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!

Duration
3:30 to 4 hours
Group Size
Up to 36

Mesa Canyon

Create Lasting Memories on the Family-Friendly Mesa Canyon Rafting Trip! Embark on this delightful 1/2-day adventure designed specifically for families, first-time rafters or those looking for a mellower rafting trip. This easy and enjoyable trip covers 13 miles of scenic beauty and fun rapids, making it a perfect choice for those looking to experience the thrill of rafting in a relaxed and family-friendly setting. After a brief stop halfway through the canyon, you’ll continue through awe-inspiring landscapes and splashy whitewater with Llama Falls providing a dramatic highlight on your river adventure. With your professional guide ensuring a memorable and fun-filled experience, it’s the best way to unplug, unwind and explore the beauty of Pagosa Springs. Don’t miss out—book your family friendly Pagosa rafting adventure today!

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$119$109
Duration
3 to 4 hours
Group Size
Up to 24

West Fork

Unlock an Exclusive Pagosa Rafting Adventure on the West Fork. Discover the hidden gem of Pagosa Springs and tackle the most technical whitewater on the entire river. As the only outfitter with private access to this pristine section of the San Juan River, you get a unique rafting experience that’s both thrilling and intimate. Enjoy a perfect blend of tight boulder-filled rapids, boat soaking splashes and serene floating through breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're an experienced rafter or an adventurous first-timer, our expert guides will ensure you have an inspired and unforgettable adventure. With fewer crowds and a focus on teamwork, this trip is tailored for those who seek a premium rafting experience. Book now to secure your spot on this one-of-a-kind Pagosa river adventure that only a lucky few guests get to experience each year!

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$129$119
Duration
1:30 to 2 hours
Group Size
Up to 24

Splash & Dash

Dive into adventure on a Splash and Dash Rafting Trip, the perfect introduction to whitewater fun in Pagosa Springs. This 1/4-day excursion is designed for all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for those eager to experience the excitement of rafting without committing to a full day. Your journey begins with a relaxing and picturesque float that sets the stage for the exhilarating splashy rapids through the downtown whitewater park. Expect thrilling waves that will leave you soaked and smiling, especially at medium and high flows. With our complimentary digital photos, splash gear, and river shoes included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Book now and get ready for a splashy good time on the river!

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$75$69
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Group Size
Up to 14

Deluxe Whitewater Tubing Trip

Dive into the refreshing waters of Pagosa Springs on a Deluxe Tubing Float Trip—your all-inclusive ticket to a thrilling self-guided river adventure. Float through the scenic downtown Pagosa Springs whitewater park and beyond, complete with a hassle-free drop-off and pick-up shuttle service. We take care of all the details, providing complimentary life jackets, river shoes, lockers, and even digital photos of your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tuber or a first-timer, our trip offers easy to intermediate rapids, ensuring a fun and engaging Pagosa river adventure for everyone. With limited spots available, secure your reservation today to experience the best of Pagosa Springs tubing. Just show up with your sense of adventure and let us handle the rest!

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$45
Duration
3 to 12 hours
Group Size
no limit

Pagosa Springs River Tube Rentals

Looking for the ultimate way to beat the heat and soak up the stunning scenery of Pagosa Springs? River tubing in Pagosa is the perfect summer adventure, and Pagosa Outside is your go-to destination for the best Pagosa river tube rentals. Our downtown location, right across from the famous Hot Springs, makes it easy to gear up and get right on the water. We’ve got you covered with high-quality tubes, life jackets, river shoes and expert local advice to ensure a fun and memorable experience. Tubing in Pagosa Springs offers thrills, chills and sometimes even spills along with plenty of laughs, making it the perfect activity for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

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$20