Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs blends therapeutic relaxation with exhilarating outdoor pursuits in a setting rich with natural beauty. The town offers stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, and a community that celebrates both wellness and exploration. Guests can soak in mineral-rich pools, hike mountain trails, or paddle on the San Juan River. With four distinct seasons, this destination offers fresh experiences all year long.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Pagosa Springs
Downtown Pagosa Springs
Downtown Pagosa Springs is the most walkable and vibrant area, home to hot springs resorts, cafes, breweries, and galleries. Vacation rentals in Pagosa Springs include stylish apartments, boutique Airbnbs, and historic homes near the river. Guests can stroll to The Springs Resort & Spa, explore local shops, and dine along the San Juan River Walk. This area is ideal for those who want convenience, relaxation, and a touch of culture.
Uptown Pagosa / Piedra Road Area
Located just north of downtown, Uptown Pagosa offers more space, modern homes, and quieter surroundings with stunning mountain views. Rentals in Uptown Pagosa include larger homes, townhouses, and scenic retreats close to grocery stores, golf courses, and parks. The Piedra Road corridor leads toward national forest access, making it perfect for hiking and snowshoeing. Uptown is well-suited for families and longer stays.
Pagosa Lakes
The Pagosa Lakes area offers lakefront living and peaceful residential neighborhoods just west of town. Vacation homes near Pagosa lakes often feature hot tubs, fireplaces, and access to private lakes, trails, and greenbelts. Guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. It’s a tranquil alternative that’s still close to downtown and outdoor activities.
San Juan Riverfront
Lining the river through town, the San Juan Riverfront provides scenic rentals with the soothing sound of flowing water. Airbnbs in San Juan Riverfront include cozy cottages, stylish condos, and modern homes with decks overlooking the river. Many properties offer direct access to the river walk or even private hot tub views.
Alpha / Holiday Acres Area
Situated east of town, the Alpha and Holiday Acres Area is a forested retreat ideal for travelers seeking quiet and mountain immersion. Rentals include log cabins, wildlife-viewing lodges, and pet-friendly homes with acreage. The area offers seclusion while still being within 10–15 minutes of town and outdoor hotspots.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Pagosa Springs
The Springs Resort & Spa
The town’s signature attraction, The Springs Resort & Spa, features over 20 soaking pools filled with natural geothermal water. Guests can relax in a riverside setting while enjoying stunning mountain views and wellness treatments. Day passes and overnight options are available for visitors.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Located about 30 minutes from town, Wolf Creek Ski Area is famous for receiving the most snow in Colorado. The resort offers a range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, plus affordable lift tickets. Visitors enjoy breathtaking mountain views and uncrowded slopes.
San Juan River Walk
The San Juan River Walk is a paved trail that runs through downtown along the river, ideal for a relaxing stroll or morning jog. Along the way, visitors can enjoy public art, shaded benches, and access to cafes and shops. Fly fishing, tubing, and riverside picnics are also popular here. The river walk is a peaceful way to explore the town’s scenic heart.
Treasure Falls
Just a short drive east of Pagosa Springs, Treasure Falls is a 105-foot waterfall easily accessible via a short hike. The trailhead offers a scenic route through pine forests and leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. In winter, the falls freeze into a stunning icy sculpture, while summer provides lush greenery.
Chimney Rock National Monument
Located west of town, Chimney Rock National Monument is a culturally and geologically significant site managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors can hike interpretive trails, view ancient Puebloan ruins, and attend ranger-led programs. The twin spires of Chimney Rock are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. It’s a fascinating combination of history, nature, and Native American heritage.
Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
A vibrant part of the community, the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts features live performances, theater productions, and workshops throughout the year. Local talent and visiting performers deliver a variety of cultural programming in an intimate venue. Visitors can enjoy musicals, comedies, and plays in a cozy setting. It adds artistic flair to any vacation itinerary.
