Penny Hot Springs

Penny Hot Springs pools and water source

Spring water emerges at 133 °F/56 °C below the granite cliffs known as Hell's Gates. That source water feeds five collecting pools positioned at the river's edge.

Surrounding rocks can be changed to cool the pools with river water. Pool conditions therefore depend on how the rocks are arranged and on the Crystal River's current level.

Pitkin County acquired its 0.1-acre portion of the larger hot-springs area in 1991. The county manages this public-access portion of the springs.

Getting to Penny Hot Springs near Redstone

Redstone is the nearest town, and access involves a short walk. Plan for that walk as part of the visit rather than expecting the pools to be directly at a vehicle stop.

Grand Junction is 72 miles away. The short-walk access and riverside setting make it useful to arrive prepared to carry what you need to the pools.

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs are each 23 miles away. Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens is 61 miles away, while Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is 66 miles away and Hot Sulphur Springs is 83 miles away.

Penny Hot Springs hours, cost and reservations

Admission is free, and the springs are open 24/7. There is no reservation requirement, so a visit does not need advance booking.

The operating status is open. Since access is available at any hour and in every season, river conditions are the key factor to consider before making the short walk to the pools.

Clothing expectations at Penny Hot Springs

The pools have mixed clothing rules, and nudity is not unusual, especially among locals. Visitors should expect that clothing preferences can differ among people using this public site.

Camping is not available at the springs. This suits a soak planned as a stop or day visit rather than an overnight stay at the pool area.

Planning a year-round visit to Penny Hot Springs

Open year-round does not mean the pools are consistent throughout the year. Spring and early-summer snowmelt may put the collecting pools under cold Crystal River water, which can affect a visit at that time.

The riverside pools can also be cooled by adjusting the surrounding rocks. Bring only what you can manage on the short walk, and allow for conditions at the pool edge to shape the experience.

Hell's Gates is the granite-cliff setting where the 133 °F/56 °C spring water emerges. The water source, river edge, and rock-built collecting pools are all part of the same small public area managed by Pitkin County.