Rainbow Hot Springs

About 5.3 miles up the West Fork Trail and within the Weminuche Wilderness, these primitive, undeveloped springs are found on the banks of the West Fork of the San Juan River. The condition of the pools varies with water flow. The pools are also substantially affected by major water events, such as a heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt.

The hot springs are heavily used. Although used by many people who enjoy and care for the area, increased impacts come with popularity. All visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and respect everyone’s ability to have a wilderness experience. This includes allowing everyone to experience the sights and sounds of nature. In an area with concentrated camping, sanitary disposal of human and dog waste is necessary. To preserve the wilderness experience in response to these impacts, the following regulations were put in place.

General Information

WITHIN THE WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS
To retain the character and condition of the Weminuche Wilderness, the following regulations apply throughout the Weminuche Wilderness:

Maximum group size is 15 people per group, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25.
Pets must be under voice control or on a lease and bury dog waste around campsites.
Caching supplies and equipment is not allowed.
Motor vehicles and equipment, carts, bicycles, and drones are not permitted.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of streams or lakes except in posted sites.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Make sure the fire is out and ashes are cold.
Dispose of wash water and bury human waste at least 100 feet from water sources.
Recreational livestock are prohibited from being restrained within 100 feet of water sources.
Cutting or damaging live trees is prohibited.
Pack out all that you take in.
Be bear aware and hang your or store your food properly.
Livestock feed must be certified weed free. Do not restrain livestock within 100 feet of water sources.
Guiding and outfitting for compensation is allowed only under permit from the San Juan National Forest.

Dispersed camping allowed at designated campsites only. Special Order #SJRG-99-05, which allows camping only at designated sites at the Rainbow Hot Springs, is being enforced.

A total of 9 Designated sites are marked with numbered posts in the Rainbow Hot Springs area.
Campsites are first come, first serve.

If none are available, you must find a legal campsite outside of the closure area. This will be a long hike to find one. Legal campsites in Wilderness areas are at least 100 feet from water.

Designated Camping Only Area, or description of the zone.
0.6 miles down the trail south of the hot springs (where old Beaver Ck trail joined West Fork)
0.6 miles up the trail north of the hot spring (where trail crosses W.Fork of the San Juan)
Bury dog waste around campsites.
Livestock grazing is not permitted.

Specifically, the order states camping is only allowed at designated sites within ¼ mile either side of the West of the San Juan River from the juncti

Bicycles are not allowed on the West Fork Trail.

Beaver Creek Trail (560) is closed to through traffic due to the condition of the trail.

Getting There

Directions

TRAILHEAD
From Pagosa Springs travel northeast on U.S. Highway 160 for 15 miles, then turn left on West Fork Road (648). It is about three miles to the trailhead: pass the West Fork Campground, cross the bridge over the West Fork San Juan River, then bear to the right. Continue northwest to the trailhead.
Trailhead elevation is 9,040 feet. The hot spring’s location is approx. 5.3 miles from trailhead information board.

WEST FORK TRAIL (561)
Distance: about 5.3 miles to the hot springs.
Bicycles are not permitted on this trail.

The first mile of trail passes through private property; stay on the trail. It enters Wilderness at 1.3 miles. The restricted camping zone starts approximately .4.5 miles in from the trailhead. The hot springs are about another half mile up the trail. They are not visible from the trail. Social trails through the designated campsite area will lead you to the pools by the river.

Travel Considerations

WINTER ACCESS
In winter and early spring, the West Fork Road is closed to motorized vehicles except for snowmobiles operating on snow either at the highway or at the Forest Boundary, about ½ mile from Highway 160. Thus, in winter it is about 7.5 miles from the road closure point to the springs. A high level of backcountry and winter travel skills is necessary to successfully access the springs in winter.