Rainbow Hot Springs Soakable

Rainbow Hot Springs reads 104°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 104°F

104°F / 40°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, undeveloped springs on the banks of the West Fork of the San Juan River, about 5.3 miles up the West Fork Trail (561) inside the Weminuche Wilderness. The Forest routes visitors 15 miles northeast from Pagosa Springs on US Highway 160, then left on West Fork Road (648) about three miles to the trailhead at 9,040 feet, passing the West Fork Campground on the way. The Forest notes the first mile of trail passes through private property and asks visitors to stay on the trail. Nine numbered designated campsites serve the hot springs area, first come first served; camping is not permitted within 100 feet of streams or lakes except in posted sites, group size is capped at 15 people (25 counting stock), and bicycles are not allowed. The Forest says the condition of the pools varies with water flow and that they are substantially affected by major water events.

Trailhead: West Fork Trailhead, West Fork Road (FSR 648) off US Highway 160

Winter: In winter it is about 7.5 miles from the road closure point to the springs, and the Forest says a high level of backcountry and winter travel skills is necessary.

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).