Intro Colorado has ninety-three known thermal areas including natural springs, augmented natural springs, and wells. The state’s warm springs are classified as low temperature — less than the boiling point of water — and are used for recreational bathing, aqua-culture, minor space heating, and heating greenhouses.
Publications Barrett, James K., and Richard H. Pearl. “Bulletin 39 – An Appraisal of Colorado’s Geothermal Resources.” Geothermal. Bulletin. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2006 1978. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., and Christopher J. Carroll. “MS-45 Interpretive Geothermal Heat Flow Map of Colorado.” Geothermal Heat Flow, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, July 2008. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/interpretive-geothermal-heat-flow-map-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., Paul Morgan, and Nicholas A. Watterson. “MS-48 Oil and Gas Wells in Areas of Colorado with Superior Geothermal Properties.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, March 2010. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/oil-gas-wells-geothermal-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., and Nicholas A. Watterson. “MS-51 Interpretive Geothermal Gradient Map of Colorado.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2010. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/interpretive-geothermal-gradient-map-colorado. Burroughs, Richard L. “SP-17 A Summary of the Geology of the San Luis Basin, Colorado – New Mexico with Emphasis on the Geothermal Potential for the Monte Vista Graben.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geology-san-luis-basin-colorado-new-mexico-geothermal-potential-monte-vista-graben. Cappa, James A., and H. Thomas Hemborg. “OF-95-01 1992-1993 Low Temperature Geothermal Assessment Program, Colorado.” Geothermal. Open File Report. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Division of Minerals and Geology, Department of Natural Resources, 1995. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/1992-1993-low-temperature-geothermal-assessment-program-colorado. Coe, Barbara A. “IS-09 Geothermal Energy Development in Colorado: Processes, Promises and Problems.” Geothermal. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1978. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-development-colorado. ———. “OF-80-11 Community Development of Geothermal Energy in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/community-development-geothermal-energy-pagosa-springs-colorado. ———. “OF-80-13 Geothermal Energy Potential in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-potential-san-luis-valley-colorado. Coe, Barbara A., and Nancy A. Forman. “IS-15 Regulation of Geothermal Energy Development in Colorado.” Geothermal. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/regulation-geothermal-energy-development-colorado. Coe, Barbara A., and Judy Zimmerman. “OF-81-02 Geothermal Energy Opportunities at Four Colorado Towns.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-opportunities-colorado-towns. Coe, Kenneth L. “SP-20 Industrial Market Opportunities for Geothermal Energy in Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/industrial-market-opportunities-geothermal-energy-colorado. Galloway, Michael J. “SP-10 Hydrologic, Geothermal, and Geologic Maps of the Pagosa Springs Area, Colorado.” Hydrologic, Geothermal, and Geologic. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1977. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/hydrogeologic-geothermal-investigation-pagosa-springs-colorado. Healy, F. C. “OF-80-10 Geothermal Energy Potential in Chaffee County, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-potential-chaffee-colorado. McCarthy, K. P., T. G. Zacharakis, and C. D. Ringrose. “RS-17 Geothermal Resource Assessment of the Animas Valle, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-assessment-animas-valley-colorado. McCarthy, Kevin P. “OF-82-05 Geothermal Implications of Warm Mine Water Drainage at Lake City and Cripple Creek, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-implications-mine-water-drainage-lake-city-cripple-creek-colorado. McCarthy, Kevin P., Ted G. Zacharakis, and Richard Howard Pearl. “RS-18 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Hartsel, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-hartsel-springs-colorado. Meyer, Richard T., Barbara A. Coe, and Jay D. Dick. “OF-81-03 Appendices of an Appraisal for the Use of Geothermal Energy in State-Owned Buildings in Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/appraisal-geothermal-energy-state-buildings-colorado. ———. “RS-14 An Appraisal for the Use of Geothermal Energy in State-Owned Buildings in Colorado.” Geothermal. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-appraisal-state-owned-buildings-colorado. Oerter, Erik J., Frederick E. Berkman, and Christopher J. Carroll. “IS-76 Colorado Geothermal Bibliography.” Geothermal Bibliography. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2008. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-bibliography-colorado-2007. Pearl, Richard H. “Bulletin 35 – Proceedings of a Symposium on Geothermal Energy and Colorado.” Geothermal. Bulletin. Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1974. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/proceedings-symposium-geothermal-energy-colorado. ———. “MS-14 Geothermal Resources of Colorado.