Initial planning guide · Built from the supplied dataset. Full editorial review and venue photography are still in progress.
The experience
A place worth getting to know.
Buena Vista’s newest hot-spring resort, opened in spring 2024 along Cottonwood Creek on Cottonwood Pass road, with three outdoor thermal pools (104-106°F) and an indoor botanical garden with resident parrots. It shares branding/ownership ties with the neighboring Merrifield Homestead Cabins, which have their own private soaking pools for overnight guests only. The vibe is quieter and more intimate than the larger Chaffee County resorts.
Plan your visit
The supplied information does not list a general admission reservation requirement. Special services, capacity limits, and seasonal availability may still need advance planning.
Relatively new operation — fewer pools and amenities than established competitors
This is a short overview based on the initial supplied dataset. Prices, hours, access rules, and driving estimates have not been independently checked for publication. Use the practical details below as a starting point, then confirm your plans with the operator or land manager.
Good to know
The practical details.
- Admission / rates
- Listed from $30
- Hours
- Daily 9am-9pm (Sun, Fri, Sat); Mon-Thu 9am-8pm
- Reservations
- Not required; check availability
- Location
- Buena Vista
Central Rockies - Phone
- 719-395-6015
- Website
- Official website
Rate notes: Adult day pass ~$30-35; youth 4-17 and seniors 65+ ~$25-30; free under 4. 10- and 20-soak punch passes for Chaffee-area locals.
Prices, hours, and access can change. The supplied dataset flags these details for confirmation: price min, price max, hours, reservation required, distance from denver mi, drive time. Use the official website or call the operator for your travel date.
A closer look
Hot Springs at a glance.
- Age restrictions
- No
- On-site lodging
- No
The honest take
What to love. What to consider.
The highlights
- New, clean facilities with a genuinely unique indoor botanical garden
- Quieter, more intimate atmosphere than Mt. Princeton or Cottonwood
- Year-round access on the Cottonwood Pass road near Buena Vista
Keep in mind
- Relatively new operation — fewer pools and amenities than established competitors
- No on-site lodging at the resort itself (Merrifield cabins next door are separate and pricey)
- Day-pass pricing is at the high end for a small three-pool facility
Getting there
From Denver to Buena Vista.
Approximate distance
Estimated drive
Drive times are planning estimates. Weather, mountain roads, traffic, and seasonal closures can change your route. Check the operator’s directions before leaving.
Get directions from DenverLocations are planning references. Open a pin to read the guide.
Plan your visit
Make the most of your visit.
Type 'Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens' into maps — a similar resort name leads to the sister property
Visit midweek for the quietest soaks
Combine with a Cottonwood Pass drive in summer/fall for a full day trip
Your questions
Before you head out.
Is Charlotte Hot Springs a real, operating resort?
Yes — it opened in spring 2024 in Buena Vista (19256 Co Rd 343) and operates year-round with three thermal pools and an indoor botanical garden.
Can I stay overnight there?
Not at the resort itself — it is day-use only. Next door, the Merrifield Homestead Cabins offer overnight stays with private soaking pools under separate booking.
Do I need a reservation?
No — day passes are sold on-site. Capacity is small though, so arriving earlier is safer on weekends.