Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of hot springs resorts in Colorado, and Mount Princeton honestly surprised me in the best way possible. You know how some places look amazing online but then you show up and it’s all hype? This isn’t one of those places. The drive up County Road 162 from Buena Vista gives you this perfect preview – you’re winding through the Arkansas River valley with these massive 14ers looming overhead, and then suddenly there’s this historic resort tucked into the mountainside like it’s been there forever (which, honestly, it kind of has).

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep that authentic Colorado mountain vibe without feeling rustic in a bad way. The main lodge has this weathered stone and timber thing going on that actually feels genuine – not like someone hired a designer to make it look “mountain-y,” if you know what I mean. And the hot springs themselves? Well, they’re the real deal. Multiple pools at different temperatures, all fed by natural geothermal water that’s been bubbling up from the earth for thousands of years. I mean, you can literally see steam rising off the water even when it’s snowing, which happened during my December visit and was absolutely magical. The mineral smell isn’t overwhelming like at some springs – it’s just this subtle earthy scent that reminds you you’re soaking in something pretty special.

Here’s what I really appreciate though – the staff actually knows the area. When I asked about hiking trails, the front desk guy didn’t just hand me a generic brochure. He told me about the Chalk Creek Trail that starts basically right behind the resort, and how if you’re up for a longer haul, the Mount Princeton summit trail connects nearby (though he was honest that it’s a serious undertaking). The rooms are comfortable without being fancy – think clean mountain lodge rather than boutique hotel, which is exactly what you want here. Parking’s easy, check-in was smooth, and honestly the only minor complaint I have is that the restaurant can get pretty busy during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends when the Denver crowd drives down. But that’s sort of a good problem to have, right? Plus, Buena Vista’s just a quick 15-minute drive if you want more dining options – though I’d recommend at least one dinner at the resort because the views from the dining room are pretty spectacular, especially if you time it right for sunset over the Collegiate Peaks. This place just works, you know? It’s not trying to be something it’s not, the hot springs are genuinely therapeutic after a day of hiking or skiing, and you’ll sleep like a rock at this elevation. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.