Entry No. 10 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: soak
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
“The rules read like a secret society's bylaws — and after dark, they mean it.”
Seven miles up a dirt road from Steamboat, the rules read like a secret society's bylaws: cash only, no pets, timed entry — and once the sun drops, the whole place goes clothing-optional and 18-and-up, with phone cameras and bright lights banned outright. The pools are hand-stacked stone terraces stepping down a creek, scalding spring water tempered pool by pool until the lowest one hovers around 102. From November to May, Routt County law says you don't even get up the road without 4WD and snow tires.
The move: Reserve the latest evening slot, ride a shuttle from town so the 4WD ordinance is someone else's problem, and claim the lowest stone pool as the lights go out and the steam takes over.
📍 Before you go The springs sit at the end of County Road 36, about seven miles from downtown Steamboat, and the last two miles are steep and unpaved; from November 1 to May 1, Routt County law requires 4WD or AWD with snow tires or chains, and shuttle operators run from town if your car does not qualify. Entry is by timed reservation and cash only, parking fits standard-size vehicles only, and a short walk leads from the lot down to the pools. After dark the pools turn clothing-optional and adults-only, with bright lights and phone cameras prohibited, so bring a headlamp on its dimmest setting and a towel you can find blind. Changing huts are rustic; pair the soak with dinner back in Steamboat, or book the on-site caboose or cabins far ahead.
- 📍 Steamboat Springs
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: 44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — 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: 2026-06-11