Entry No. 58 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: hot-springs-wellness

South Canyon Hot Springs

Dump trucks rumble up the county road past the pullout roughly every ten minutes — the county landfill is just up the canyon — and yet the 100–112°F pool half a mile from I-70 Exit 111 is free, clothing-optional, and unknown to most of the tourists soaking at the famous commercial springs five miles east. The pool bottom is peat and volcanic ash mud; the water smells of sulfur; and nothing separates you from the hillside except the well-worn path you walked in on. It sits on the opposite side of Glenwood Springs from the marketing machine, which is exactly why it stays quiet.

The move: Park the car at the gravel pullout off South Canyon Creek Road, cross the creek, and spend an afternoon in a steaming canyon pool with no wristbands, no towel rentals, and no swim-up bar.

📍 Before you go Take I-70 Exit 111 west of Glenwood Springs, turn left at the stop sign onto South Canyon Creek Road (CR 134), cross the bridge, and watch for the gravel pullout on the right about 0.5 miles past the bridge — fits roughly 10 cars. The springs are not visible from the road. The path drops downhill, crosses South Canyon Creek, and climbs a short hillside — soft footing, not paved. No fee, no gate, no restrooms.

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

Where: South Canyon Creek Rd (CR 134), ~0.5 miles past the bridge, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

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

last checked: 2026-06-21