Piedra River Hot Springs Soakable

Piedra River Hot Springs reads 108°F at the source (NCEI, historical reading); the pools people soak in usually run cooler than the source. Managed by the San Juan National Forest (checked 2026-08-19).

Cool Warm Hot Boiling-class 108°F

108°F / 42°C

Hot range at the source — hotter than a hot tub

Reading from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation). Source temperature — lower pools usually run cooler.

Water temperatures change with flow and season — test before entering, and never submerge your head in warm natural water. CDC guidance on Naegleria fowleri.

Access

Primitive, rock-lined pools on the banks of the Piedra River, reached by the Sheep Creek Trail (599). The Forest gives the drive as 22 miles west from Pagosa Springs on US Highway 160 to First Fork Road (FSR 622), then north about 6.5 miles to the Monument Park Road junction, where the parking is. The hike is about 1.5 miles one way for a three-mile round trip on a well-maintained, relatively flat trail. The site sits in the Piedra Area: motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed, campfires may not be left unattended, switchbacks are not to be shortcut, trash is packed out, and camping or caching equipment for more than 14 days is not permitted.

Trailhead: Sheep Creek Trailhead (Trail 599), Monument Park Road junction off First Fork Road (FSR 622)

Access notes read from the manager's own page, checked 2026-08-19.

Check current conditions with the San Juan National Forest

Nearby springs

Identity, coordinates, and temperature quoted from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation).