Although I am a Colorado native, ever since moving back to Colorado from the East Coast, I’ve been rediscovering my state. Isn’t it funny that you truly don’t appreciate where you were raised until you leave? Anyway, it’s been about 5 years since I last visited Pagosa Springs and so when my brother and his wife asked if I wanted to go, I couldn’t resist! The drive is about 5 hours from Denver and we took the US-285 route which allows for some incredible scenery along the way. You can also fly into the Durango airport and it’s about 45 miles or an hour drive from Durango to Pagosa Springs.
Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs
When it comes to places to stay, the ambiance and the vibe really are absolutely important as they can make or break a trip. Whenever I am booking a place, I try to seek out places that will offer a unique experience whether it’s staying in a treehouse, a cozy cabin near a lake, or somewhere with unbelievable scenery and views. I tend to gravitate toward more modern stays and homes that are minimalistic as it can feel like it is truly your space for the time being. For this trip in particular, my brother found this amazing modern home with incredible views of Pagosa Springs. Our Airbnb was about a 10 minute drive to downtown Pagosa. I am very particular about Airbnb’s and if you’re anything like me, you are too. Therefore, I’ve done some hunting so that you don’t have to. Below is a list of really cool places to stay in Pagosa Springs in addition to our Airbnb.
List of Airbnb’s in Pagosa Springs
- The Central Loft right in downtown Pagosa
- Guest House @ Rio Campo -Modern, Sleek, cool views
- Rustic Room at Motel SOCO -Unique Experience
- Berghaus Pagosa – Modern, Cool views
- Condo in Uptown Pagosa
- Swank Vintage Jazz – Private Room and entrance
- The Ridge ~ 10 min from Downtown Pagosa Springs – Incredible Views
- Mountain and Lake Views
- Pagosa Springs Home Sleeps 8
- Above Riff Raff Brewing heart of Downtown Pagosa
- Adorable Cabin in Historic Downtown Pagosa
- Wonder Haus Whimsical and unique
Uptown Condo 
The Ridge 
The Central Loft 
Rustic Room 
Berghaus 
Rio Campo
Dining in Pagosa Springs
They say Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, however, I beg to differ. The key to this girl’s heart is good food and good vibes. Y’all feel me? As we arrived in Pagosa, we headed to Riff Raff Brewing (fun fact- you can stay above this Brewery!). Personally, my motto is the darker the beer, the better the beer. I went with the Plebian Porter and had the lamb burger. It was a refreshing burger as the lamb was topped with a cucumber sauce, almost like the tzatziki sauce on a gyro. Here are some of the places we went to eat and a few on my list for next time. The places with an asterisk are where we went. The places without the asterisk are where I am hoping to go for next time.
Places to Eat in Pagosa Springs
- Root House Coffee * – At the time we went, one of their specials was a Lavender and Sage lemonade. I got my usual, Iced Vanilla Latte with oat milk. Also, do NOT sleep on their cinnamon rolls! They have some of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve tried in my life! They also have a variety of frosting flavors so be sure to test that out!
- Higher Grounds Coffee
- Cafe Colorado
- Pagosa Baking Company
- Riff Raff Brewing*- Get the lamb burger as this tastes like a mix of a gyro and a burger. The Plebian Porter from Riff Raff is so smooth and if you love porters like I do, this might be added to your favorites!
- Alley House Grille – On my wish list for the next time I visit Pagosa. Depending on what you get this could be a splurge meal and so make sure you budget appropriately for this place!
- Mountain Pizza and Taproom
Things to Do in Pagosa Springs
Now I know you didn’t trek all the way to Pagosa Springs to simply eat and stay in your Airbnb did you?? Of course not! Pagosa Springs is known for there are Hot Springs, waterfalls, and hikes so here are a few things you can do during your stay in Pagosa Springs.
Pagosa Springs Hot Springs
Along with the San Juan River are the main pools of the Pagosa hot springs that are attached to the Pagosa Resort.At these Hot Springs you can have access to the river and I swear by this but the mud at the base of the river at these Hot Springs is some of the best mud that contains healing properties. I have eczema and every time I go to the hot springs I make sure to go to the river and do a little mud bath. I swear that by the time I get home and shower my skin is already softer and the texture from a bad eczema Breakout has subsided. you can watch my stories on the Pagosa hot springs on my Instagram Highlight Reel entitled “Pagosa Springs” so you can see the process. There are also little hot spring pools along the river (can be hard to find) that are free so that is an option as well.
Hiking in Pagosa Springs
Rainbow Hot Springs
If you want to do a hike to some Hot Springs that aren’t commercialized, you can do the Rainbow Hot Springs which is about a 10 mile hike that can take up to about 5.5 hrs. The reward here is that you will be able to sit in nature and enjoy this hot spring. As with any hike make sure that you do it early so that way you can avoid crowds and get some alone time! Some recommended trails are below and for the full descriptions and photos of these trails you can visit my profile on the AllTrails App which you can download via this link.
Additional Hikes in Pagosa Springs
- Treasure Falls is about a 15 min drive outside of Pagosa Springs. Not to mention, one of the easiest hikes you will ever do. The hike takes about 25 minutes. If you’re athletic and acclimated you can easily do it in about 10-15 min. If this is your first time hiking, this is a perfect introductory hike. As with any hiking trail, I suggest going early in the morning. The trails are usually packed by 9 am especially on weekends. This hike is so quick that most people are in and out within about 45- 1 hr depending on how long they stop to take pictures or simply enjoy the scenery.
- Silver Falls is also a simple hike only about .5 a mile. The caveat here is that the drive is a bit longer and rockier. I’d suggest taking a car with four wheel drive. If you know someone who loves off-roading this could be a fun road for them to drive on.
- Piedra Falls 1.0 mile – easy
- Piedra River Trail 7.5 miles – moderate
- Four Mile Creek and Anderson Trail Loop 14.5 miles – hard
Pagosa Views Photo by Howard 
Treasure Falls Photo by Howard 
Treasure Falls 
Hiking Trail 
Pagosa Views 
Pagosa Views
Additional Things to do in Pagosa Springs
- Hot air balloon rides. One morning, I woke up to the sight of hot air balloons in the distance. I hadn’t realized that Pagosa Springs is huge on hot air balloons and realized that in the fall, Pagosa hosts a hot air balloon festival called Colorfest.
- Kayak, paddle board, or raft along the San Juan River
This should be a good starting guide for your journey to Pagosa Springs, Colorado!
As with all the VanessaLand travel blogs, these will be updated as I continue to learn more about each location.