Fall Hike: Radium Warm Springs
When Rocky Mountain autumn turns its gorgeous, golden head, hikers search for trails that reveal new seasonal adventures. Some paths lead to views adorned in the state’s signature patchwork trees; others open new ways to explore our favorite wilderness areas.
For a trail that offers both, and a chance to experience Colorado fall at its core, look no further than a hike and soak at Radium Warm Springs.
Located between Bond and Kremmling, Radium Warm Springs is a primitive pool that sits right along the Colorado River, separated only by a few rocks where geothermal water mingles with the current. While it’s a popular summer stop for rafters launching out of Pumphouse, the pool gets calm after September. The trees and shrubs along the river will bubble with yellow leaves that glow in the autumn sun. It’s as much a place for adventure as it is for thinking, and over a warm soak and a cup of hot cider, it doesn’t get much better for reflection.
Photos by Veronica Kuffel
THE TRAIL
Starting at the trail sign, Ol’ Warm Springs Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that loops around the recreation area, offering stunning cliffside views of the river and its wildlife. Part of the Argentine Trail is accessible from this point, and it follows the Colorado River up and beyond the Pumphouse Recreation Area.
Along the trails, stone blocks stack like haphazard books on granite shelves. The river carves through the cliffs and winds along the valley for hundreds of miles. The area is home to wild sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush, willows and cottonwoods. If you’re quiet (and lucky), you may spot mule deer, bighorn sheep and maybe a moose sharing a sip from the river. From time to time, a train will roll along the Union Pacific Railroad track just across the water.
Warm Springs Trail is a direct quarter-mile path to the pool with a steep grade that turns into a cliff. Hikers can carefully climb the large square rocks down into the springs.
The pool is roughly 2 feet deep and is large enough for up to 20 people. The water inside it normally sits at a comfortable 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain and snowmelt seep underground, collecting minerals and heat before they’re forced back up into it. The river drifts between the rocks, mixing in some cool water to create the warm springs effect.
The best way to enjoy this adventure is to arrive in the evening and find a campsite. South of the springs, there’s the Radium Recreation Area with reservable campsites starting at $6. Dispersed camping is available on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land throughout the area, but be sure to check posted signs for more information.
Bring a towel, proper footwear, a burner stove and your favorite warm drink. Wake up early and drive to the trailhead. After exploring the loop, head back and brew a thermos of coffee or hot cider. Pack your bag and climb down to the springs, and set up for your wonderful morning soak.
Radium Warm Springs is an incredible place for a cozy dip and sip along the river, and a chance to reflect on your past summer and the winter to come.
GETTING THERE
The easiest way to get to the trailhead is through Kremmling. From town, take Highway 9 to Trough Road. Follow the path for about 11 miles and take a right onto Warm Springs Road. The road will lead straight to the parking lot. From the Radium Recreation Area, there are no designated trails to the pool. If you camp here, take Radium Warm Springs Access Road to Trough Road, then take a left at Warm Springs Road.
When searching for this destination, readers will likely find the name Radium Hot Springs; according to the Bureau of Land Management website and sign at the trailhead, the official name is Radium Warm Springs.
Originally published in the fall 2026 issue of Spoke+Blossom.