Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is surrounded by the natural beauty for which Colorado is best known, and there’s plenty of outdoor recreation opportunity in the area that allows visitors to experience this beauty first-hand.

Here are six things to do in Pagosa Springs:

1. Hike to some waterfalls

Piedra Falls, Silver Falls, and Treasure Falls are all beautiful waterfalls, and the hikes to get to them are relatively easy. The Treasure Falls waterfall cascades 105 feet into Falls Creek. Piedra Falls is an easy one-mile out-and-back trail that leads to waterfalls that flow down volcanic cliffs. Silver Falls is located off Highway 160 and reaching it means a short 0.4-mile out-and-back hike.

2. Drive Wolf Creek Pass

This road will take you along the Continental Divide, and provides stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. The road passes by two national forests, Wolf Creek Ski Area, and a waterfall.

3. Take a hot air balloon ride

See Pagosa Springs from the ultimate perspective of a hot air balloon. Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures and Pagosa Adventures make it easy and hands-on. You’ll participate in the set-up, inflation, deflation, and pack-up of the balloon. Plus, both companies end their trips with a champagne toast.

Pagosa Springs also hosts ColorFest, an annual hot air balloon rally, in September each year. The event includes live music, wine, beer, and food tastings, and a 5K color run/walk.

4. Play on the San Juan River

The San Juan River flows right through downtown Pagosa Springs, making it very accessible for summer water activities including tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Pagosa Outside Adventures offers rafting and tubing trips and equipment rentals for tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

5. Chimney Rock National Monument

Take a tour of Chimney Rock National Monument, an archaeological site located near the San Juan Mountains. The area preserves 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings of the ancestral Puebloans, including a Great Kiva, a Pit House, a Multi-Family Dwelling, and a Chacoan-style Great House Pueblo. Some of the structures have been excavated and stabilized for viewing. Chimney Rock National Monument is open from May 15 to October 21.

6. Check out the local hot springs

Pagosa Springs is perhaps best-known for its local hot spring destinations, including The Springs Resort, which is located on the banks of the San Juan River. Stop by for a soak and to experience various spa amenities amid a stunning scene.

Learn more about visiting Pagosa Springs here.