Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for Mount Princeton Hot Springs.

Family hot spring pools between Buena Vista and Salida, including creekside pools where hot spring water mixes with the creek. No reservations, open 9 to 9 year-round, and the resort says early mornings are the calm time.

Know before you go. Mount Princeton doesn't list sensory supports. Here's what it does say about calm times, the pools and the cold.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Address
15870 County Road 162, Nathrop 81236 (about 15 minutes south of Buena Vista, 25 minutes north of Salida) Directions
Hours
Open year-round, 9 am to 9 pm.
Call
719-395-2447 Resort

What it's like

In their own words

Crowds
“Early morning soaks are serene and crowd-free, while nighttime soaking under Colorado's starry skies is magical. Plan your visit to avoid peak hours for ultimate relaxation.” mtprinceton.com
Sound
At the Creekside Hot Springs, “the gentle sounds of nature accompany your soak.” The creek pools are “fed by natural hot spring water mixing with the creek.” mtprinceton.com
Temperature
“In winter, don't forget a hat and warm coat for walking between pools.” The Upper Pools offer “a range of temperatures.” mtprinceton.com
Rules
“You may leave and enter the hot springs throughout the day from 9:00AM – 9:00PM.” mtprinceton.com
Waits
No reservations are needed, and walk-ins are welcome. Day passes are bought in person. mtprinceton.com

When it's quieter

In their own words mtprinceton.com

“Early morning soaks are serene and crowd-free.”

Our note The family pools are the Historic Bath House, the creekside hot springs, the upper pools and the infinity pool. The Spa & Club is for overnight guests and spa patrons 16 and up.

Three things to know

  1. Kids 4 to 15 pay the child price; 3 and under are free; adults are 16 and up. Call 719-395-2447 for current day-pass prices.
  2. Swimsuits are required at all times. Day guests rent towels with a deposit.
  3. The resort is at 8,250 feet: “The high altitude can dehydrate you quickly.” Bring water.

What it doesn't list

  • sensory hours or a quieter session
  • a quiet room
  • sensory kits or headphones to borrow
  • a social story

To ask about any of these, call 719-395-2447.

More: the pools, weather, food

Mount Princeton names no loud spots; this is the quieter spot it describes

Hotter

Quieter

Creekside Hot Springsquiet zone
  • “Children are welcome to swim and soak at the Historic Bath House.”
  • Guests can't bring their own alcohol into the pools.
  • The resort is smoke-free.
  • Colorado weather “seems to change quickly”; pack layers.

What Mount Princeton doesn't say

  • not stated 2026-27 day-pass prices
  • not stated pool temperatures
  • not stated family changing rooms
  • not stated whether music plays at the pools

Source: mtprinceton.comChecked Sun, Oct 25, 2026

Visual schedule

Hot Springs Day

  • Drive to the hot springs
  • Get our tickets
  • Go to the locker room
  • Put on my swimsuit
  • Sit in the hot spring
  • Put on my coat
  • Take a break
  • Drink water
  • Get dressed
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

More ways to get ready for the hot springs

What to expect

Walk in and buy a day pass on site. The Historic Bath House, the creekside hot springs, the upper pools and the infinity pool are all open to families; the Spa & Club pools are for ages 16 and up. You can leave and come back any time between 9 am and 9 pm. In winter you walk outside between pools. Change anything.

Common questions

What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?

That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.

Can I make this in Spanish?

Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.