Sand Dunes Recreation
- From $18
- 98–111°F
- 4 hr 22 min from Denver
- Walk-in OK
A family pool complex near Hooper in the San Luis Valley, fed by a 118°F artesian well first struck during 1930s oil drilling. Alongside the main pools it has an adults-only greenhouse soaking area, a restaurant and bar, and campsites and cabins. The whole facility closes on Thursdays for cleaning.
- Price
- From $18
- Water
- 98–111°F
- Nearest town
- Hooper
- From Denver
- 4 hr 22 min
- Reservations
- Walk-in OK
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Hours |
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|---|---|
| Season |
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Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Day pass, walk-ins welcome |
| Booking |
|
Rules
| Ages | The Greenhouse soaking area is 21+ |
|---|
On site
| Lodging | Yes |
|---|
Not stated by the venue: swimwear, dogs.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
335 mg/L
Lightly mineralized · Sodium–sulfate (sodium sulfate water)
- pH
- 8.3
- Temp at source
- 112°F
- Lithium
- 0.01 mg/L
- Fluoride
- 5.9 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.53 mg/L
- Iron
- 0.05 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at “Sand Dunes Swimming Pool Hot Waterwell”, sampled 1975 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
The pools
| Pool | Temp | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Large family pool50 x 100 ft | 98–100°F | Outdoor |
| Therapy poolHolds 25 people; under the enclosure | 105–107°F | Covered |
| Baby poolkidsUnder the enclosure | — | Covered |
| Greenhouse poolsFour adults-only (21+) pools in a 10,000 sq ft greenhouse; extra fee | 98–111°F | Indoor |
As published by the venue. Temperatures shift with the seasons and the weather.
Facilities
- Food on site: yes
- Drinks / bar: yes
| Good to know |
|
|---|
What's here
- large geothermal swimming pool
- adults-only Greenhouse (21+)
- restaurant/bar (Pivot Public House)
- glamping cabins, RV and tent sites
- 118°F artesian well source
Getting there
- From Denver4 hr 22 min196 mi
- From Alamosa37 min24 mi
- From Alamosa (ALS)45 min26 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 7,544 ft |
|---|---|
| Road | 1991 County Road 63, Hooper |
Things to do near Hooper
Trailheads
- Liberty Gate Trailhead14.4 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Splashland Hot Springs
A large outdoor geothermal swimming pool about a mile north of Alamosa, open in summer since 1955. Water enters at 102°F and averages around 88-96°F across the pool. It is geared to families, with slides, a diving board and lap lanes.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
A spa retreat near Moffat in the San Luis Valley, built on the historic Mineral Hot Springs site, with three main pools held at 98, 104 and 108°F plus jacuzzis and a cold plunge. Lodging ranges from hotel rooms to yurts, tipis and campsites. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds but not in the pool area.
Valley View Hot Springs
Natural ponds and pools on a hillside above the San Luis Valley, run as a nonprofit by the Orient Land Trust. The whole property is clothing-optional and family-friendly, and daily visitor numbers are capped, so reservations by phone are needed. Cabins and campsites are available, and leashed pets are allowed on camping and day-pass reservations for a fee.
Splashland Hot Springs: 20 mi · Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa: 27 mi · Valley View Hot Springs: 29 mi
Sources (9)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.