Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
Year-round; spring and autumn are most comfortable
About Dakota Hot Springs
Dakota Hot Springs is a small, privately run mineral pool on a 160-acre property in the high desert near Penrose, Colorado, between Cañon City and Pueblo and about 40 miles south-west of Colorado Springs, at roughly 5,200 feet with views towards the mountains. An artesian well drilled during oil exploration in 1924 delivers odorless water at about 108°F (42°C); the main free-form concrete pool settles at around 95-98°F (35-37°C), hottest near the wellhead. The site was known in the 1990s as The Well, and later owners rebranded it and worked to shed its rough reputation. Today it is clothing-optional every open day except Tuesday, when swimsuits are required and families are welcome. Rules are strict: no sexual or intimate behaviour, phones and cameras stay in the car, no glass and no smoking. Facilities are simple, with a bathhouse and showers, sun chairs, and tent and RV sites and camper rentals on the property. Many regulars come from Colorado Springs, and the atmosphere is low-key rather than resort-like.
Legal context & local rules
This is private property, and the clothing-optional policy is set by the owners: suits optional Wednesday to Sunday, required on Tuesdays (closed Mondays), as reported in 2021 and 2025 coverage. Intimate behaviour leads to removal and photography is banned. Check the current policy before visiting.
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
The springs are at the end of a dirt road off US 50 near its junction with CO 115, just outside Penrose (address 1 Malibu Blvd, Penrose, CO 81240). There is on-site parking. Reservations are required for all guests, including campers; open soaks start at about $21. Hours have been reported as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays; confirm on the official site or by phone (719-372-9250). No public transport.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a relaxed, unpretentious soak with hot, odorless water and wide desert and mountain views, and appreciate the strict no-phones and no-sexual-behaviour rules that keep it comfortable for nudists. The setting and facilities are basic and the pool is not large, so some find it plain compared with resort springs. Evenings are reported as quieter. Common tips are to book ahead, bring a towel, water and sunscreen, and note that Tuesday is a swimsuit day.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
38.4184, -105.0561
Frequently asked questions
Is Dakota Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Yes, every open day except Tuesday, when swimsuits are required. It is closed on Mondays.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. The official site says reservations are required for all guests, including campers.
Can I take photos?
No. Phones and cameras must be left in your car.
How hot is the water?
The well flows at about 108°F and the pool usually sits around 95-98°F.
Sources
- Dakota Hot Springs: official website
- Denver Gazette: A reborn soak spot found at Dakota Hot Springs (2018, updated 2025)
- Oyster: 7 steamy clothing-optional Colorado hot springs (2021)
- Gazette: 7 clothing-optional places to go naked in Colorado (2020)
- Finding Hot Springs: Dakota Hot Springs guide
Researched 24 October 2026 .
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