Embracing Naturism in the Centennial State: Why Colorado Is Barely Keeping It Under Wraps
In 2024, interest in naturism surged dramatically, and Coloradans were no exception. According to Pitchup.com, online searches for nudist campgrounds spiked 742 percent over the year, signaling a major uptick in curiosity and participation in naked recreation across the U.S., including right here in Colorado.
“In 2024, searches for naturist campgrounds increased by 742 percent, showing a renewed interest in outdoor recreation where people can reconnect with nature and themselves.”
— Pitchup.com Outdoor Travel Trend Report, 2024
What’s driving the surge? For many, it’s the allure of freedom, body positivity, and grounding oneself in nature without barriers. For others, it’s the mental-health boost: being skin-to-skin with the earth (or in a hot spring) brings a rare kind of vulnerability, joy, and acceptance.
“Recent opinion polls show that younger generations have a stronger interest in naturism and nude recreation … spending time nude … helps many people overcome body shame and fosters confidence.” — Edwin Kilby, INF‑FNI blog.
Is It Actually Legal to Be Nude in Colorado?
Short answer: yes, but only in the right places.
Colorado’s laws around public nudity are nuanced. Under Colorado Revised Statute 18‑7‑301, “indecent exposure” is defined as knowingly exposing one’s genitals in a way likely to cause “affront or alarm.” That means context matters. Nude recreation is typically tolerated (and even embraced) in secluded or private settings, but not in public places where others might be offended.
Legal (or at least tolerated) naturist spots tend to be:
Private resorts or camps where nude recreation is explicitly permitted.
Hot springs that operate under clothing-optional policies.
Remote public lands like wilderness areas or BLM land, where enforcement is low, though the legal risk exists.
“There’s a growing curiosity about naturism, and people are realizing the mental and physical benefits of being in nature without clothes. Clothing-optional camping offers freedom you just can’t get otherwise.”
— American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), 2024
Because rules can shift, especially around public lands, it’s wise to check current policies before planning a nude hike or camping trip.
Go Au Naturel: Top Clothing-Optional Spots in Colorado
Here are some of the most well-known and legally (or socially) accepted naturist spots in Colorado:
Valley View Hot Springs (Moffat, CO)
Operated by the Orient Land Trust, this is a true naturist oasis. Clothing is optional throughout the property, including natural rock ponds, manmade pools, and a sauna.Orvis Hot Springs (Ridgway, CO)
This lithium-rich hot spring offers clothing-optional outdoor soaking areas and a sauna. If you stay overnight (in a room or campsite there), you can enjoy 24-hour access nude.Desert Reef Hot Springs (Florence, CO)
Adults-only, with a “suits-optional” policy most of the week. (Note: on some days or times, suits may be required.)Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Clothing-optional after dark.Dakota Hot Springs (Penrose, CO)
Dakota Hot Springs is a laid-back, clothing‑optional hot springs retreat nestled in the scenic Arkansas River Valley near Penrose. Most days (Wednesday through Sunday) are “suits optional,” though on Tuesdays swimsuits are required.Conundrum Hot Springs
Frequently mentioned in nudist/hiking forums as a spot where people hike in nude, though the situation may be more informal — always verify current access rules.Mountain Air Ranch Family Nudist Resort (Littleton, CO)
At MAR, you’ll find a warm, multi-generational community with over 500 member individuals and families. The resort offers a wide variety of amenities, heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, paddle tennis, bocce, hiking trails, a clubhouse, and a playground for kids. On site lodging is also available.
“There is something deeply freeing about being able to truly be yourself without judgment or pretense. Naturism accepts all those who want to participate and the body-positive aspects counter the media’s artificial expectation of what ‘normal’ bodies look like.” — Linda Weber, President of AANR, on the benefits of naked vacations.
Join the Community: AANR‑Affiliated Clubs & Naturist Groups in Colorado
If you’re looking to meet other naturists, join events, or plug into a nudist community in Colorado, here are some great places to start:
Rocky Mountain Naturist Club (RMNC)
Based in Colorado, this non-landed social club organizes a wide variety of nude-friendly activities: hikes, house parties, camping trips, bowling nights, and more. It’s welcoming, body-positive, and family-friendly.Learn more at www.RockyMountainNaturistClub.org.
Mountain Air Ranch Family Nudist Resort
Nestled just 25 minutes southwest of Denver in the foothills, Mountain Air Ranch (MAR) is a welcoming, AANR-affiliated family nudist resort spread over 150 scenic acres. Founded in 1935, it’s one of the oldest naturist communities in North America.
Learn more at www.mountainairranch.co.
Why the Big Spike in 2024?
That 742% jump in searches isn’t just a fluke. Several factors likely contributed:
Post-pandemic freedom: As more people sought ways to reconnect with nature and decompress, nude camping offered a uniquely liberating experience.
Mental & physical health: Naturism’s wellness benefits are gaining more attention. Shedding barriers (clothing) helps people focus more on themselves, not the judgments or insecurities.
Increased visibility: With more websites, media coverage, and social media sharing, naturist destinations are becoming more mainstream, so folks who were curious are now searching.
Tips for Naturist Newcomers in Colorado
Make a reservation: Venues like Valley View, Dakota Hot Springs or Orvis often require booking, and spots can fill up, especially for weekend or summer visits.
Know the rules: Each clothing-optional place has its own policy (when nudity is allowed, if towels are required in certain areas, etc.). Read their site carefully.
Be respectful: Naturism isn’t about sex. Most communities emphasize non-sexual social nudity, respect for others, and no photography without permission.
Stay safe: If you’re exploring remote public lands in the buff, bring sun protection, bug spray, and maybe a lightweight “just in case” layer.
Final Thought
The huge surge in interest around nudist camping in 2024 shows that naturism is far from a fringe pastime, for many, it’s a meaningful way to reconnect with their bodies, with nature, and with a like-minded community. Colorado, with its majestic landscapes and open-minded naturist spots, offers a uniquely beautiful playground for this kind of freedom.
If you’re curious to dip your toes (or go full bare) into naturism, the Rocky Mountain state has more options than you might think and a welcoming community ready to greet you.
Sources
“So You Wanna Try Naked Running, Nudist Camping and Going ‘Au Naturel’ Outside?” American Association for Nude Recreation. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://www.aanr.com/aanr_articles/so-you-wanna-try-naked-running-nudist-camping-and-going-au-naturel-outside/
“Mountain Air Ranch: Colorado’s Family Nudist Resort Celebrates 90th Anniversary.” American Association for Nude Recreation. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://www.aanr.com/aanr_articles/mountain-air-ranch-colorados-family-nudist-resort-celebrates-90th-anniversary/
“Where to Go Naturist Camping & Naked Soaking in Colorado.” 5280 Magazine. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://www.5280.com/where-to-go-naturist-camping-naked-soaking-colorado/
“Dakota Hot Springs.” Dakota Hot Springs Official Website. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://www.dakotahotsprings.com/
“Dakota Hot Springs, Penrose.” Uncover Colorado. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://www.uncovercolorado.com/hot-springs/dakota-hot-springs/
“State-by-State Differences in Nudity Laws: Western U.S. Focus.” AANR West. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025. https://aanrwest.org/information/blog/state-by-state-differences-in-nudity-laws-western-u-s-focus