Are you visiting Aspen this summer and looking for the perfect place to cool down? Or perhaps you’re making the trip while the weather’s still a bit chilly, and you want to spend some time in a natural hot spring. Either way, there are plenty of places to get into the water in Aspen Snowmass.
Aspen Snowmass is a world-renowned skiing destination, but there’s more to the area than our impressive slopes! From alpine lakes to mountain swimming holes and hot springs, there are plenty of places to beat the heat (or immerse yourself in it).
Alright, let’s get down to it. Come with us as we explore Aspen's top swimming holes and hot springs!
Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is one of our favorite swimming spots in Aspen Snowmass! It is called Devil’s Punchbowl for a reason, though…this spot is not for the faint of heart!
You’ll need to hike about a mile from the parking lot to reach the swimming hole. Once you get there, it’s quite the sight! A series of waterfalls surrounded by 20-foot cliffs cascade down into a crystal-clear pool at the bottom.
If you decide to get in the water, be prepared! Even in the summertime, the falls are freezing cold. Make sure to bring dry clothes to warm your body temperature back up afterward! It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day in Aspen Snowmass.
Ruedi Reservoir
Though it’s a little bit farther out of town (just under an hour-long drive), Ruedi Reservoir is another great place to swim in Aspen Snowmass. In fact, it’s one of our favorite local family-friendly swim spots!
If you’re looking to take advantage of other water sports like boating, fishing, or kayaking, this is the place to be. There are plenty of opportunities for recreational water activities here! One of our personal favorites is standup paddleboarding, which has become quite popular here. Ruedi Reservoir is a great spot for swimming, too, though, so if you want to stick to the basics, that’s more than alright.
North Star Nature Preserve
The Roaring Fork River runs through Aspen and provides many opportunities for summer recreation. Fly fishing is one of the most popular! Many folks also like to “float the river” in the summertime—this involves getting on inner tubes and, well, floating along the river. It’s really that simple!
If you get hot while floating, feel free to plunge into the water at North Star Nature Preserve. The general flow of the river through the preserve makes it a great area to float and swim. It’s another excellent family-friendly option, too; the gentle current is easily manageable for young kids or beginner swimmers.
There’s even a small sandy beach at the preserve! Sit down for a picnic with the family after some time out on the water. As always, remember to leave no trace and clean up any and all food remnants!
BUFFER
Aspen Snowmass Hot Springs
Alright, so we’ve covered ways to cool down on your Aspen Snowmass vacation. But what if you want to warm up and relax in a hot spring? It’s almost like having a natural spa day! These are our favorite hot springs near Aspen Snowmass:
Glenwood Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool! Just an hour’s drive from Aspen Snowmass, it’s a can’t-miss activity if you’re looking for serenity and relaxation during your trip.
The mineral-rich, 104°F waters are perfect for soaking sore muscles and revitalizing your spirits—this is the perfect place to go after spending some time hiking in Aspen Snowmass! The hot spring is open year-round, so you can enjoy it any time of year (though it is quite majestic to relax in the hot pool while you look out over snow-capped mountains).
Glenwood can get crowded, so book your reservation early to make sure you get a slot!
Penny Hot Springs
Check out this free hot spring near Aspen Snowmass! Penny Hot Springs is naturally fed with hot mineral water, and it’s not part of a resort like Glenwood, meaning it’s completely free to use. The spring is located on the Crystal River just past Carbondale, about forty-five minutes from Aspen.
Similar to Glenwood, it’s the perfect stop after a day of physical activity, whether you’re tired from skiing, hiking, biking, or something else! The best time to visit is typically from summer through winter; spring snowmelt can sometimes overflow Penny Hot Springs, so springtime is not as ideal.
The water temperature is more varied here since the spring is naturally occurring but stays fairly hot from the natural spring that feeds it. The pool comfortably holds about ten people, so the earlier you arrive, the better to avoid crowds!
Pictured: Hot springs on Conundrum Creek Trail in Aspen, Colorado.
Enjoy the Water in a Frias Properties Vacation Rental
These spots are all great to get out and enjoy the water, but you can also book your stay in a rental with a hot tub or pool when you stay at Frias Properties! We have rentals with heated pools that are perfect for any season, and properties with hot tubs designed to make your Aspen Snowmass stay as relaxing as possible.
BUFFER
Book Your Stay in Aspen Snowmass Directly with Frias Properties!
When it comes to booking the best vacation rentals in the area, look no further than Frias Properties. With years of property management experience, gorgeous mountainside vacation rentals, and a local team here to help you every step of the way, you can’t go wrong when you stay with us. Plus, you save time, money, and stress when you book directly with a local company instead of using a third-party service like Airbnb or VRBO.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to book that vacation! We can’t wait to see you when you get to Aspen Snowmass. Browse our available Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals today and book your trip directly with Frias Properties!
Exploring Aspen Snowmass: Leave No Trace
Before we explore these places of natural beauty, it is important to note that the “leave no trace” rule is essential when venturing outdoors in Aspen Snowmass (and anywhere else). If you’re not familiar with it, “leave no trace” means exactly what you’d think: leave the trails and swimming holes exactly as you found them.
If you’re carrying in water or snacks to stay hydrated and satiated throughout the day (which is highly recommended), make sure to take all wrappers and trash with you. It’s critical to take care of our natural areas so they stay beautiful for future generations!