{"id":1709,"date":"2026-10-05T14:29:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T20:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martincz.com\/?p=1709"},"modified":"2026-10-22T19:07:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T01:07:04","slug":"valley-view-hot-springs-a-solo-camping-escape-before-the-cold-october-4-5-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/martincz.com\/cs\/valley-view-hot-springs-a-solo-camping-escape-before-the-cold-october-4-5-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley View Hot Springs \u2013 A Solo Camping Escape Before the Cold (October 4\u20135, 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2014 just me, no plans, nowhere to rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the way in \u2014 the Sangre de Cristo range already has a dusting of snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I got there late Sunday morning and set up camp first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Home for two days \u2014 my tent under the trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 exactly what I came for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of the soaking decks built right over the spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The top pool in the late afternoon \u2014 like a mirror.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Monday evening gave me the perfect ending: golden light through the trees over the campground. Two quiet days, warm water, mountain air \u2014 batteries recharged before winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunset over the campground, Monday evening.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n