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado. Pearl, Richard H., Ted G. Zacharakis, Frank N. Repplier, and Kevin P. McCarthy. “Bulletin 44 – Bibliography of Geothermal Reports in Colorado.” Geothermal Bibliography. Bulletin. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/bibliography-geothermal-reports-colorado. Pearl, Richard Howard. “SP-02 Geothermal Resources of Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1972. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado-1972. Pearl, Richard Howard, Ted G. Zacharakis, and Charles D. Ringose. “RS-22 Geothermal Resource Assessment of the Steamboat-Routt Hot Springs Area, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-steamboat-hot-springs. ———. “RS-23 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-hot-sulphur-springs-colorado. Repplier, F. N., T. G. Zacharakis, and C. D. Ringrose. “RS-16 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Idaho Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-idaho-springs-colorado. Repplier, Frank N., and R. L. Fargo. “MS-20 Geothermal Gradient Map of Colorado.” Geothermal Gradient, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-gradient-map-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G. “SP-16 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Waunita Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-waunita-hot-springs-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., and Richard Howard Pearl. “RS-20 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Cañon City, Colorado Area.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-canon-city-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., Richard Howard Pearl, and Charles D. Ringose. “RS-19 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Western San Luis Valley, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessments-western-san-luis-valley-colorado. ———. “RS-24 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Ranger Warm Spring, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-ranger-warm-springs-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., Charles D. Ringose, and Richard H. Pearl. “RS-15 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Ouray, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-ouray-colorado.
Barrett, James K., and Richard H. Pearl. “Bulletin 39 – An Appraisal of Colorado’s Geothermal Resources.” Geothermal. Bulletin. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2006 1978. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., and Christopher J. Carroll. “MS-45 Interpretive Geothermal Heat Flow Map of Colorado.” Geothermal Heat Flow, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, July 2008. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/interpretive-geothermal-heat-flow-map-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., Paul Morgan, and Nicholas A. Watterson. “MS-48 Oil and Gas Wells in Areas of Colorado with Superior Geothermal Properties.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, March 2010. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/oil-gas-wells-geothermal-colorado. Berkman, Frederick E., and Nicholas A. Watterson. “MS-51 Interpretive Geothermal Gradient Map of Colorado.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2010. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/interpretive-geothermal-gradient-map-colorado. Burroughs, Richard L. “SP-17 A Summary of the Geology of the San Luis Basin, Colorado – New Mexico with Emphasis on the Geothermal Potential for the Monte Vista Graben.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geology-san-luis-basin-colorado-new-mexico-geothermal-potential-monte-vista-graben. Cappa, James A., and H. Thomas Hemborg. “OF-95-01 1992-1993 Low Temperature Geothermal Assessment Program, Colorado.” Geothermal. Open File Report. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Division of Minerals and Geology, Department of Natural Resources, 1995. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/1992-1993-low-temperature-geothermal-assessment-program-colorado. Coe, Barbara A. “IS-09 Geothermal Energy Development in Colorado: Processes, Promises and Problems.” Geothermal. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1978. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-development-colorado. ———. “OF-80-11 Community Development of Geothermal Energy in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/community-development-geothermal-energy-pagosa-springs-colorado. ———. “OF-80-13 Geothermal Energy Potential in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-potential-san-luis-valley-colorado. Coe, Barbara A., and Nancy A. Forman. “IS-15 Regulation of Geothermal Energy Development in Colorado.” Geothermal. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/regulation-geothermal-energy-development-colorado. Coe, Barbara A., and Judy Zimmerman. “OF-81-02 Geothermal Energy Opportunities at Four Colorado Towns.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-opportunities-colorado-towns. Coe, Kenneth L. “SP-20 Industrial Market Opportunities for Geothermal Energy in Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/industrial-market-opportunities-geothermal-energy-colorado. Galloway, Michael J. “SP-10 Hydrologic, Geothermal, and Geologic Maps of the Pagosa Springs Area, Colorado.” Hydrologic, Geothermal, and Geologic. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1977. