Aqua Hot Spring

What to expect

Aqua Hot Spring is not a public pool. It is a single vacation cabin on Chalk Creek, west of Nathrop in the Chalk Creek valley between Mount Princeton and Mount Antero, with its own geothermal soaking pool. The owners market it as a private wellness rental, and only one group stays at a time. The name nods to aquamarine, the gemstone found on Mount Antero above the valley.

The pool sits about 40 to 45 steps from the cabin, next to Chalk Creek. According to the owners, water from the Chalk Creek aquifer flows in at roughly 118 to 120°F48 to 49°C, and some of it is diverted so the soaking temperature stays between 98 and 106°F37 and 41°C. No chemicals are added, and the water is refreshed between each guest’s stay. The creek itself is cold here, so the pool is the only warm water on the property.

Over the past few years the owners have added a deck around the pool, outdoor seating, a large umbrella, a changing area and a pergola with shade. A hammock and solar lights line the decking. Robes and towels are provided for the walk out.

The cabin

The cabin has three levels:

• Main level: living and dining areas, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a king bedroom and a balcony with a gas grill. A room called the Pelican Room is set up for massage, yoga or meditation.
• Upper level: a master suite with a king bed, private balcony and three-quarter bathroom, plus a loft that works as a twin sleeper or an office.
• Lower level: a library of wellness and nature books, extra space for yoga, creative stations, laundry and a garage.

The owners stock local coffee, teas, organic spices and olive oil, organic soaps and lotions, and linens made from organic cotton or bamboo. Each room has electric heat and the bedrooms have fans. Internet comes through Starlink. The cabin runs on a well and septic system, so the owners ask guests to go easy on indoor water use.

Getting there

Nathrop sits on US Highway 285 between Buena Vista and Salida, in the upper Arkansas Valley. The cabin is up the Chalk Creek valley, which runs west from the highway toward Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and the old mining town of St. Elmo.

The owners do not publish a street address or turn-by-turn directions on their website. Arrival details and directions are emailed the week before your stay.

From Denver, the usual route is US 285 southwest over Kenosha and Trout Creek passes, which takes about 2.5 hours to the Chalk Creek valley in good conditions. From Colorado Springs, US 24 west over Wilkerson Pass and Trout Creek Pass is the common route.

When to go

The cabin rents year-round. Chalk Creek sits above 8,000 feet, so winters are cold and snowy, which is exactly when a private hot pool feels best. Clear winter nights in the valley are very dark. Pack a hat, as the owners suggest, for snow, rain or strong sun at the pool.

Summer and early fall bring hiking, fishing and rafting in the Buena Vista and Salida area, and that is when the valley is busiest. Holiday dates need a three-night stay.

Prices and booking

The owners publish a rate sheet dated December 16, 2025. Nightly lodging rates:

• Two people, main-level king room: $350
• Two people, upper master suite: $375
• Two people, both king rooms: $390
• Three people, both king rooms: $455
• Four people, both king rooms: $550

A cleaning fee of $175 to $220 applies depending on the option, plus 7.55% tax. Twin sleepers in the loft are $50 each, with a maximum of two. Longer stays get a discount on lodging: 10% for three nights, rising to 15% for seven. The whole cabin, pool and grounds are yours regardless of which bedroom option you pick.

How booking works:

1. Request dates through the availability calendar and reservation form on the website.
2. Pay the 50% deposit from the emailed invoice. Major credit cards are accepted.
3. Sign and return the waivers. Your booking is confirmed once both arrive.
4. The balance is charged the day before arrival.

Cancellations 30 or more days out get a full refund, 15 to 29 days out get 50%, and inside 14 days there is no refund. The owners keep $50 from any refund for fees. Pets are not allowed.

The website does not list day-use soaking. Contact the owners at 719-530-1180 if you want to ask about anything outside a standard stay.

Where to stay nearby

If Aqua is booked, look at other spring-fed stays in the same valley. Antero Hot Springs Cabins rents three cabins, each with a private pool. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort has a lodge, cabins and large public pools. Forest Service campgrounds lie further up Chalk Creek, and Buena Vista and Salida have hotels, motels and restaurants.

Safety notes

• Footing: The owners recommend wet-friendly shoes with grip for the path and deck, which can be icy in winter.
• Hydration: Take drinking water to the pool in a plastic or metal bottle, never glass.
• Altitude and heat: At over 8,000 feet, a long soak at 106°F41°C can make you lightheaded. Get out and cool down regularly.
• Creek: Chalk Creek runs fast and cold during spring snowmelt. Keep an eye on children and do not wade in high water.

Nearby stops worth adding

The Chalk Cliffs on Mount Princeton are visible from the valley road. A drive up Chalk Creek leads to St. Elmo, a mining-era ghost town, and to trailheads for the Collegiate Peaks. Buena Vista is the base for rafting on the Arkansas River, and Salida has a walkable historic downtown along the river.