Valley View Hot Springs – A Solo Camping Escape Before the Cold (October 4–5, 2026)

This trip was a last-minute decision. The forecast promised a few more beautiful fall days before the cold weather moves in, so I packed the car, grabbed my tent, and drove down to Valley View Hot Springs in the San Luis Valley — just me, no plans, nowhere to rush.

On the way in — the Sangre de Cristo range already has a dusting of snow.

I got there late Sunday morning and set up camp first.

Home for two days — my tent under the trees.

The best part of Valley View is how natural it is. The hot springs feed a series of clear pools connected by wooden boardwalks, with soaking decks built right over the water. I spent most of both afternoons just moving from pool to pool and doing nothing at all — exactly what I came for.

One of the soaking decks built right over the spring.

The top pool in the late afternoon — like a mirror.

Monday evening gave me the perfect ending: golden light through the trees over the campground. Two quiet days, warm water, mountain air — batteries recharged before winter.