South Canyon Hot Springs
118°F
Source water (NOAA)
Short walk
Easy access
Free
No fee reported
South Canyon Hot Springs is a set of undeveloped, free pools on city-owned land about 5 miles west of Glenwood Springs. A short walk from a small roadside lot leads to one or two shallow pools on a hillside with views. The city has reported unsafe bacteria levels in the water, and visitors describe the pools as sometimes murky.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- No camping nearbyThe city says there are no authorized campsites in South Canyon. Illegal camping is a stated concern. The BLM South Canyon river access site nearby also prohibits camping.
- Parking
- Pools2 (one or two usable depending on the time of year)
- ModerateEarly morning or late afternoon, and weekdays, for fewer people.
- SeasonDescribed as accessible year-round, though one pool may be too stagnant or shallow to use at some times. Winter conditions are not documented.
- Free to soakNo fee reported.
Best time to go. Early morning or late afternoon, and weekdays, for fewer people. Fall is also recommended.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with City of Glenwood Springs.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
Not closed as of the latest sources found. The city's South Canyon Management Plan, passed in 2024, covers wildfire restrictions, illegal camping and parking, and keeps much of the canyon undeveloped. A brush fire (Paradise Creek Fire) closed I-70 near South Canyon on June 9, 2026. Garfield County lifted fire restrictions on Sept 22-23, 2026. Check current fire restrictions before going.
City testing found high fecal bacteria levels and weak filtration flow, so the water is considered unsafe. Pools can be shallow, murky or stagnant. The trail is steep and slippery when wet. Wildfire risk in the canyon is high. The pools are close to I-70.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Glenwood Springs.
- 1
From Glenwood Springs, take I-70 west about 5 miles to exit 111 (South Canyon).
- 2
Turn left onto CR 134 (South Canyon Creek Rd) and go about 1.2 miles to a small gravel pullout on the right.
- 3
Parking is limited, and one report says roadside parking is not allowed.
- 4
A short worn trail of about 1/8 to 1/4 mile leads over a hill and a small stream to the pools on the hillside.
39.5520, −107.4120 · nearest town Glenwood Springs, CO
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Glenwood Springs, from campgrounds to cabins.
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