Entry No. 37 — the Durango file — filed under: soak

Dunton Hot Springs

The saloon bar at this restored 1885 ghost town still carries Butch Cassidy's carved signature, and the iron-rich hot springs — sitting at 8,900 feet with no cell service — will permanently stain anything you wear into them. Thirteen original log cabins line the West Fork Dolores River, reached only after eight miles of unimproved dirt road with almost no signage and a de facto 12-mph speed limit. The pools run clothing-optional, the Milky Way is unobstructed, and no one outside the San Juans seems to know this place exists.

The move: Book a cabin for a night, soak in the outdoor mineral pool under the stars, then sign your name somewhere in the saloon and see if anyone notices.

📍 Before you go Eight miles of unimproved dirt-and-gravel road to the property — nearly no signage, slow going around 12 mph. Elevation 8,900 ft. No cell reception on site. Iron content in the springs will stain light-colored clothing permanently. Reservations required; this is a private resort.

• 📍 Dolores
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Indoor or outdoor

Where: 8532 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323

Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-21