you get what you pay for... it is free... and rustic. Some consider rustic as old and dilapidated. I think the hobo pool is awesome. A place to change, a large HOT pool, another cooler pool, and the river to jump in if you are way too hot.
The hot pools underwent significant renovations a couple of years ago and are now much more up to date and appealing for a visit. They really are a 100% natural spring and totally free to locals and visitors alike. 2 pools available for either very hot oe not so hot.
Just try it, don't complain about the mild sulfur smell, that's what heals you, or the small amount of algae, that is normal and insignificant to the process.Upgraded recently, free to the public and if you are smart and bold, jump in the river for the full experience.
We stopped by after driving through Medicine Bow National forest. We stopped at dusk and stayed into the early evening. There were many local people at the pool and they were all very friendly. The river was fun and many temperature variations from cold to really warm. There was a herd of deer enjoying the river with us. The really hot pool was what you would expect HOT! The other pool was more of a hot tub temperature and comfortable. The place was clean and in good condition. The locals keep it up really well. This is not your commercial hot springs so if that is more your style then I would drive on. The water wasn't full of algae "floating around" but the there was algae on the steps and benches. Watch the steps they are very slippery. There are lockers if you want to bring a padlock and use them. We had our stuff in bags and no one bothered it.
Love the hobo pool, now there are more options for a cooler dip in the smaller pool. The changing rooms have been upgraded recently and are very nice.
Open 24/7 all year long the Hot Springs of Saratoga and sooooo soothing! During the summer an outdoor swimming pool (heated but part of the springs) is open for $4 a day. The hot springs are free with 2 pools. One is a little hotter 115-120 degrees and the other around 104F. There are changing rooms and showers. No alcohol allowed. Big tip: When getting in the hot springs, slide in from the side.....THE STEPS ARE USUALLY VERY SLIPPERY! Awesome discovery!
We visited the Hobo Hot Pool after riding motorcycle over Snowy Range Pass. It was pretty chilly on top, so a hot pool was inviting. Signage made the hot spring easy to find. It is next to the towns municipal swimming pool. We were surprised at how hot it was. They have built a concrete deck with seating round the hot spring. The have a dressing house available with lockers. It is open 24/7 365 according to local people at the pool. There are safety warning signs and warnings about the heat of the pool. It is a sulfur spring, so the sulfur odor is abundant. It is free of charge to experience this hot spring.
Visited Saratoga in July, the weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Walked to the hobo hot springs twice from our hotel (The Wolf), it was a nice walk. Went in the newer not so hot pool and then into the river which has warm water also coming into it. There is also a shower house and bathroom, which look pretty new. Can't beat the facilities for the price (free), there is also a public pool also, but there is a charge.
Walk around the back of the town swimming pool (that costs $) to the hot spring pools. It's truly amazing that the town offers these free to the public. There are gender separate changing rooms with toilets and showers and drinking fountains on site. Consider flip-flops for the wet floors, and for walking around the creek area.There are two large soaking pools, made of stone and concrete with pebble bottom floors. The stairs have railings, USE THEM because the algae makes the stairs crazy slippery! The largest pool is the hottest, and could fit at least 40 people comfortably. Most people find it too hot during the heat of the day. The smaller pool fits 15-20 people, and is a comfortable temperature for everyone. There is a little off-shoot of the big river, where natural, cooler pools are formed in the water. Tons of crawdads, too.Something about the free admission seems to make most of the soakers a good deal friendlier than any other hot spring I've been to. Locals and tourists--young and old--all come together to create a loud, jovial vibe. Law enforcement unobtrusively throughout the day, and we felt quite cozy and safe.After dark, everyone comes down to the springs, so expect a crowd! If you want to bring a padlock, you can lock your things in one of the 50 or so lockers.Thanks, Saratoga!
Many people pay a lot of money to soak in a natural hot springs pool. This is an amazing place to relax for free. Other than the sulfur smell it is fun to go to with your friends. There are three different pools. A small very hot one, a big hot pool, & a new medium pool with a temp that you can stay in for a while. Be sure to stop here when you are in Saratoga.