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.
Penny Hot Springs is a set of free, primitive rock-walled pools on the west bank of the Crystal River along Highway 133 between Carbondale and Redstone. Soakers rearrange river rocks to blend 133°F source water with cold river flow, dialing each pool’s temperature to taste. Owned by Pitkin County since 1991, it is a beloved roadside stop best visited when river levels are low.
Plan your visit
This is a primitive site rather than a staffed resort. Check land access, trail or road conditions, and seasonal water levels before setting out; carry out everything you bring.
Tiny dirt parking area fills fast on weekends; the bank down to the pools is steep and slippery
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
- Free
- Hours
- No set hours; open year-round — daylight access recommended
- Reservations
- Not required; check availability
- Location
- Carbondale
Central Rockies
Rate notes: Free; no fee
Prices, hours, and access can change. The supplied dataset flags these details for confirmation: phone, hours, website. 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
- Primitive site
- Yes
The honest take
What to love. What to consider.
The highlights
- Completely free with no reservations or gate
- Easily reached — a short scramble from a highway pull-off, not a long hike
- Adjustable pool temperatures and a stunning Crystal River canyon setting
Keep in mind
- Tiny dirt parking area fills fast on weekends; the bank down to the pools is steep and slippery
- Spring runoff can flood the pools or cool them down significantly
- Can get crowded and rowdy, with a clothing-optional scene — not a serene hideaway at peak times
Getting there
From Denver to Carbondale.
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.
Arrive at sunrise on a weekday to beat the crowds
Go fall through winter, when low river levels keep pools hot (100–106°F)
Pack out all trash, wear a swimsuit if you prefer, and skip glass — there is no staff on site
Your questions
Before you head out.
Is Penny Hot Springs really free?
Yes — no fee, no gate, no reservation. It is Pitkin County open space, open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I find it?
Drive Highway 133 between Carbondale and Redstone and watch for a small dirt pull-off a few hundred feet north of mile marker 55. A short, steep path leads down to the riverbank pools on the west bank of the Crystal River.
Is it clothing optional?
Soaking culture is relaxed and clothing-optional use is common; one local guide notes swimsuits are officially required. Bring a suit and be comfortable either way.