Things To Do
Soak in the Hippy Dips Hot Springs
This is where we went on our very first date, May 20, 2024!! There are plenty of pools by the river that are FREE to soak in! Temps vary, most are pretty hot. Just prepare for the stink of rotten eggs. The main ones are across the Visitors Center (park by Tequilas and come dressed) or there's one across the river by Mary Fisher Park with bathrooms nearby.
Soak at a Hot Springs Resort
If you want a little less stinky, deeper, temps labeled, and more fancy than our free hippy dips, you can pay to soak at 1 of our 3 Hot Springs Resorts. The nicest one is the Hot Springs Resort with about 50 pools, but it is very pricey. Then there's the Overlook which is more rundown but has rooftop tubs which is fun! And then there's Healing Waters.
Pickleball and More at Yamaguchi Park
One of our main parks downtown with mountain views, playgrounds, exercise equipment, walking path, prayer Labyrinth, river/beach access and our favorite - Pickleball Courts! We have really enjoyed playing this sport in the nice courts here as a fun way to get exercise. I am even a member of the Pickleball Club now!
Walk Along the Riverwalk
This is my go to quick adventure when I need some sunshine and outdoors easily. I usually park by Centennial Park, grab a drink from ROOT HOUSE coffee shop (where I used to work) and walk the path along the river. Feel free to peak inside the Geothermal Domes. Make sure to take a little detour over to the Mother Spring at the front of the Hot Springs Resort Hotel. It is the worlds deepest hot spring.
Reservoir Hill Park
A steep but short hike downtown to an overlook of the town, with lots of trees/shade and disc golf!
Hike the Piedra River or Ice Caves Trail
The Piedra River Trail is one of our go to trails to hike and Caleb climbs the cliffs along this trail very often! I backpacked the whole trail as a mentor for a young women's trip! Beautiful views during the drive out there and the hike! The Ice Caves are neat too but harder to find. Just search "Piedra River / Ice Cave Ridge Parking Lot". There is limited to no cell service out there, but there is a vault toilet at the parking area. Beware of Poison Ivy!
See a Mountain Lake: Williams Creek Reservoir
Where Caleb asked me to marry him!! We love to spend the day here paddleboarding, hiking and hammocking. Great big mountains surrounding a serene lake. One winter, this lake became a majestic ice skating rink for us at Christmas time!
Take a Scenic Drive
We have lots of pretty drives if you're looking to take in some views. Don't mind the dusty, bumpy roads tho! And prepare to not have cell service. Download your maps offline. A few of our favorites: Up Piedra Road (stop at the sharp corner on your left for a gorgeous cliffside overlook just before the Piedra River Trail Parking Lot then drive all the way to Williams Creek Reservoir) Up 4 Mile Road (400) all the way to Fourmile Trailhead Up East Fork Road. It is along the river. After a few miles, there are a couple of sketchy parts where you have to do a little off roading, but we have done it in his Honda Element, all the way to Silver Falls Trail Head / Quartz Meadow. Then you might as well hike to the falls while you're there. Drive up and/or over Wolf Creek Pass all the way to South Fork is gorgeous. Stop at Treasure Falls and the scenic overlook along the way! You can even venture up to Lobo Overlook near the top of the Pass! It is beautiful, but not for a nervous driver.
Enjoy the Views at Lobo Overlook
Take the scenic drive up Wolf Creek Pass (where Caleb and I work in the winter as ski instructors) and then drive up the windy roads to Lobo Overlook where you can see breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. There are vault toilets and picnic tables. It's one of our favorite places to watch the sunset and stargaze! Keep in mind it is around 12,000 ft elevation, so prepare to feel the altitude!
Walk or Disc Golf at Cloman Park
Enjoy a stroll through the ponderosa trees and/or the disc golf course!