CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS

Checking in is very simple once you arrive. Raspberry Hot Springs is located about 15 minutes from Idaho Springs up a series of mountain roads. Apple navigation seems to have some issues getting folks here. We recommend using Google Maps. Our address is:

899 Chinook Rd, Idaho Springs CO, 80452

Getting here:

  • Once again, 4WD/AWD with 7+ inches of Ground Clearance is absolutely required! If you don’t have a vehicle that meets these requirements you should not attempt to access the ranch.

  • Turn traction control to “off“ when climbing dirt roads - doing so will prevent your vehicle from shutting off power to a slipping wheel (useful when hydroplaning on pavement, not so much when trying to gain traction on loose rocks).

  • Dakota Ridge Road closes during the winter months, and access is restricted to Exit 238/Fall River Road.

  • On the morning of snowy days, look out for our texts/emails/calls and please confirm you have received our instructions regarding the weather - be it different access directions or confirmation of cancelation/rescheduling/refund due to hazardous access conditions. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our number one priority, if weather conditions are bad where you are leaving from, even if they are fine here, please ask and we will be happy to provide a refund. We usually close and issue full refunds on days with active snowfall over 1 inch.

  • Please check the Road Conditions tab for current conditions and closures.

Here are some suggestions for a smooth check-in experience:

  • Aim to arrive 5 minutes prior your reservation time unless you plan to hike. Winter hiking conditions require snow shoes. Hiking requires closed toed shoes.

  • If you intend to hike, or if you arrive on the property unexpectedly early and decide you’d like to explore, please text us at (303) 718-7971 so that we can greet you and send you in the right direction.

  • Please bring your own towels or rent towels with your reservation. If you rent towels, please leave them in the wicker basket near the Buddha statue back at the parking area on your way out.

  • Note that temperatures at 9000 feet elevation will generally be 15-20 degrees colder than Denver and 5 degrees colder than downtown Idaho Springs so packing a second layer is advised. In winter, be aware of brief but strong wind gusts, and the possibility of branches or other objects being tossed around by mother nature. A robe is nice for the short journey from the Spring to the sauna or the private bathroom.

  • Bring appropriate footwear, something you’re comfortable wearing while walking on dirt trails and stone steps, potentially in the dark if you’ve booked a late soak. Hiking shoes, Chacos/Tevas (in the summer), or ankle-supporting boots are preferable, but feel free to wear whatever footwear you enjoy. You may also want to bring a pair of flip-flops for walking from the spring to the sauna, but for the walk from your vehicle to the spa you will want something more protective. If you intend to hike, hiking boots are definitely recommended.

  • If you booked a late-night soak, we recommend bringing a headlamp or battery-powered lantern. While there are lights on the path and around/within the structures, it’s nice to have a light for rounding up your personal effects as you leave the Spring area. While most cell phones have lights, consider that the combination of phones, darkness, and deep, hot water often doesn’t work out so well for the phone (trust us, this is from personal experience).

  • Park in the flat area facing the Buddha statue and one of us (Alex or Alyssa) will come up from the house to check you in. The house within the fenced area is our private residence - please wait in the parking area for us to greet you.

  • There is a bathroom in the forested spa area, as well as a heated Cedar-Barrel Sauna (dry heat only, for now) that serves as a private base camp and changing area for your group. Both of these amenities are only available during your reservation time.

  • The amenities are located down the stone-lined path directly in front of the parking area; however, please do not impose on the guests whose reservation precedes yours. The entire spa area is private, and access to the amenities therein is limited to your reservation time.

  • Privacy, low volume peaceful decompression, and mellow relaxation is the vibe - for many folks, this may be their only chance to unwind from their busy lives, so keep it mellow and be mindful of the private space.

  • When you arrive, please turn off your engine (and headlights if it is late), and when hiking, please avoid coming into the line of sight of soaking guests.

  • Accordingly, please do not linger in the spa area past your reservation time. Out of respect for the peace and privacy of our guests, we do not check in with time announcements, and we don’t have a clock down at the Spring. As such, plan on being clothed and packing up your personal belongings 5 minutes prior to the end of your reservation. For larger groups, please be aware that this process takes more time.

  • Raspberry Hot Springs is a clothing-optional spring. However, please keep nudity contained to the forested spa area. If you come back up to the parking area during your soak, we ask that you don a robe or other garment, out of respect for guests arriving for the appointment time following yours.

  • Feel free to bring food and drinks, but be aware that the walk to the spring is down a dirt trail through the forest, about 100 feet from the parking area. No glass whatsoever in the Spring area. Also, please refrain from eating in the water.

  • It’s important to stay hydrated when soaking in hot water for extended periods of time. We generally keep a dispenser with filtered water at the Sauna; however, it’s good practice to bring your own water.

  • We love dogs! Leashed dogs are welcome at the Spring, but please do not allow them in the water with you! Also, no unneutered male dogs are permitted on the property.

  • Pack it in - Pack it out! We do not have a trash can for guests’ food scraps, cans, containers, etc. As an off-grid business, we haul all of our trash to the county transfer station 20 minutes away. The station is open a mere two days a week (Friday and Saturday, no less!) and we live up here full-time. As such, we operate under a “leave no trace” policy.