Pagosa Springs, home to 300 days of sunshine and 2.5 million acres of national forest. This town will give you and your family the relaxation you need as you plan your Colorado family vacation. Many Colorado families choose to travel to Pagosa Springs for spring break to explore the vast national forest, ski the amazing slopes of Wolf Creek Ski Area, and soak in the world’s deepest hot springs.
The glory of Pagosa Springs is its accessibility for all. If you are not into the adventurous slopes that Wolf Creek offers, the Riverwalk is perfect for people of all ages. This relaxing two-mile walk bring you through the downtown area. This walk highlights the many gems that downtown Pagosa Springs has to offer like the three hot springs resorts, geothermal domes, the many parks for children to play on, and the San Juan River which flows through downtown.
Colorado Family Vacation Outdoor Adventures
Hiking in San Juan National Forest
There are many family-friendly hikes around Pagosa Springs with scenic views to take while on your Colorado family vacation. As mentioned before, the Riverwalk is a great family-friendly walk-through downtown for those looking for a casual stroll. Reservoir Hill, located just across the street from our lovely inn, has hiking and biking trails of all abilities. Here you can find the map of all the trails this hill offers, with a scenic overlook at the top to observe the breathtaking San Juan mountains.
Another perfect family friendly hike is Piedra River trail, located about 30-minute from our inn down Piedra Road. This hike includes a stroll through various rocks, trees, and trails right along the river. It makes for a casual stroll but can give a good cardio workout if you go far enough. The beauty of this trail is its vast mileage, letting you choose where you can turn around and come back to relax with a cup of hot cocoa at the Riverwalk Inn.
Hot Springs Experience
The three various hot springs that surround downtown Pagosa Springs offer a relaxing experience for all in the family. The Springs Resort and Spa, Healing Waters, and Overlook Hot Springs Resort are the three hot springs resorts that any one can buy a day pass for to soak in.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Wolf Creek Ski Area is a short 30-minute drive from our hotel and offers trails for beginners to advanced skier/snowboarders. This resort offers trails for all ages in the family and many lessons to learn in a beautiful location. Known for its extraordinary powder, Wolf Creek is a beautiful ski area your family needs to explore! https://www.pagosariverwalkinn.com/post/wolf-creek-ski-resort-guide
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Pagosa Springs offers many cross-country skiing trails with many of them groomed for your pleasure. Ski shops nearby like Ski and Bow rack offer cross-country ski or skate ski rental for the day for those looking for a nice cardio-induced workout among the magnificent San Juan mountains. Trails like Cloman Park, Coyote Hill, and even Wolf Creek offer a free Nordic skiing area!
Colorado Family Vacation Indoor Fun
Pagosa Springs offers many events inside to give you a rest from the outdoor sun or weather. Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts performs many family-friendly performances and workshops to watch theatrical performances by the locals of Archuleta County. The Pagosa Springs Pavilion (located less than a mile away from our hotel) offers ice skating for the family to enjoy family bonding! Another fun activity for all to enjoy is Pagosa Springs escape room, a fun riddle type adventure located just 5 minutes walking away!
Wildlife and Nature Exploration
The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park is a local favorite to observe animals that surround the area. This family fun activity is exhilarating and offers views of spectacular animals for those animal gurus!
The glory of small town Pagosa Springs is the night sky that unveils once the sun falls. The stargazing is clear and beautiful and allows for everyone to enjoy a calm night to get away and relax.
Chimney Rock offers many stargazing and astronomy opportunities to learn about our vast night sky.
Dining and Shopping
Neighboring our inn is Benys Mexican Restaurant, with really tasty Mexican food. Kips Grill and Cantina offers live music and many small meals for the whole family. Riff Raff is also a local brewery with live music and meals for the whole family.
Many various souvenirs surround downtown Pagosa. Ski and Bow Rack and Summit Ski and Sports are within two minutes walking away from our hotel which offer clothes and souvenirs to buy for your loved ones that stayed home or for yourself to show off!
Planning Your Visit
Staying at our Pagosa Springs Hotel offers you access to restaurants and many shops within walking distance and proximity to Wolf Creek Ski area! We offer clean and modern rooms, 24/7 hot tea and coffee, a relaxation area with a hot tub and sauna, and an included continental breakfast every morning. Read more about more specific activities Pagosa Springs offers in our Pagosa Springs Guide on our website.