Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs (Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Pagosa Springs

If this is your first time visiting, you likely want to stay in one of the downtown hotels in Pagosa Springs. You’ll be within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the San Juan River. You’ll also be near the most popular hot springs sites, so you can get plenty of soaking in! 

North Pagosa Springs is quieter, with fewer chains and more boutique hotels, plus bed and breakfast options. It’s farther from restaurants and shops… but the tradeoff is that you get beautiful and peaceful surroundings! 

The Wolf Creek Ski Area prides itself on getting the most snow in the state, making it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. It’s also near Treasure Falls and other great spots for hiking and exploring the mountains.

Finally, Pagosa Lakes is a development that, as the name implies, has several lakes nearby. It’s a great location to stay for a mix of activities. Enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking on the lakes, take a day to soak, or head out on a guided rafting adventure a short drive away.

Downtown Pagosa Springs 

👉 Best Area For Hot Springs | ✨ Best Downtown Pagosa Springs Hotels: The Springs Resort & Spa • The Nightingale Motel • Motel SOCO

If you’re wanting to experience some of the best hot springs in Colorado, you’ll want to stay in downtown Pagosa Springs. There are several resorts here, including The Springs Resort & Spa and Healing Waters Resort & Spa. There are also hot springs to find on your own, like Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring. 

You’ll also find places to eat, shop, and grab a craft beer all within a few blocks in this downtown area.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Lots of restaurants, bars, & shops
• Close to hot springs
• San Juan River views

Con of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey

North Pagosa Springs

👉 Best Area For Secluded Stays | ✨ Best North Pagosa Springs Hotels: Elk Trace Bed and Breakfast • Coyote Hill Lodge

North Pagosa Springs is off the beaten path, located several miles from downtown. You’ll have to drive for food and shopping, but it’s perfect if your goal is to enjoy some peace and quiet! Most of these properties have a deck, perfect for sipping coffee (or wine!) and gazing at the gorgeous views of the San Juan mountain range in the distance.    

Pros of Staying in North Pagosa Springs Neighborhood:

• Quiet and secluded
• Beautiful scenery

Con of Staying in North Pagosa Springs Neighborhood:

• You’ll need to drive to town for food and entertainment

Wolf Creek Ski Area

👉 Best Area For Skiing | ✨ Best Wolf Creek Ski Hotels: Sunflower Lodge • Red Top Lodge • Casa Del Colorado

Many of the properties closest to Wolf Creek Ski Resort are spacious cabins with several rooms and kitchen amenities. They make a great base camp, especially if you want to bring your own food and are traveling with a family. 

If you’re planning to just sleep and hit the slopes, you’re likely better off booking a cheap hotel. Check out the Quality Inn or another chain downtown.  

Pros of Staying in Wolf Creek Ski Area Neighborhood:

• Close to Wolf Creek Ski Resort
• Larger properties

Cons of Staying in Wolf Creek Ski Area Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey
• You’ll need a car to get around

Pagosa Lakes

👉 Best Area For Lake Access | ✨ Best Pagosa Lakes Hotels: Pine Vista • Club Wyndham Pagosa

Pagosa Lakes has more of a residential feel than the downtown Pagosa Springs area. You’re going to find more short-term rentals than hotel chains here. Many homes are ideally located right on a lake, with easy access to paddleboarding and kayaking (although most don’t allow swimming). The lakes are private, so this is the perfect spot for a quiet weekend.

Pros of Staying in Pagosa Lakes Neighborhood:

• Lake views & access
• Quiet, relaxed atmosphere

Cons of Staying in Pagosa Lakes Neighborhood:

• Far from restaurants, shops, and attractions
• You’ll likely be in a rental home, not a hotel

Tips for Staying in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a Year-Round Destination

You’ll have a great time in Pagosa Springs whether you visit in winter, summer, or in the off-season! You’ll find Colorado ski resorts nearby for winter activities, and in summer, you can hike, raft, and mountain bike. Because the hot springs are always, well, hot, soaking is enjoyable year-round.

Explore the Area

Located in southwest Colorado, Pagosa Springs is a great base camp for exploring other nearby areas. Take some time to drive to Durango and spend a day in the town. Mesa Verde National Park is less than two hours from Pagosa Springs, and is a unique historic experience. 

You can also enjoy things to do in Silverton like the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado.

Pack Layers

The Colorado mountains are notorious for their constantly-changing weather! You may find yourself bundled up in winter, only to sweat when the sun comes out… or ready for a summer dip in a lake, only to find yourself shivering. Pack plenty of layers and be ready for changes in temperature regardless of when you visit!

For more tips on what to pack for a trip to Colorado, be sure to check out Abigail’s Colorado Packing List!

Hydrate!

One of my top Colorado travel tips is to make sure you’re well-hydrated. Plan to bring at least one sizable water bottle with you wherever you go in Pagosa Springs! 

If you’re planning a long hike or lots of strenuous activity, you may want several. Also, if you’re planning a night on the town, you’ll be much happier the next day if you drink some water in between beers or other alcoholic beverages. 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Sunscreen is extremely important at high altitudes (well, and everywhere else…)! Be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out, and bring it with you to reapply at regular intervals. 

I like to use a sensitive sunscreen on my face, plus a sport sunscreen on my arms and legs when I’ll be outside hiking or skiing for the day. Oh yeah — don’t forget to apply in winter, too! The snow can actually reflect the sun and make sunburns even worse, so have plenty of sun protection. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs

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Whether you want to plan an active or relaxed Colorado vacation, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Pagosa Springs year-round. Hotels in Pagosa Springs range from budget to luxury, and hopefully, I’ve given you some good ideas on where to stay. Safe travels! 

(Featured Image Credit: neilld / 123RF)