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Ranger Hot Spring

Gunnison County, Colorado · Near Crested Butte

38.8160°N, 106.8730°W · 8,640 ft

81°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 8,640 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (8.7 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

A warm spring near Crested Butte in Gunnison County, about six and a half miles from town. Ranger Hot Spring reads tepid in the USGS record, despite the word Hot in its name. The 1977 sample shows near-neutral water. Nobody has filed an owner or an access status. Crested Butte would be the base.

Location

3 miles from Crested Butte, CO

Get Directions → All springs near Crested Butte →

The closest road is roughly 500 feet away, short-walk territory in the record. The elevation is high, with seven or eight feet of snow each year and a fairly dry climate otherwise. Average annual temperature is well below what most people call mild. One Mile campground, around nine miles, is the camp on record. The land columns hold nothing.

Winter is the season the record rates highest. Warm if you dip a hand in, too cool for a soak. Check land status before going; the record is silent on it. One Mile campground, nine miles. No fee recorded. The sample was taken in spring 1977, so the chemistry is a single old reading.

Monthly Climate

17°

Jan

20°

Feb

28°

Mar

34°

Apr

42°

May

55°

Jun

61°

Jul

59°

Aug

53°

Sep

39°

Oct

25°

Nov

16°

Dec

Annual Precip: 18.5 in Annual Snow: 90.3 in

Best Time to Visit

December Air 16°F · Water 81°F · +66° contrast

January Air 17°F · Water 81°F · +65° contrast

February Air 20°F · Water 81°F · +61° contrast

December offers 46°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

46°F

Clear N 12.4 mph 76% Good soaking weather

Today 73° Low 52° Mostly Sunny 7% precip

Spring is +8° warmer

Labor Day 67° Low 49° Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 26% precip

Spring is +14° warmer

Tuesday 70° Low 49° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 13% precip

Spring is +11° warmer

Wednesday 72° Low 49° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 17% precip

Spring is +9° warmer

Thursday 71° Low 48° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 19% precip

Spring is +10° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1977-04-30

The water at Ranger Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.4).

pH 7.4 Slightly Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Calcium 78 mg/L

May support bone density and joint health

Magnesium 22 mg/L

Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief

Sodium 65 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 95 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 18 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Compare with other slightly alkaline springs →

Nearby Camping

One Mile 8.7 mi away

Overview One Mile Campground is located 18 miles from Gunnison, CO in the Taylor River Canyon. Visitors enjoy the area for its rafting, fishing and trail opportunities. Recreation The Taylor River can be accessed from the campground, and offers a calm stretch for rafting and kayaking. Anglers cast for rainbow and brook trout. The Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area is nearby. The Summerville and South Lottis trailheads provide access to the scenic, natural area. A number of off-road trails are fo...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

High Altitude Advisory 8,640 ft

At 8,640 feet, Ranger Hot Spring is in high-altitude territory where the air is noticeably thinner. Soaking in hot water accelerates dehydration and can amplify altitude effects like headache and fatigue. UV radiation is roughly 35% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.