Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa

The Honest Take

Cottonwood Hot Springs is Mt. Princeton’s quieter sibling, 8 miles down the same canyon road. Where Princeton draws resort crowds, Cottonwood draws people who want to actually decompress. It’s adults-only, clothing-optional, and limited capacity by policy. The atmosphere is low-key, unpretentious, and noticeably more relaxed than anywhere else within 2 hours of Denver.

This is not a spectacular setting. Chalk Creek Canyon is pretty but not dramatic. The pools are functional rather than beautiful. What Cottonwood has instead is peace: a commodity worth more than most scenic backdrops on a stressful Tuesday.

The inn offers overnight stays in basic rooms and a communal kitchen. Staying overnight means access to the pools when the day visitors have gone home, which is when Cottonwood is at its best.

The Pools

Four outdoor pools ranging from 96°F to 106°F, fed by the natural Chalk Creek hot spring. All outdoors, all clothing-optional. The pools are modest in size: each holds about 6–8 people comfortably. On a slow weekday, you can have one to yourself.

No pool toys, no water slides, no noise. The unofficial code is respectful quiet.

Getting There

US-285 south from Denver to Nathrop, then County Road 162 west into Chalk Creek Canyon. Cottonwood Hot Springs is 8 miles down CR-162 from the highway, about 1.5 miles past Mt. Princeton.

• Distance: ~120 miles from Denver
• Drive: All paved, US-285 over Kenosha Pass
• Parking: Small unpaved lot, usually has space

Seasonal Conditions

Season	Crowds	Notes
Summer	Low–Medium	Less crowded than Princeton next door
Fall	Low	Best season. Canyon is beautiful, pools are ideal temp.
Winter	Very Low	Kenosha Pass can be snowy: AWD recommended
Spring	Low	Peaceful; occasional muddy lot

Crowd Reality

Cottonwood’s adults-only, clothing-optional policy is its own crowd filter. The people who show up are specifically looking for this kind of experience: which means the atmosphere self-selects toward calm, respectful soakers. It’s rarely crowded. The pools have never felt overwhelming in multiple visits.

What to Bring

• Towel: no rentals available; bring your own
• Water: no vending machines
• Cash: they prefer it
• Book: the vibe here encourages lingering, not rushing

Is It Worth It?

If you’re comparing it to Mt. Princeton purely on views and facilities, Cottonwood loses. If you’re comparing it on atmosphere and peacefulness, Cottonwood wins decisively. It’s the right choice for solo soakers, people who want clothing-optional without the full commitment of Valley View, and anyone who specifically values quiet.

Best for: Solo travelers, people who find commercial springs too busy, clothing-optional curious visitors who want a gentle introduction, Buena Vista overnight guests.

Skip it if: You want impressive scenery, facilities, or a family-friendly experience.