I really have is the lack of lighting. Once it gets dark they have no lights that come on, so you're basically in pitch black walking around when you get out of the springs, and there are rocky steps everywhere. You have to go extremely slow in order to not trip and break your ankles. Also I didn't realize this was a thing before I went there, but apparently it's clothing optional. Oh also the shower facilities were nice. They keep it nice and toasty in there, and the floor is even heated.

This is definitely my favorite hot springs that I've been to in Colorado. This wonderful natural hot springs nestled in the mountains of the surrounding Steamboat Springs area is both picturesque and spectacular in many ways. Come for the hot springs, massages, lodging, or all the above and enjoy the beauty this part of the state offers. Online reservation only, cash only and off grid with little to no cell signal, requiring 4x4 or AWD, as well as high clearance. Highly recommended for a remote getaway or to soak post-skiing.

What an awesome experience! At the last minute my wife found this spring online and was able to book the last available reservation, and thank god she did! It was the perfect way to relax and unwind after skiing all morning. Awesome location at the end of a windy road in the middle of the mountains. On a 20 degree day in December, this water did not fall short of the “hot” variety. They have multiple pools, each allowing the water to cool down naturally to different temperatures, so you can jump around and heat up or cool off as desired. One important recommendation, which we did not have the foresight to do…. BRING A TOWEL AND DRY CLOTHES YOU CAN PUT ON EASILY! We made the mistake of not doing that, and getting out of the water and dried off in the 20 degree shade was quite the spectacle.

This place is so cool. The hot springs were perfect after a day on the slopes. And beyond just the hot springs, there's a creek that runs right by it that you can jump into to cool off. It's quite the temperature change with the springs being above 100°F and the creek around 40°F.Highly recommend booking a shuttle to the location, as the road to it in the winter is restricted to vehicles with 4 wheel drive and/or tires with chains.

I used to love this place. Its still beautiful, lodging is good, springs are amazing. But they've dragged the pool reservation and mask madness out far enough. There is now no scientific reason to go into complete panic that a group of people might sit outside in a group of 7 as opposed to 6. There is no scientific reason to lose our minds at the thought of folks going maskless outside at a remote mountain campground. For a more pro-science business, check out Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat. No reservation required, no one losing their minds that you aren't on a list. Much nicer staff, too.

Went out to Winter Park to visit a friend and had planned to visit Strawberry Hot springs. I had been in the summer and was excited to see it in the winter. We booked a reservation for 6 o’clock and quickly realized we wouldn’t make it in time (it was a 2 hour drive there) and the next available reservation time was booked. I called and spoke to Russ, who said we would still be accommodated and our two hour time slot would start whenever we were able to arrive. He also proceeded to tell us that they’ve been getting horrible reviews online and they wanted to turn that around so they’d be understanding of our poor time management.We quickly threw towels in a bag we had been using earlier in the day on the mountain and headed out. Upon arriving, we paid for our slot and had our bag searched (alcohol and outside food are not allowed). We completely forgot about the pint in the bottom and expected this employee to just ask us to take it to the car. Instead, he was incredibly rude told us to take our money back and get out. Not only was the manner of the situation handled poorly, the employee was downright rude and not even willing to let us explain and remove the alcohol from the area so we could enjoy the springs.Customer service like this is what drives business away & if you’re going to employ those who don’t enjoy their job, then you’re going to continue to have horrible reviews.

Magical! We went when it was 10 degrees outside and it felt great to be in the different temperature pools. I preferred the warm bath feeling pool to the really hot sections. Many people were doing polar swims in the cold pool and it was pretty cold the 30 seconds I tried it. The setting it beautiful and you won’t regret visiting.Cash only. Changing rooms and restrooms. Bring your own towels and probably some slippers to not get your winter boots wet.

This place is awesome, I have been maybe 7-10 times in the past couple years.It’s a magical location, so cool with the stream right by the springs!Super cool when it’s cold out! The stars!!But, went yesterday and it was completely packed. To where you could barely move in the pools. I’m all about capitalism but something is lost when you are jammed like sardines into a can in the hot springs. Don’t go on busy days maybe?

I have been coming for literally over 40 years. They’ve let some things go and not quite as well taken care of as it once was at such a unique place. I have never been where there is anything else like it. Definitely don’t want the kids there after dark, very adult. Go reset your metabolism and rejoice in the beauty. That is the natural contrast to the river. I’ve always loved the cold plunge and then back into the heat again.

This place is incredible. Rob and Paul were so friendly and helpful throughout our entire stay. The pools are perfectly maintained to still feel extremely natural. Campsites are spacious and well maintained with very nice grill, picnic table, and raised wooden platform. The scenery is beautiful, and this little paradise is something VERY special. I can’t wait for my next trip here.BE WARNED: Chipmunks are brazen. Bears about. I would highly advise the hike up that hill to put your food in your car at dark.

This place is a must when visiting Steamboat Springs. Be prepared to change in the cold during the winter in open enclosures that are made of rock. The change areas remind me of the Flintstones. Pack easy on/off water shoes to wear while moving from pool to pool or to the change area. Don't forget your chains during the winter months as the drive is hilly with narrow roads and muddy areas closer to the springs.

I visited with a friend who was visiting from out of town. One of the best parts of our trip exploring Colorado in the winter.Definitely need a four wheel drive. Don’t forget to bring cash for the entrance fee. I went during the day which I recommend especially for first timers.You will not be disappointed the drive up is stunning lots of wildlife. Be careful the last few miles the road is narrow and traffic runs both ways on that narrow road.If I remember correctly they do a bag check on the way in and I don’t think you can bring food in. I came with my suit on because the change area is not very private.

This is a natural hot spring. There are apparently a few rooms to rent but it's not a hotel and few guests stay in the rooms - I've never tried them.You don't come here for the rooms or service (shuttle service is great though). It's all about the natural beauty and unique experience and they still have that. The changing areas can get hectic - wear easy but warm clothing.Clean bathrooms but they're a bit of a walk.