Denver’s location makes it a prime spot for combining outdoor adventure with relaxing hot springs and spa experiences. It’s a city surrounded by mountains and natural beauty, offering more than just urban attractions. The combination of fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and therapeutic waters makes these experiences stand out for anyone looking to unwind or explore Colorado’s natural wonders. Whether you prefer a serene soak after a brisk hike or a private mountain tour with multiple stops, Denver’s hot springs scene has something tailored for your style and schedule.
This guide highlights the top two spa and hot springs experiences near Denver — from a more modest, nature-focused outing to an exclusive private adventure. Each offers a unique way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty and healing waters, helping you decide which suits your interests.
1. High Country Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak from Denver
At number one, this tour combines moderate hiking with wildlife viewing and a relaxing soak in a scenic hot spring. It kicks off with a private guided hike through a pristine spruce-fir forest, where a naturalist points out wildlife such as Pine Marten, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Brown-capped Rosy-Finch. The hike is less than two miles, but at high elevation, it’s enough to get your heart rate up and your senses alive.
What makes this experience stand out is the balance between nature education and the chance to unwind in therapeutic waters. After the hike, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch with hot drinks while taking in views of St. Mary’s Glacier, which is an active ice formation and a backdrop for beautiful scenery. The final stop is a nearby hot spring, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters that are famed for their healing properties.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of light adventure and relaxation. The price of $275 per person reflects a full day of guided activity, including all admissions. With a 5-star rating, it’s clear that participants appreciate the knowledgeable naturalist and the intimate experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy wildlife, scenic hikes, and a peaceful soak away from crowds.
Bottom Line: The High Country Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak offers an engaging mix of wildlife, light hiking, and a therapeutic hot spring in a compact, manageable day. Great for outdoor lovers who want to combine education with relaxation.
2. Private tour hiking to Saint Mary’s Glacier, Red Rock and Hot Springs
Number two on our list is a more adventurous and personalized experience that includes visiting Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater along with a mountain hike to Saint Mary’s Glacier and hot springs. Priced at $475 per person, it’s designed for those comfortable with a full, active day and looking for a higher-end, private experience.
Your day begins with a drive from Denver to Morrison, where you’ll explore the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, famous for its crimson stone formations and legendary concerts. The guide shares stories of concerts and history that make this site worth seeing. Then, the journey continues to Idaho Springs for a hike up to Saint Mary’s Glacier, a stunning year-round ice formation set beside a mountain lake. You’ll have time to relax, take photos, and hike above the lake for panoramic views before descending back to Idaho Springs.
This tour emphasizes personalized service and a curated mountain experience, making it suited for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule and value exclusivity. The guide’s four years of experience and luxury SUV transport add to the comfort and quality of the trip.
Bottom Line: The Private tour hiking to Saint Mary’s Glacier, Red Rock and Hot Springs is perfect for those seeking a tailored, full-day mountain adventure with scenic stops and a touch of Colorado’s iconic landmarks.
How to Choose Between These Hot Springs Experiences
When deciding between these two options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you’re after. The High Country Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak offers a more relaxed pace, combining wildlife viewing with a scenic, light hike and a hot spring visit — ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a manageable adventure. It’s also more budget-friendly at $275 per person and has a high rating for its intimate, educational approach.
On the other hand, the Private tour hiking to Saint Mary’s Glacier, Red Rock and Hot Springs is suited for travelers who want a luxurious, fully personalized day with a more strenuous hike, iconic landmarks, and a private guide. At $475 per person, it offers a more exclusive experience with flexible timing and a focus on Colorado’s scenic highlights.
If you’re planning a trip and want to include a visit to St. Mary’s Glacier or Red Rocks, the linked High Country Birding Hike provides a well-rounded outdoor day. For those seeking a premium, private experience with more landmarks, the private mountain adventure will be more suitable.
Final Thoughts: Which Hot Springs Experience Fits Your Travel Style?
Both options highlight Colorado’s natural beauty and the restorative qualities of its waters. For a relaxed, nature-focused day at a reasonable price, the birding and hot spring tour is a great pick. If you prefer a personalized, luxury experience with iconic landmarks and a more active itinerary, the private tour offers that and more.
Be sure to book early, especially in peak seasons, and consider your fitness level and interests when choosing. Whether you want a laid-back wildlife hike or a full-day adventure with mountain views, these experiences will give you a memorable taste of Colorado’s outdoor charm and soothing waters.