Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort: Complete Visitor Guide 2026
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort sits in Nathrop, Colorado, 15 minutes south of Buena Vista and 25 minutes north of Salida, at 15870 County Road 162. The resort offers 6 geothermal pools fed by natural mineral water, from the Creekside pools along Chalk Creek to the 105°F Infinity Pool framed by the Chalk Cliffs.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the resort has welcomed visitors since 1879 and sits at 8,250 feet elevation. Day passes start at $65. Visit CATravelTimes for more mountain travel guides like this one.
What is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort? Quick Details
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort has served visitors since 1879, when investors from the Mary Murphy Mine built a 3-story hotel, though Ute Indians used the springs long before. The resort sits on 70 acres at 8,250 feet, between Buena Vista and Salida in Chaffee County.
General admission costs $65 per adult, with pool temperatures ranging from 95°F to 105°F. TripAdvisor rates the resort 4 out of 5 from 3,925 reviews. The next section covers how to reach the resort.
How to find Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort? Directions & Map
The resort is located at 15870 County Road 162, Nathrop, Colorado 81236 (GPS: 38.7331, -106.1625). From Highway 285, drive 5.5 miles south of Johnson Village to Nathrop, then turn onto County Road 162 at the sign marked “Mount Princeton and St. Elmo.”
The resort is 4.5 miles down this paved road, on the left side. Parking is free and marked clearly near the main lodge. The drive from Denver takes about 2 hours 28 minutes. Photos of the property help visitors picture the route before arrival.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Photos – Scenic Views
Photos of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort typically show the Infinity Pool framed by the Chalk Cliffs, steam rising off the Creekside pools at sunrise, and the historic Bath House exterior. Evening shots capture the pools lit against a darkening mountain sky. Winter photos show snow-covered peaks behind steaming water. The next section covers everything visitors ask before booking.
Everything You Need to Know About Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Free to Visit?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is not free. General day pass admission costs $65 per adult for access to the Bath House, Creekside pools, Upper Pools, and Infinity Pool. Children ages 4 to 15 pay child pricing, and children 3 and under enter free.
What Are Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Prices?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort prices start at $65 for the general day pass. The Relaxation Pass, which adds access to the adults-only Spa & Club, costs $95. Overnight guests receive 2 days of hot springs access included with their stay, along with reduced-rate seasonal specials such as $20 Bath House entry.
What Are Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Hours?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort stays open year-round from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. No reservations are required for day passes; guests buy tickets onsite and can leave and re-enter throughout the day.
Where Is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Located?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort sits in Nathrop, Colorado (Chaffee County), between Buena Vista to the north and Salida to the south. The resort address is 15870 County Road 162, Nathrop, CO 81236, reached from Highway 285. A similar creekside soaking setup can be found at Travertine Hot Springs in California, where visitors also mix hot mineral water with cooler stream flow.
Is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Family-Friendly?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort welcomes families at the Bath House, Creekside pools, Upper Pools, and Infinity Pool. Only the Spa & Club section, reserved for guests 16 and older, is off-limits to children. A seasonal water slide adds a family attraction near the main pools.
What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort?
Water temperature at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort varies by pool. The Infinity Pool holds steady at 105°F, while natural vents along Chalk Creek reach 130°F before mixing with cold creek water for a custom soak. The Bath House pools stay in the 98°F to 104°F range. Conditions stay pleasant year-round, though each season offers a different experience.
Early mornings and weekdays offer the smallest crowds in any season. The next section covers what to pack for a visit.
Things to Do at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Beyond soaking, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and its surroundings offer hiking, dining, and mountain scenery worth building a full day around.
Soak in the Creekside Pools
The Creekside pools sit directly along Chalk Creek at the resort, rated 4.5 stars on Google Maps, included with the $65 day pass. Visitors dig their own pool depth and blend hot mineral water with cold creek flow by hand.
Ride the Infinity Pool Water Slide
The seasonal water slide feeds into the Infinity Pool at the resort, rated 4.4 stars on Google Maps, included with general admission. It runs during summer months and appeals mainly to kids and teens.
Dine at Mary Murphy Steak House
Mary Murphy Steak House sits in the main lodge at the resort, rated 4.2 stars on Google Maps, with entrées averaging $20–$40. The restaurant serves breakfast through dinner with Chalk Cliffs views from every table, and Thursday Prime Rib Night runs $50.
Visit the Chalk Cliffs Overlook
The Chalk Cliffs rise directly behind the resort in Nathrop, a free scenic viewpoint rated 4.7 stars on Google Maps. White volcanic rock formations tower above the pools and make for the resort’s most photographed backdrop.
