Piedra River Hot Springs
Piedra River Hot Springs (upper elevation) sits at 7,799 feet on San Juan National Forest land, representing a higher-emergence thermal feature than the lower Piedra spring at substantially increased elevation. This location provides a more remote geothermal experience requiring more substantial walking distance and effort.
The spring emerges 4,476 feet from First Fork Road, requiring a longer hike through increasingly wild mountain terrain. At this elevation, the landscape becomes more sparse with shorter growing season, expansive vistas, and greater exposure to mountain weather. Annual snowfall of 81.1 inches significantly impacts seasonal accessibility.
This upper-elevation thermal emergence reflects deep crustal processes where geothermal gradients increase with depth in the San Juan basin. The higher altitude positioning suggests multiple thermal features along the Piedra River drainage, indicating broader regional geothermal circulation patterns. Forest Service management enables public access while maintaining conservation values.
This spring requires a substantial hike of approximately 4,476 feet from First Fork Road—significantly more challenging than the lower Piedra spring. The Ute Campground lies 13 kilometers away and serves as a basecamp for this area. The rewarding hike suits experienced hikers seeking solitude. Visit June through September for best conditions; snow blocks access from November through April.
Is Piedra River Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Ute Campground is located on US Hwy 160 across from Chimney Rock National Monument, 15 miles west of Pagosa Springs, 25 miles east of Bayfield, and 18 miles north of Arbolles, just west of the intersection with Colorado 151. Visitors enjoy quick access to Chimney Rock National Monument entrance and a centralized location to USFS trail systems, lake, and stream fishing. Recreation Ute Campground is the only access to Forest Service land on Haystack Mountain. Hiking views of Chimney R...