Nathrop is an unincorporated village halfway between Salida and Buena Vista. Most travelers pass through it without realizing — but it's home to two of the most-loved hot springs in Colorado (Mt. Princeton and Cottonwood), the dramatic white Chalk Cliffs above Chalk Creek, and the eastern trailhead for Mt. Princeton 14er. If you're here for soaks, Nathrop is the address.
Mt. Princeton vs Cottonwood — which to pick
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is the dramatic one: large resort, multiple pools, and a unique creek-side soaking experience where the hot springs feed directly into Chalk Creek and you build your own stone pools in the riverbed. It's busier and more family-oriented.
Cottonwood Hot Springs is the boutique one: smaller, adults-leaning, quieter, more meditative. Several lithium-rich pools at different temperatures, a clothing-optional area, and lodging on-site. Locals tend to pick Cottonwood for date nights, Princeton for family days.
Explore
Local insider tips
- →Mt. Princeton creek-side pools are best at sunset.
- →Cottonwood requires reservations — they cap capacity for the soak.
- →Mt. Princeton 14er trailhead is just up County Rd 322 from town.
Frequently asked
Are the Nathrop hot springs natural?+
The water source is natural geothermal — but both are commercial resorts with built pool infrastructure. There are no genuinely wild, free hot springs in this section of the valley.
Last reviewed: May 2026