Pagosa Springs is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado! Here are my top 5 things to do in Pagosa Springs - a wonderful small town packed with adventure. In today's video we'll explore the worlds deepest hot springs, go trout fishing in the San Juan National Forest, get up close to towering Colorado waterfalls, and explore downtown Pagosa Springs.
So saddle up! This charming town will have you returning in no time!
My name is Michael Johnson with Film Compass, a travel guide channel dedicated to showing you the best places to see across the country. Without further ado, here are the best places to see in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
00:00 Intro
00:21 Hot Springs
00:59 San Juan Forest
03:13 Treasure Falls
03:49 Wolf Creek Pass & Continental Divide
04:33 Downtown
1. Hot Springs 🔥
There are plenty of things to do in Pagosa Springs, and a relaxing day at the hot springs in downtown should not be missed. These springs are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado and probably the most popular attraction in Pagosa Springs. The springs here are known for being the deepest known hot springs in the world at 1,002 feet. Looking for places to stay in Pagosa Springs? There are several resorts in the area - The Springs Resort & Spa, Healing Waters Resort & Spa and Overlook Hot Springs Spa. Day passes can cost around $49 for adults and $46 for senior citizens. There are two hot springs resorts in town that offer rooms - The Springs and Healing Waters. The Pagosa hot springs are a great location for warming up after a long day of skiing at the Wolf Creek Ski Area.
2. San Juan National Forest 🌲
In my opinion, this is one the best national forests in Colorado - it has a little bit of everything! Located just outside of Pagosa, this forest is full of waterfalls including Piedra Falls, Treasure Falls and Silver Falls. Piedra falls is a 45 minute drive from Pagosa Springs but the drive will captivate you the entire way. It’s also a very easy walk and only takes about 30 minutes.
For something a bit more adventurous - head to Silver Falls of USFS 667. Silver Falls is not far from town but the forest road is a bit rough so it’s best taken in a bigger vehicle or something you don’t care too much about like a rental car.
At 1.8 million acres this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado. The San Juan National Forest is great for trout fishing and is home to some of the best fly fishing. It’s not uncommon to see many people fly fishing in Pagosa Springs along the San Jaun River. The national forest that feeds this river is home to many species of wildlife and a crystal clear night sky. It’s one of my favorite places to see in Colorado and should definitely be on your list of places to explore.
3. Treasure Falls 🌊
Treasure Falls is about 15 miles outside of Pagosa Springs. With parking just off highway 160 - this waterfall is a great little stop for a short hike to the waterfalls base. When flowing at max capacity, this waterfall truly is a treasure of Colorado.
This Colorado waterfall stands a very tall 105 feet and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the San Juan National Forest. Be sure to check out the legend of Treasure Falls as it is a fascinating read!
4. Wolf Creek Ski Area & The Continental Divide 🏂🥾
If you come to Pagosa Springs in the winter chances are you’re here for some of the best skiing in Colorado. This ski area is huge and is no stranger to record snowfall! A Wolf Creek Ski ticket starts at about $70 for a half day - while season passes cost closer to $1,000. Naturally, if you came to Pagosa Springs to enjoy a Colorado summer then you aren’t going to see any snow but that’s okay as some phenomenal hiking trails are just down the road at the historic Continental Divide.
The Continental Divide is a massive divide that separates the East and Western United States. All the rivers East of this divide flow into the Atlantic while all rivers West of this divide flow into the Pacific. The Continental Divide is also home to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that spans from Mexico all the way into Canada. 70% of this trail is completed. With over 3,000 miles of trail you won’t be short on an epic hiking adventure here.
5. Downtown Pagosa Springs 🏙
Last but surely not least is Downtown Pagosa Springs. This cute little downtown area has 2 miles of walking trail that parallels the San Juan River and is an excellent location to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a hot spring or even go tubing in the summer. With plenty of little shops and restaurants to choose from you’ll have everything you need for a wonderful vacation.
Thank you for watching my Pagosa Springs Travel Guide - Top 5 Things to Do video 🏔
Have a great time on your next Colorado vacation and remember to bring your hiking shoes:)