Explore St. Elmo Ghost Town
St. Elmo Ghost Town sits about 11.5 miles from the resort near Nathrop, rated 4.5 stars on Google Maps, free to walk through. The preserved 1880s mining town offers original buildings, a general store, and mountain hiking trailheads.
Book a Trail Ride at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stables
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stables operates 2.6 kilometers from the resort in Nathrop, rated 4.6 stars on Google Maps, with rides starting around $60. Guided horseback tours cover ranch land and mountain trails near Chalk Creek.
Fish at Chalk Cliff Fish Hatchery
Chalk Cliff Fish Hatchery sits about 3 kilometers from the resort, rated 4.3 stars on Google Maps, free to visit. The state-run hatchery raises trout and offers a quiet walk along holding ponds near the creek.
Book a Massage at the Resort Spa
The onsite Spa & Club at the resort offers treatments starting around $100, rated 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Guests 16 and older can pair a massage with access to the adults-only Relaxation Pool. Visitors comparing options may also enjoy Hilltop Hot Springs for a more rustic, undeveloped soak.
Most visitors pair 2–3 hours of soaking with a meal onsite and a short drive to nearby attractions. The next section covers lodging and dining options near the resort.
Where to Stay & Eat Near Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort?
Staying onsite gives guests 2 days of hot springs access per night booked, while nearby Buena Vista offers additional lodging and dining choices for those exploring the wider area.
Hotels Near Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
- Creekside Suites (Onsite) Creekside Suites offer 1 king bed, sleep up to 4 guests, and sit steps from the pools at the resort. Rates run $250–$350 per night, rated 9.4/10 on Booking.com, with creek-view balconies as the standout feature.
- Cabins (Onsite) The large 3-bedroom cabins sleep up to 10 guests with a full kitchen and fireplace, located on the resort grounds. Rates run $300–$450 per night, rated 9.4/10 on Booking.com, ideal for groups traveling together.
- Surf Hotel & Residences Surf Hotel & Residences sits about 9 miles from the resort in Buena Vista, offering river-view rooms for 2–4 guests. Rates run $200–$300 per night, rated 4.6 stars on Google Maps, known for its riverside patio.
Restaurants Near Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
- Mary Murphy Steak House Mary Murphy Steak House, 15870 County Road 162, Nathrop, CO 81236, serves American steakhouse fare in the $20–$40 range. Rated 4.2 stars on Google Maps, open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM daily, known for its Thursday Prime Rib special.
- The Asher Brewing Co Taproom The Asher Brewing Co Taproom, located in Buena Vista about 9 miles from the resort, serves pub food and craft beer in the $10–$20 range. Rated 4.5 stars on Google Maps, open 11:00 AM–9:00 PM daily, popular for its outdoor patio.
What Are People Saying About Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort?
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort holds 3,925 reviews on TripAdvisor with a 4.3 out of 5 rating, and 8.6 out of 10 on Booking.com from 812 verified stays. Guests consistently praise the Creekside pools, mountain views, and friendly staff.
Families highlight the water slide, while couples favor the adults-only Relaxation Pool. A few reviewers mention long check-in lines and limited locker space during peak weekends.
Final Thoughts on Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort suits families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a mountain soak with real variety, from riverside dig-your-own pools to a structured Infinity Pool. Visitors chasing total solitude may find summer weekends crowded, so weekday mornings work best.
One detail worth remembering: day passes are sold onsite with no reservation, but arriving before 11:00 AM avoids the longest lines. Between the Chalk Cliffs backdrop and the range of pool temperatures, Mount Princeton delivers a soak worth the drive. Explore more soaking spots on the Hot Springs Destination at CATravelTimes.
FAQs About Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Q. How much does Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort cost?
General admission costs $65 per adult. The Relaxation Pass with Spa & Club access costs $95.
Q. Does Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort require reservations?
No. Day passes are sold onsite, and guests can enter and exit freely between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Q. Can you camp at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort?
The resort does not offer onsite camping. Nearby national forest campgrounds along Chalk Creek provide tent and RV sites within a short drive.
Q. Are the pools at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort safe for kids?
Yes, the Bath House, Creekside pools, Upper Pools, and Infinity Pool welcome all ages. Only the Spa & Club section restricts entry to guests 16 and older.
Q. Does Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort get crowded?
Weekends and summer afternoons draw the largest crowds. Weekday mornings and the off-season months of October through April stay noticeably quieter.
Q. Is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort open in winter?
Yes, the resort operates year-round, and the outdoor pools stay warm even when snow covers the surrounding peaks.
Q. How far is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort from Denver?
The resort sits about 130 miles from Denver, a drive of roughly 2 hours 28 minutes via Highway 285.