Pagosa Ranger District Trails
The Pagosa Ranger District manages miles of national forest trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snow activities. Popular routes include the Piedra River Trail, Fourmile Falls, and Turkey Springs Loop. Trailheads are accessible within a short drive from town and vary in difficulty and scenery. These paths offer pristine wilderness experiences for all skill levels.
Pagosa Brewing Company & Grill
Locally loved and visitor-approved, the Pagosa Brewing Company offers craft beer and hearty fare in a fun, mountain-town atmosphere. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating, live music events, and award-winning brews like Kayaker Cream Ale. The brewery is family-friendly and features a beer garden in the warmer months.
Where to find a vacation rental near Pagosa Springs
Durango, Colorado
About an hour west, Durango is included in the document and offers Old West history, outdoor adventure, and a charming downtown. Vacation rentals range from riverside condos to historic homes near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The town complements Pagosa Springs with its vibrant culture and access to hiking, skiing, and rafting. You can immerse yourself in the region’s spirited heritage from a vacation rental in Durango, where historic charm meets riverside beauty.
Salida, Colorado
Approximately two and a half hours northeast, Salida is a high-desert town featured in the document and known for its arts scene and Arkansas River recreation. Visitors can stay in artist lofts, mountain-view cabins, or downtown cottages near galleries and hot springs. Salida shares Pagosa’s love for wellness, creativity, and mountain living. Spend your days exploring riverside trails and your nights relaxing in a vacation rental in Salida filled with local character and scenic views.
Crested Butte, Colorado
A scenic mountain town noted in the document, Crested Butte lies about three hours north and is famed for wildflowers, skiing, and historic buildings. Vacation rentals include Victorian homes, ski-in/ski-out condos, and rustic chalets. Crested Butte shares Pagosa’s blend of charm and alpine adventure. Discover vibrant meadows and snow-covered slopes while staying in a vacation rental in Crested Butte, nestled at the heart of this colorful mountain haven.
Ouray, Colorado
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is featured in the document and sits about three hours northwest of Pagosa Springs. Guests can book cozy inns, cliffside cottages, or soaking tub suites with mountain views. The town is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and ice climbing park. A vacation rental in Ouray provides front-row access to dramatic cliffs and rejuvenating waters that echo Pagosa’s own wellness spirit.
Chama, New Mexico
Just under two hours south, Chama is not in the document but is a nearby gem in northern New Mexico known for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Vacation rentals include rustic cabins, historic homes, and mountain retreats. Guests enjoy fishing, train excursions, and wildlife watching in a quiet, high-altitude setting. Enhance your cross-border escape by staying in a vacation rental in Chama, surrounded by forested hills and slow-paced charm.
Dive into nature's embrace across America's scenic landscapes and rejuvenating hot springs.
This destination offers a delightful blend of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. As you explore its majestic surroundings, you'll find a rich tapestry of nature that extends beyond its borders. Discover the lush forests and rolling hills with vacation rentals in Blue Ridge, a charming town nestled in the heart of Georgia's picturesque Appalachian Mountains. For more natural wonders, book vacation rentals in Front Royal, known as the gateway to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The tranquil shores and sandy beaches at vacation rentals in Colonial Beach offer a peaceful retreat in Virginia. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Idaho by lodging with airbnb Pocatello, a city enveloped by mesmerizing landscapes that beckon outdoor enthusiasts.
Renowned for its geothermal wonders, this place invites you to unwind and rejuvenate. Enhance this experience by exploring other famed hot spring destinations. Indulge in the delightful relaxation of rental homes in Steamboat Springs, a hub in Colorado that harmonizes charming alpine scenery with soothing hot springs. Venture to Idaho to enjoy the therapeutic waters and vibrant activities at airbnb Lava Hot Springs. Meanwhile, the quaint charm of Ouray holiday accommodation offers an alpine oasis amidst the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. For a unique blend of wine country charm and mineral-rich springs, consider staying in holiday homes in Calistoga, California, where rejuvenation meets wine relaxation in the heart of Napa Valley.