Orvis Hot Springs is in a beautiful location just at the edge of Ridgway. The largest outdoor soaking area, called “The Pond”, is fantastic and has a private, intimate feel despite its size. The other pools are okay, but not as noteworthy.

However, this review is not for the ponds, but for the lodging. My husband and I stayed in the Iron Room for two nights last year in early September. The best perk for staying at Orvis Hot Springs – either at one of the camp spots or in one of the “B&B style” rooms – is 24 hr access to the hot springs, and I have to say, the 3 am skinny dip on a clear night in “The Pond” was worth the one-time stay. Our experience, though, was soured by the accommodations. The room we stayed in had no air conditioning – only a very noisy floor fan – and was uncomfortably hot. Even with the window and skylight open, the room did not cool down until dawn. (The outside temperature at night was in the low 50s.) The pillows were skimpy and thin. Neither of us slept well. The wood paneling in the two communal bathrooms and indoor soaking tubs was covered in black mold/mildew. After noticing it, neither of us desired to spend much time in those rooms, opting not to shower the second day. By 7 am after our second night, we were ready to leave, enough so that we forewent any morning soaks in the hot springs despite having access to them for the remainder of the day.

Barring a renovation of the bathrooms and the addition of air conditioning in the rooms, our stay at Orvis will likely remain an one-time experience, but honestly I don’t know of too many other places where you can have immediate, near-private overnight access to hot springs. I certainly don’t know of any other hot springs resort (in Colorado) where clothing is optional during the day. So if you are unfazed by mold, can sleep in hot/humid conditions (maybe tent camping is a better option for late spring/summer/early fall?), and are enamored by the idea of watching the stars while you float on your back, naked, in a 4-5 ft deep hot springs pool, then give Orvis Hot Springs’s lodging try. Otherwise, it is worth a day visit.

We used to go to Orvis quite often when we lived in Western Colorado. We returned in September 2011 and it was just as good as we remembered it. We like it best in the early morning hours before it opens to the public, and in the evenings when the stars are out. During the day when it is crowded, we go up into the mountains. The staff has always been great, and the people we have met (other overnighters like ourselves) are almost always friendly. And the location is spectacular. See you again soon.

The lithium springs are so very relaxing. We opted to spend the night so had the big "pond" to ourselves after 10 pm, and before 9 am. What a treat to watch the stars while soaking. The shared bathroom is not a big deal at all. Staff is friendly and gave us a tour upon arrival. Our room was just a little warm, so they may benefit from a ceiling fan.

These are healing waters - have one of the locals tell you the stories of ancient indigenous tribes soaking in the springs located here. I'm so glad the pool were not filled with cookie cutter shapes and sizes. Every "body" has a story! We will definitely return when in the are again.

My husband and I loved every moment of our stay at Orvis Hot Springs. The staff is friendly and go out of their way to accommodate all guests. We were cheerfully greeted, and given a full tour of the facilities. What a lovely way to welcome us! My husband and I stayed in the Uncompahgre room. Loved the decor. The blinds are fabulous- able to open from the bottom or top. We loved the fact that the room was warm enough, in the winter, to keep a window cracked, so that we could fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the waterfall outside our room! Even though there is not a bathroom in the room, there is a sink, and a nice, big bottle of fresh drinking water. Plus a great mini-fridge. The hotel's attention to detail is divine. There's free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at all times. The communal kitchen is warm and inviting. Everything is clean and well maintained, throughout the entire property. The pictures on the website don't do the hot springs justice- the grounds are truly lovely. There are great mountain views from different locations. We took full advantage of "clothing optional," and felt absolutely safe and comfortable at all times. We made some great friends, and enjoyed the positive attitudes of all the guests and staff!