When a young man took up trail running in the nude last May on a widely used Summit County path, people took notice. Local forums and the sheriff’s dispatch line blew up with surprised accounts of the morning jogger logging his miles, wearing nothing but a smile and sneakers. Theories surfaced—maybe he’s high, maybe he’s a nudist. The man eventually added a Speedo-type garment to his running attire and the community buzz died down.
Turns out, the bare-bunned trail runner is not alone. According to pitchup.com, online searches for nudist campgrounds were up a whopping 742 percent in 2024. Curious Coloradans are embracing the liberating feeling of going nude in nature, relaxing in their birthday suits at campgrounds, resorts, and hot springs. Why? Well, the health benefits that come with connecting to nature are no secret. A simple stroll in the woods reduces anxiety. Absorbing magnesium and calcium in a natural hot spring can ease joint pain and improve circulation. But what happens when we remove all barriers between ourselves and nature?
The folks at Mountain Air Ranch—a nudist resort west of Littleton and the second-oldest of its kind in the country—will tell you naked recreation improves mental well-being and boosts self-esteem. “When people are not self-conscious about their clothing, they can focus on feeling comfortable in their own skin, which can lead to a positive body image and a sense of acceptance of one’s own physical appearance,” the 90-year-old resort touts on its website.
Interested in packing light, forgoing pesky tan lines, and embracing non-sexualized nakedness? Here’s where to drop trou and dip your toes—and everything else—into the bare-all lifestyle this summer in Colorado.
- Where: 9006 S. Mica Mine Gulch Road #9400, Littleton
- Official policy on nudity: “While some visitors prefer to be naked 24 hours a day, others choose to dress in the evenings, for meals, or for certain sports activities. The only areas where nudity is required are the pool, sauna, and hot tub.”
This American Association for Nude Recreation–sanctioned resort has been messaging come-as-you-are body positivity since 1935. The full-fledged naturist resort has more than 500 members (you don’t have to be a member to visit, but you will need a reservation), and the ranch prides itself on “wholesome” family offerings, including nude hot tubs, swimming pools, yoga, body painting, live music, and 10 miles of private trails.
Wild Horse Mountain View Campsite
- Where: 19132 Lakeview Drive, San Luis
- Official policy on nudity: “Naturist (nudist) groups welcome.”
Naturists can pitch tents on this high-desert waterfront property, which overlooks the 1,462-acre Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area. There, wild mustangs, mule deer, and pronghorn roam among sagebrush and sip from the trout-filled lake. Don’t forget sunscreen: This primitive campground is arid and exposed.
Desert Reef Hot Springs
- Where: 1194 County Road 110, Florence
- Official policy on nudity: “Desert Reef is suits-optional during all open hours, except on Fridays from open until 6:30 p.m. when suits are required.”
Stay in an Airstream or tiny home at this tucked-away natural hot spring in Florence. Adults-only Desert Reef is bathing suits-optional (except on Fridays). No cell phones, diving, splashing, or loud talking permitted—it’s strictly zenned-out, au naturel soaking here. Savor the quiet while hot water from the 1,000-foot-deep artesian well wraps you in muscle-melting minerals.
Valley View Hot Springs
- Where: 64393 County Road GG, Moffat
- Official policy on nudity: “We have a clothing-optional policy throughout the entire property.”
Ease into the naturist scene at this remote, clothing-optional oasis (reservations recommended). A patchwork of natural rock ponds and springs and manmade pools and a sauna at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range, Valley View feels rugged, but certain creature comforts (say, a duo of hydroelectric-heated pools hovering around 102 to 106 degrees) are welcome additions.
- Where: 1585 County Road #3, Ridgway
- Official policy on nudity: “Our outdoor soaking areas and sauna are clothing optional.”
At Orvis, naked soaking is the norm. The natural, never heated nor treated lithium waters range from 65 to 112 degrees, and the outdoor soaking areas and sauna are always clothing-optional. For full-on freedom, reserve a campsite on the property or stay in one of the bed-and-breakfast-style rooms and enjoy 24-hour access to the hot springs. Be sure to leave your phone behind—Orvis maintains a strict no-electronics policy.
Read More: Your Guide to Ridgway, Colorado
More Clothing-Optional Spots in Colorado
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs: Adults-only nude soaking is allowed after dark.
- Indian Hot Springs, Idaho Springs: Swimsuits are optional in the gender-specific tubs.
- The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs: You can go nude after dark.
8 Places To Go Naturist Camping and Naked Soaking in Colorado – 5280
By Lisa Blake
