penny hot springs

This hot spring is right off the highway between Carbondale and Redstone. You can't miss it because there are a bunch of cars parked there. You have to navigate down a steep, rocky cliff to get to the pools in the side of the river. I wouldn't want to do it in the dark. No one manages this space, is what I was told. When we went there was trash and underwear strewn about. The pools were only about 1 foot deep and it was impossible to find a spot that wasn't too hot or too cold. Yes, this is a free spring but, of course, you get what you pay for. Next time, I'll fork out the dollars and go to Glenwood Hot Springs. Also, if you do visit, please take your trash with you. Its just rude to leave your garbage behind in such a beautiful, pristine area. Like I said, no one manages this area. I filled up my cooler with empty bottles, cigarette butts, and abandoned clothes.

My husband and I have gone here twice in the last week. We went during sundown and in the early afternoon. The sun hits right on the three spring pools most of the day. the first major pool is fed by the river's cold water and a stream from the hot spring. Next to this pool are two other pools, sectioned off. They are very hot on top and very cold on the bottom. You can move the rocks to change the temperature. However, the locals work on the pool daily, trying to get the proper mixture of water between the river and spring. Both times we went, there were at least three other people in the pool. We had ten in it last time. Every one is very friendly as well. I'm not sure why this is under Snowmass Village as a location, as it's between Carbondale and Redstone. It's just North of mile marker 55 on hwy 133.

This was a last minute add on to trip itinerary. We were going to spend $$ and go to Glenwood Hot Springs, but did not have that much time, so we found this instead. It was about a 15 min. drive South of Carbondale, and it was a nice find. There were a couple of very hot springs that were pouring into the extremely cold Crystal River, which produces a nice blend of perfectly tempered water. You can spend some time and build a wall of stones to create a nice pool of warm water, and if the water gets to hot, just let it some of the river water and it cools it down nicely. Great experience, but get there early, if you'd like to be alone. You could probably create a small pool which could hold about 10 people.

We always loving stoping here while we are visiting family in the valley. Make sure you go early in the morning if you don't want to be bothered by others. Always a great time with a few beers and going during the winter.