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/hydrogeologic-geothermal-investigation-pagosa-springs-colorado. Healy, F. C. “OF-80-10 Geothermal Energy Potential in Chaffee County, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-potential-chaffee-colorado. McCarthy, K. P., T. G. Zacharakis, and C. D. Ringrose. “RS-17 Geothermal Resource Assessment of the Animas Valle, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-assessment-animas-valley-colorado. McCarthy, Kevin P. “OF-82-05 Geothermal Implications of Warm Mine Water Drainage at Lake City and Cripple Creek, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-implications-mine-water-drainage-lake-city-cripple-creek-colorado. McCarthy, Kevin P., Ted G. Zacharakis, and Richard Howard Pearl. “RS-18 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Hartsel, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-hartsel-springs-colorado. Meyer, Richard T., Barbara A. Coe, and Jay D. Dick. “OF-81-03 Appendices of an Appraisal for the Use of Geothermal Energy in State-Owned Buildings in Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Open File Report. Denver. CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/appraisal-geothermal-energy-state-buildings-colorado. ———. “RS-14 An Appraisal for the Use of Geothermal Energy in State-Owned Buildings in Colorado.” Geothermal. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-energy-appraisal-state-owned-buildings-colorado. Oerter, Erik J., Frederick E. Berkman, and Christopher J. Carroll. “IS-76 Colorado Geothermal Bibliography.” Geothermal Bibliography. Information Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 2008. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-bibliography-colorado-2007. Pearl, Richard H. “Bulletin 35 – Proceedings of a Symposium on Geothermal Energy and Colorado.” Geothermal. Bulletin. Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1974. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/proceedings-symposium-geothermal-energy-colorado. ———. “MS-14 Geothermal Resources of Colorado.” Geothermal, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1980. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado. Pearl, Richard H., Ted G. Zacharakis, Frank N. Repplier, and Kevin P. McCarthy. “Bulletin 44 – Bibliography of Geothermal Reports in Colorado.” Geothermal Bibliography. Bulletin. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/bibliography-geothermal-reports-colorado. Pearl, Richard Howard. “SP-02 Geothermal Resources of Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1972. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resources-colorado-1972. Pearl, Richard Howard, Ted G. Zacharakis, and Charles D. Ringose. “RS-22 Geothermal Resource Assessment of the Steamboat-Routt Hot Springs Area, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-steamboat-hot-springs. ———. “RS-23 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-hot-sulphur-springs-colorado. Repplier, F. N., T. G. Zacharakis, and C. D. Ringrose. “RS-16 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Idaho Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-idaho-springs-colorado. Repplier, Frank N., and R. L. Fargo. “MS-20 Geothermal Gradient Map of Colorado.” Geothermal Gradient, 1:500,000. Map Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-gradient-map-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G. “SP-16 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Waunita Springs, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Special Publication. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-waunita-hot-springs-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., and Richard Howard Pearl. “RS-20 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Cañon City, Colorado Area.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1982. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-canon-city-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., Richard Howard Pearl, and Charles D. Ringose. “RS-19 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Western San Luis Valley, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessments-western-san-luis-valley-colorado. ———. “RS-24 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Ranger Warm Spring, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1983. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-ranger-warm-springs-colorado. Zacharakis, Ted G., Charles D. Ringose, and Richard H. Pearl. “RS-15 Geothermal Resource Assessment of Ouray, Colorado.” Geothermal Resources. Resource Series. Denver, CO: Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, 1981. https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/geothermal-resource-assessment-ouray-colorado.
Media Zoom Download Image Share Hot springs along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, CO. Photo credit: Nate Rogers (CGS). Zoom Download Image Share Hortense Hot Springs well house, Chaffee County, Colorado, [1990?]. Photo credit: CGS. Zoom Download Image Share Pinkerton Hot Springs, La Plata County, Colorado, September 2012. Photo credit Colorado Geological Survey. Zoom Download Image Share Glenwood Hot Springs source was known to the local Ute tribe who called it Yampah (big medicine). It is now one of the most popular hot spring resorts in the state. Glenwood Springs, Colorado, March 2007. Photo credit: Vince Matthews for the CGS. Zoom Download Image Share Juniper Hot Springs, Mofatt County. Photo credit: Nate Rogers (CGS)