Pagosa Springs Guide & 3 Day Itinerary (2026)
Pagosa Springs is about 5 hours from Denver and makes such a fun weekend getaway. You can soak in natural hot springs, explore Main Street, go on a hot air balloon ride, enjoy scenic mountain views, and even take a private horse-drawn carriage ride.
One of the coolest things about Pagosa? It's home to the Mother Spring, which is considered the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world. Its mineral-rich water supplies the town's hot springs, and geothermal energy from the system helps power the community.
📱 Download the Pagosa Springs app
One of my favorite things about visiting Pagosa Springs is that they have an app that makes planning your trip really easy. You can find local events, restaurants, things to do, maps and even scavenger hunts throughout town.
It’s a great resource to check before your trip and while you're there because you can see what's happening during your visit and discover things you might otherwise miss.
DAY 1 — Drive In & Hot Springs
Stop at Treasure Falls
If you're driving in from the north, make a stop at Treasure Falls on Wolf Creek Pass. It is a family friendly trail great for a quick stop. Pagosa Springs is full of waterfalls, lakes and natural hot springs.
Check in at The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort is the perfect home base for the trip. You have access to multiple hot spring soaking pools 24/7. Plus you are just across the river from main street shops and restaurants. You can go from pool to pool and have a late-night soak under the stars. Your stay is all focused around wellness.
Dinner at Alley House Grille
For dinner check out Alley House Grille.
DAY 2 — Brunch +Shopping + Carriage Ride
Brunch at Black Bart's
Before heading home, stop at Black Bart's for brunch. The Nashville hot chicken and waffles and chocolate banana churro waffle were both incredible.
Explore Main Street
Spend some time walking around downtown Pagosa Springs and popping into the local shops.
A few stops worth checking out:
Ramblin' Renegade — A fun boutique with unique finds and gifts.
Goodman's — A great local stop while you're exploring downtown.
PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods — One of the most unique businesses in town. They create beautiful custom bamboo fly rods, and you can learn about the craftsmanship behind them.
Memory Lane Antique Shop— Take some time to wander and see what treasures you can find.
Soak at The Overlook
For another hot springs experience, check out The Overlook. It's located in a historic Victorian-style bathhouse and has natural hot mineral water soaking options, including rooftop soaking tubs with mountain views. It's such a unique combination of history + hot springs + Colorado scenery.
Private Carriage Ride with Buckaroos
End your day with a private carriage ride through the mountains with Buckaroos. You'll get beautiful mountain views, learn about the area's history, and spend time with their gorgeous horses. And if you're visiting during the holidays, they also offer an epic holiday carriage ride, which would make this an especially fun winter experience.
DAY 3 — Hot Air Balloon Ride
Start with coffee at The Root House
Start your morning at The Root House for coffee and one of their delicious cinnamon rolls. It's a great little morning stop before an epic day of adventure.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of the most unique things you can do in Pagosa Springs is take a hot air balloon ride with Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures. Seeing the mountains and surrounding landscape from above is an unforgettable way to experience the area.
Lunch at Riff Raff Brewing
Fun restaurant on the river. Grab a beer and enjoy a delicious burger with a view.
One Last Soak
And, of course, don't leave Pagosa without one last soak! That's one of the best things about staying at The Springs Resort — you can squeeze in another hot springs session before you hit the road.
Chimney Rock represents one of the largest Pueblo II (900-1150 AD) communities in southwestern Colorado and is considered a Chacoan cultural “outlier.”
MORE THINGS TO DO IN PAGOSA SPRINGS
If you have more time, there are plenty of ways to turn this into a longer trip:
Hiking and biking
Waterfalls and alpine lakes
More natural hot springs
Fly fishing
Winter activities and snowshoeing
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Scenic drives
Spa experiences
Live music and local events
