Avalanche Ranch takes hot springs "only" visitors on a space available basis during reservation times. We frequently enjoy the relaxing waters without actually staying in one of the cabins or wagons, although it would be a great family adventure. The hot springs are well situated with views of surrounding forests and peaks. There are three total pools - hot, medium, tepid - and a flowing waterfall. The pools and surrounding area are clean and charming. The men's and women's changing area and a lav are major if you are not a guest at the ranch. Highly recommend for a quick "retreat" from the everyday ordinary!
My teen daughter, golden retriever and I stayed in the shepherd's cabin -- a restored 1909 original. It was VERY cool, and I love the personal little luxurious touches the owners provide -- a plate of cookies with a note, towels tied up in a ribbon, along with a special "pet" towel for the dog, a small cookie jar of dog treats, etc. The wagon was adorably decorated, and we hit the hot springs immediately the first night. They're open 24/7 -- but there are "quiet hours". No problem, we didn't plan on doing any cannonballs. :) The pools themselves are amazing. There are 4, total, at three different temps. Sitting in them and checking out the stars is amazing, as are the cotttonwood trees overhanging part of the pool area. I don't know if time of year has anything to do with it, but I was able to put aside the fears raised by other reviews -- NO SNAKES, AT ALL. Not one, not a hint of one, nothing "creepy" or "slimy" etc. in the water. It was great. Our golden loved roaming with the other dogs, and my daughter found some great hand-knitted fingerless gloves in the "Antiques store". Don't head there because you're a big fan of antiques, however -- it's really more of a gift shop. Great stay!! Don't forget to drive on down the road (4 mi) while there to visit Redstone, CO. The Redstone Inn serves amazing food, the general store is great, the history is interesting, and there's a beautiful little gallery right on the river. Our trip took us all over South Dakota, Wyoming (including Yellowstone and Grand Teton) and Colorado, and Redstone was arguably the most special spot for us on the entire trip.
Very nice but small. Good for a small group only. Three small pools with beautiful rock work and a small waterfall. Grassy area for picnic and some trees for shade. Nice little get away.
I'd heard about this hotsprings from multiple friends and was finally able to visit. What a fantastic place. The setting is beautiful and the pools are lovely. The locker room is very small, so changing before you come is best. Bring food for snacking and don't miss out on enjoying each of the three pools!
Three pools provide various experiences for a hot spring experience. The lower pool is the largest and the coolest. A good place for families and small children. We were there on a weekday and the pool was never crowded. The next pool up a few well landscaped steps was the hottest and another up a few more steps was in between in temperature. The upper pools have splendid views of Elephant Mountain. You can soak and look for the contours in the mountain that truly suggest an elephant. For a day trip it was just fine. Residents of the ranch have the advantage of soaking under the stars. Closed Wednesdays.
We only visited the hot springs, but plan to bring the kids back to stay in a cabin. Know that if you do not stay, you have to call ahead and make a reservation to soak. The tubs are clean, warm, and relaxing. Small, cozy, and not too busy, these springs are a completely different experience than the big Glenwood pool!
We loved our "covered wagon" room with a pot belly stove and electricity right near the hot springs. Cookies were awaiting us and although nice and cozy it was just enough room and quite an experience. take the hike to the lake, it was quaint!
A gorgeous setting for this beautifully maintained hot springs and cabins. The pools of natural thermal water are tastefully designed and built, they are careful to keep the number of people very low so that it is a restful spa like experience. Absolutely gorgeous setting in a truly pristine part of Colorado. If you like off the beaten path experience, Avalanche Ranch is the place for you. Also, the staff was incredibly helpful.
We rented a car and drove to the little town of Redstone. The scenery was beautiful and it wasn't a bad drive from Aspen. The springs were wonderful and relaxing. This was the perfect way to finish our vacation and I would highly recommend taking the time to do it. It was one of my favorite places we visited.
Always fun, always amazing. What a gem! This has been the best addition to the western slope. Each season gets better and better. It is paradise!