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Upper Waunita Hot Springs

Gunnison County, Colorado · Near Gunnison

38.5140°N, 106.5080°W · 8,940 ft

176°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 8,940 ft Roadside Camping nearby (9.9 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 176°F, the source water at Upper Waunita Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Upper Waunita Hot Springs is scalding at the source, far past anything skin can take. It lies in Gunnison County, twenty-odd miles from Gunnison, at close to nine thousand feet. Nothing on file names a landowner or states an access rule. A USGS site number and a 1978 chemistry sample are the hard data here.

Location

0 miles from Gunnison, CO

Get Directions → All springs near Gunnison →

Roadside, about sixty yards from an unnamed road. Cold high country; the annual average sits well below anything you would call mild. Some eighty inches of snow fall over a winter, and the year is dry overall. Monarch Park Campground is about ten miles out, the closest on record.

The heart of winter is listed as best. You park and you are there. The temperature is dangerous; the source is hot enough to scald in seconds, so stay out of the outlet and do not test it with a hand. Chemistry dates to 1978. Who holds the land, and on what terms you can be there, is unverified.

Monthly Climate

15°

Jan

18°

Feb

27°

Mar

33°

Apr

42°

May

56°

Jun

60°

Jul

58°

Aug

52°

Sep

39°

Oct

24°

Nov

15°

Dec

Annual Precip: 17.4 in Annual Snow: 80.0 in

Best Time to Visit

January Air 15°F · Water 176°F · +161° contrast

December Air 15°F · Water 176°F · +161° contrast

February Air 18°F · Water 176°F · +158° contrast

January offers 45°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

46°F

Clear WNW 37.0 mph 57% Good soaking weather

Today 77° Low 49° Mostly Sunny 6% precip

Spring is +99° warmer

Labor Day 72° Low 47° Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 32% precip

Spring is +104° warmer

Tuesday 74° Low 48° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 16% precip

Spring is +102° warmer

Wednesday 76° Low 48° Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 23% precip

Spring is +100° warmer

Thursday 75° Low 46° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 22% precip

Spring is +101° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1978-06-08

The water at Upper Waunita Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9).

pH 7.9 Slightly Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Calcium 7 mg/L

May support bone density and joint health

Magnesium 0 mg/L

Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief

Sodium 160 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 170 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 22 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Iron 30 µg/L

Iron-rich springs may support circulation

Compare with other slightly alkaline springs →

Nearby Camping

Monarch Park 9.9 mi away

Overview This Campground is Closed for the 2024 Season for renovation. Will reopen in 2025. Monarch Park is nestled at the base of Monarch Ridge, a short drive north of Monarch Pass on Highway 50. Some campsites at the family-friendly destination are located on the banks of the South Fork Arkansas River, while others lie along a creek. Popular activities in the area include hiking the Colorado/Continental DivideTrail and fishing. Beaver ponds near the entrance to the campground make a great...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

High Altitude Advisory 8,940 ft

At 8,940 feet, Upper Waunita Hot Springs 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 36% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.

Columbia Bora Bora UPF 50+ Sun Hat Full-brim UPF 50+ coverage for intense high-altitude sun Amazon

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Temperature

176°F

Warm Hot Boiling

Water Temp 176°F (80°C)

Avg Air Temp 37°F

Above Ambient +139°F

Great soaking conditions September

Access

Road Access Roadside

Distance to Road 181 ft

Nearby

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Similar Temperature

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Similar Water Chemistry

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Explore all hot springs in Colorado →

Between Soaks

Hike 6 waterfalls near Upper Waunita Hot Springs

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Upper Waunita Hot Springs, Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Upper Waunita Hot Springs?

Upper Waunita Hot Springs has a water temperature of 176°F (80°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

Where is Upper Waunita Hot Springs located?

Upper Waunita Hot Springs is located in Gunnison County, Colorado at 8,940 feet elevation, near Gunnison. Coordinates: 38.5140°N, 106.5080°W.

How do I get to Upper Waunita Hot Springs?

Upper Waunita Hot Springs has Roadside road access (181 ft from the road).

Can I camp near Upper Waunita Hot Springs?

Yes, Monarch Park is located nearby (9.9 miles away).

What minerals are in the water at Upper Waunita Hot Springs?

Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.9 (slightly alkaline).

Is it safe to soak at Upper Waunita Hot Springs?

No, not at the source. The water at Upper Waunita Hot Springs reaches 176°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.

Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia