Top 5 Colorado Family Activities in Pagosa Springs
If you’re looking for a destination packed full of engaging Colorado family activities, consider planning a vacation to Pagosa Springs. From relaxing hot springs to outdoor adventures in nature, we’ve curated a list of the top five activities that will captivate and entertain both kids and adults alike. Join us as we explore the most exciting Pagosa Springs family activities.
1. Soak in the Hot Springs
Pagosa Springs is home to the world’s deepest hot spring, measuring at over 1000’ before the Guinness Book or World Record ran out of line! There are three establishments to soak at located in the heart of downtown. Our two favorites are Healing Waters and the Springs Resort. Healing Waters Resort & Spa offers a large pool of the geothermal mineral water, perfect for family fun under the Colorado sun! This is a great spot for families with smaller kids to hang out and swim. The Springs Resort & Spa has over 20 pools of varying temperatures right along the San Juan River. There is onsite food and beverage, cabanas, lounge chairs, and a large swimming pool, making the Springs Resort a fantastic place to spend the day with the family. Definitely add these hot springs to your list of Colorado family activities during your next visit to Pagosa Springs!
2. Explore the San Juan National Forest
Pagosa Springs is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and Wilderness with an abundance of awesome hiking trails. Family friendly favorites include Treasure Falls, Piedra Falls, and the Piedra River Trail. Treasure Falls is east of Pagosa Springs at the base of Wolf Creek Pass and a short hike gets you right up close to the falls. The mist deck can be a great spot to cool down on a hot summer day! Piedra Falls is also a fairly short hike to amazing falls. The hike follows the river and there are lots of great areas to spread out a nice picnic and hang out by the water. The Piedra River Trail can be a longer out and back hike. Within the first mile kids and adults alike will enjoy beautiful rock formations as the trail dips into the canyon next to the river. Pair a day hike with soaking in the hot springs in the evening for an unforgettable Colorado family adventure!
3. Tube or Raft on the San Juan River
The San Juan River flows through the middle of downtown Pagosa Springs, offering a plethora of river activities! May and June are normally the prime months for rafting Pagosa Springs and the best time to book a guided trip. River flows typically peak in mid to late May and offer the biggest whitewater thrills. By early-June, the weather gets warmer and river levels drop, making trips more family-friendly. We love the Mesa Canyon rafting trip for all ages to enjoy. For kiddos 12 and over, our San Juan River West Fork trip offers thrilling whitewater! By July the river is normally below rafting flows and we offer Pagosa Springs tubing trips and rentals. Pagosa Springs kayaking and SUP rental offers two more family fun river activities! We are a family owned small business and take pride in offering Pagosa Springs family activities.
4. Take a Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride
Find excitement in a classic Colorado family activity, horseback riding! Discover fun and the romance of the Rockies with a Buckaroos horse-drawn wagon ride! From family dinners to smore’s rides, Buckaroos has an activity the whole family will love! Family owned Elk Heart Outfitters operates a stable at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. Visit Elk Heart for some of the most scenic rides and breath-taking mountain views in Pagosa. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty of the San Juan National Forest.
5. Visit the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park
Visit Princess the bear at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park! The Wildlife Park is a venerable, privately owned wildlife rescue center with animal feeding tours. The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park is tucked away in the San Juan Mountain Range, fifteen minutes from Pagosa Springs, Colorado. At the facility, families can find a quiet and fun zoo like experience. Come see these amazing animals and learn about them through informational signs along the trail or join a daily feeding tour. Pro tip – Sign up for the “Up Close and Personal” Tour. Accompany one of the zookeepers, and get a “backstage pass” to see the animals up a little closer, for a more personal experience!
Pagosa Springs is the gateway for family activities and adventure and a great place to find a plethora of Colorado family activities. Beautiful hikes, playing on the river, horseback riding, learning about wildlife, and soaking in the world’s deepest hot springs are just some of the fantastic options for your next family vacation. At Pagosa Outside, when it comes to fun on the river, every member of our team possesses extensive training, holds necessary licenses and certifications, and boasts a wealth of experience. Visit Pagosa Outside for some of the best Pagosa Springs family activities including rafting, tubing and Pagosa Springs kayaking. For some more inspiration, here are 23 other fun Pagosa activities. We look forward to seeing you on the river!