Ouray Hot Springs Pool
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool sits on Main Street in Ouray, the town known as the Switzerland of America, with soaring San Juan Mountain cliffs on every side. The city-owned pool is fed by natural mineral water that is sulfur-free, so you get the soak without the rotten-egg smell, and its several pools range from hot soaking water to a cool lap pool.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool in Ouray, CO
The pool complex was renovated in 2018 and now includes five areas, each kept at a different temperature. The Overlook pool is the hottest at 102 to 106 degrees, the Hot pool runs 95 to 103 degrees and the Lap pool stays between 75 and 83 degrees for swimmers. The Activity pool ranges from 32 to 80 degrees and turns into a cold plunge in winter, and the Shallow pool for little kids is 82 to 92 degrees in summer. In summer, waterslides are available for an extra fee.
A soak here is the perfect end to a day in the San Juans, whether you’ve been ice climbing, driving the Million Dollar Highway or hiking the trails around town. The pool is right on Main Street, an easy walk from Ouray’s shops and restaurants, and there are no reservations, so you can just show up. Locals with a 12-month membership get an early hour from 10 to 11 a.m. before the pool opens to the public.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Ouray Hot Springs Pool by DiScience (CC BY-SA 4.0); San Juan Skyway – Ouray Hot Springs – NARA – 7721499 by A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation (Public domain); Ouray Colorado from the Switzerland of America Lookout Point – Million Dollar Highway (52890571203) by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0); Ouray, Colorado22 by M McBey (CC BY 2.0); Ouray, Colorado (27332728364) by Paxson Woelber (CC BY 2.0); Ouray Landscape by lamoix (CC BY 2.0); Ouray Sunset (4771446044) by Sandy Horvath-Dori (CC BY 2.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
On Nov. 15, the pool hosts a Teen Takeover, when it closes to adults starting at 5 p.m. and the lap pool closes at 4 p.m. Winter is one of the best times to visit, when you can soak in the steaming water while snow covers the peaks above town. Check visitouray.com for current hours and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool?
- Hot soaking: Relax in the Overlook pool at 102 to 106 degrees.
- Lap swimming: Swim laps in water kept between 75 and 83 degrees.
- Cold plunge: Try the Activity pool’s cold plunge in winter.
- Waterslides: Ride the slides in summer for an extra $5.
- Mountain views: Take in the San Juan cliffs all around Ouray.
What is nearby the Ouray Hot Springs Pool?
- Ouray Ice Park: Ice climbing in the Uncompahgre Gorge.
- Bridal Veil Falls: A famous waterfall above Telluride.
- Telluride Gondola: A free scenic gondola ride in Telluride.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Sheer canyon walls near Montrose.
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A historic train ride from Silverton.
How much does it cost to visit the Ouray Hot Springs Pool?
Daily admission is $30 for adults 18-64, $18 for youth 3-17, $24 for seniors 65-74 and $10 for ages 75 and up. Kids under 3 are free. Summer waterslides are $5, and showers are $4.
When is the Ouray Hot Springs Pool open?
The pool is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Members with a valid 12-month membership can swim from 10 to 11 a.m. No reservations are taken.
Are there any tips for visiting the Ouray Hot Springs Pool?
Ouray sits at nearly 8,000 feet, so drink water and take breaks from the hottest pools. Bring a towel, flip-flops and a warm layer for walking between pools on cold days. Visit on a weekday or later in the evening if you want smaller crowds. Check for special events like the Teen Takeover, when the pool may close early to adults.
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool is located at 1220 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427. Call 970-325-7073 or visit visitouray.com to plan your visit.