The Penny Hot Springs sit on the banks of the Crystal River, a short drive south from Carbondale. Sitting at the mouth of the Narrows, a granite section of the canyon cut by the Crystal River, they are easily found at a large parking lot on the east side of Highway 133, a few hundred feet north of mile marker 55. The springs are named for Dan Penny, who kept a small hotel on the railroad line upstream of Avalanche Creek.
Some Tips for Being a Responsible Visitor at Penny Hot Springs
- How to Find: Penny Hot Springs is located 3.2 miles north of the main (south) entrance to Redstone on HWY 133. Look for mile marker 55 and the parking turnout and take care when accessing from the busy highway.
- When to Go: The pools can get flooded during spring snowmelt run-off, summer and fall or winter are good times to experience the springs safely. Early evenings and weekends can be busy, so why not pick another time of day, to have the best experience.
- Pack In, Pack Out: These are primitive hot springs with extremely limited amenities: there is a porta-potty but no trash container, so pack out everything you bring in.
- Limit the Crowds: Penny Hot Springs is small in capacity—about 20 feet across and 2 feet deep so enough room for about 10-12 people, and limited parking for about 20 cars only on the side of the highway. Consider visiting another local hot spring instead, such as Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs or Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs.
- Be a Good Bather: Please exercise common decency around your fellow bathers with regard to communal behavior.
- Please Note: Access to the hot springs is down steep rocks on the side of the riverbank which can be tricky and dangerous at times. Please take care to preserve the natural environment. Usage is at your own risk.
- For more information on the Penny Hot Springs management plan, visit: https://pitkincounty.com/1329/Penny-Hot-Springs