Dakota Hot Springs

Dakota Hot Springs · PinnedAtlas

Overview

What to expect

A natural source of geothermally heated water. Some are developed with soaking pools; many are primitive and undeveloped. Temperature, depth, and soak-ability vary widely — and are rarely regulated. Reaching it is straightforward.

Location

Where it is

38.41837, -105.05658

Field notes

Plan your visit

Best time to go

Fall through early spring

A hot soak feels best when the air is cool. Summer visits can be uncomfortably hot, and desert springs may be unpleasant midday. Early morning and dusk are quietest.

Effort

Easy access

Usually a roadside pullout or a short, gentle path — often under a mile with little elevation change. Good for casual visits and most fitness levels.

What to bring

Plenty of water
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear
Offline map or downloaded directions (signal is often weak)
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Towel and easy-off sandals
No glass containers
Extra drinking water — soaking dehydrates you

Good to know

Access status is unclear. Verify you have a legal right to be here before you go.
Community-sourced from open map data — confirm the specifics before relying on them.
Conditions change fast in the outdoors. Check the latest reports below before heading out.

General guidance based on feature type and difficulty — always verify current conditions.

Stay safe

Safety

Natural areas are hazardous and conditions change fast. Verify access and current conditions before you go, respect private property and closures, and leave no trace. You are responsible for your own safety.

Water temperature varies and can scald — test carefully before entering.
Never submerge your head: rare but serious waterborne organisms live in warm water.
Undeveloped springs have no lifeguards, depth markers, or temperature controls.

Water temperatures vary and can scald; never dunk your head (risk of thermophilic organisms); fragile ecosystems — no soap.

Access unclear — verify before visiting

Explore

Nearby spots

Source: OpenStreetMap contributorsUpdated 3h ago

Community

Latest conditions

No reports yet — be the first to share current conditions.