Pagosa Springs sits quietly under the Continental Divide at the feet of southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. It’s home to the mineral-rich waters of the world’s deepest hot spring and abundant sunshine year-round.
The town offers plenty of opportunities to adventure outside, soothe the soul, and take in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. You will be hard-pressed to find a more refreshingly authentic mountain town.
Best Things to Do in Pagosa Springs
#1 Relax and Recharge at the Springs Resort
View from The Springs Resort dry sauna
The Springs Resort is both a hotel and a public hot spring.
We had the opportunity to stay on the newest side of their hotel expansion and were able to take advantage of their spa amenities and included spa activities. Their hot springs are open 24 hours and have adult only pools with relaxing views of the San Juan River.
Day passes can be purchased to experience the hot springs, but we recommend staying in their newer property so that you can take advantage of all the included activities and amenities.
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#2 Take a Pagosa Hot Air Balloon Ride
We took a 45-minute balloon ride to see Pagosa Springs from above! We were led by Austin (our brave pilot!) of Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures and his team through a 3-hour flight experience, which ended in a champagne toast and doughnuts!
It costs around $169 per person and operates daily between 6:45 AM and 9:45 AM.
We could not recommend this experience enough!
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#3 Visit a Waterfall
There are three amazing waterfalls to explore in the area. And each of them is easy to get to!
- Treasure Falls – The easiest waterfall. It takes no more than 15 minutes to get to the bridge where you can view the waterfall.
- Piedra Falls – Another easy waterfall hike (30 minutes in and out).
- Silver Falls – Hike up to a waterfall that takes about 20 minutes round trip.
#4 Explore the Chimney Rock National Monument
Just 20 minutes west of Pagosa Springs lies Chimney Rock National Monument, once a sacred home of the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon.
Take a tour mid-May through September and experience history firsthand. The cost is $20 per vehicle to drive up to the trailhead. From there, it takes about 10 minutes to get to the historic site.
We highly recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and sunscreen as it can get pretty hot and has very little shade.
#5 Check out the Pagosa Springs History Museum
A walk around historic downtown Pagosa Springs provides a window into the past, and the Pagosa Springs History Museum invites you to dig deeper into Pagosa Springs’ history through curated exhibits, many of which contain local artifacts, graciously donated by Pagosa area pioneer families.
The museum is open from mid-May through September.
#6 Check out the Pagosa Springs Farmer’s Market
#7 Walk Along the San Juan Riverwalk
#8 Go Tubing Along the San Juan River
#9 Take a Historic Train Ride
- Tracks Across Borders Byway
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
#10 See Animals at the Pagosa Wildlife Park
The Pagosa Wildlife Park is a great place to ogle at some animals. Here you’ll get a chance to see animals roam in their natural habitat.
Expect to spend at least 3 hours here! There is so much to see!
#10 See a Play at the Pagosa Center for the Arts
The Pagosa Center for the Arts is a great spot to watch plays, performances, and more.
#11 Play Golf
Enjoy 27 holes of golf at the Pagosa Springs Golf Course. The golf course here is absolutely gorgeous with reflective lakes and vast, lush greenery.
#12 Go Rafting/Kayaking/Paddleboarding
Where to Eat in Pagosa
There are surprisingly many dining options in Pagosa Springs! Here are some of our top recommendations.
- Alley House Grill
- Beny’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant – Delicious Mexican restaurant with huge portions. Come here for their cocktails. They’re so refreshing!
- Black Bart’s Brunch
- Mee Hmong – The FRESHEST meal we experienced in Pagosa Springs. Highly recommend their la mee chicken and avocado bowls. Mimi also bottles her tasty sauces to take home!
- Meander Eatery – A farm-to-table eatery located riverside. We LOVE their pork and steak dish. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Pagosa Bakery
- Patria
- Peak Deli
- Robert’s BBQ
- Sage Eatery
- Thai Pagosa
- Two Chicks and a Hippie – Great spot for breakfast and brunch with healthy options.
- Wild Finch – A new fine dining restaurant located onsite at the Springs Resort. The food here is definitely worth trying. We loved the country fried steak elk, Kachumbari (salad with melons), and savory cotton candy dessert.
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Where to Drink in Pagosa
- Break Room
- Caldwell’s Liberty Bar
- Cork and Board
- Pagosa Bar
- Riff Raff Brewery
- The Neon Mallard
Pagosa Springs Travel Guide Map
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