Love Iceland’s Blue Lagoon? Try This Similar Spot in Colorado

My parents took my sister, her husband, my four-year-old son, and me on a family getaway to Iceland in 2013. We stayed in Reykjavik, drove the Golden Circle, and explored waterfalls and other jaw-dropping sights. However, my favorite part of the trip was our day trip to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a beautiful outdoor geothermal spa near Grindavik, Iceland. To wade in its hot, soothing waters was an experience I will never forget.

I realize how lucky I am to have been to Iceland, but not everyone has the time or the funds to get there. So if you live in or plan on visiting Colorado, the Ouray Hot Springs is the perfect dupe for the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland (pictured above) is on nearly everyone's bucket list. While I was able to cross it off mine over a decade ago, I am itching to go back. In the meantime, the Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado (pictured below) is a bit more accessible.

While Ouray Hot Springs isn't surrounded by a barren lava landscape like the Blue Lagoon, the scenery is just as exceptional. The views from these Western Colorado hot springs are jaw-dropping, as you'll see the San Juan Mountains in every direction.

While the Blue Lagoon's hot waters are fed by a geothermal power plant that pulls water near a lava flow deep in the ground, Ouray Hot Springs' waters are from underground fissures around the Uncompahgre River Valley. Blue Lagoon's mineral-rich waters are also sulphuric, giving it a strange scent that can be likened to rotten eggs, while Ouray's waters are sulfur-free yet rich in minerals and have no off-putting smell. While some distinct differences exist, both places are incredibly relaxing and therapeutic.

Ouray Hot Springs is a family-friendly destination that is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily throughout the year, and you must pay a daily fee or sign up for an annual membership. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Water temperatures comfortably range between 75 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can enjoy five pools. The Shallow Pool and Activity Pool have cooler temperatures than the other pools and are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, while the others are open year-round. I should also mention that one of the pools, the Overlook Pool, is for adults only — no kids allowed!

Ouray Hot Springs is incredibly relaxing, and its bathhouse is ADA-accessible. There's also a lift chair for those with mobility issues to enter and exit the pools. So, how about practicing some self-care with a day at the hot springs in Ouray, Colorado? I think it's a great idea!

Visit the Ouray Hot Springs website for admission information, and follow its Facebook page for daily temperatures and any closures. If you plan on spending the night near the hot springs, try the Ouray Riverside Resort, a 14-minute walk away.

While Ouray Hot Springs isn't exactly the Blue Lagoon, we can pretend it is, right? After all, it's close enough of a dupe, and, best of all, no pricey trans-Atlantic flight is necessary! We think you'll love it if you visit! And if you're looking for more fun getaways or other things to do during your trip, check out our itinerary planner for additional recommendations!