Relax In Utah’s Best Hot Springs
Exploring Utah’s natural hot springs is an adventure that should be on everyone’s bucket list!!
I’ve been to probably ~50 hot springs across the United States, and I have to say, Utah has some of my favorites. You’ll find out which ones later in this blog, but to give you a little hint, think turquoise blue waters and vintage bathtubs built into brilliant red rock.
For those of you who may be visiting some of these hot springs for the first time, it’s important to know that these hot springs are not like your typical resort spas. Most of these at natural pools, which offer minimal amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and trash cans, ensuring that their natural beauty is preserved. With this being said, if you do visit, please be respectful of nature and pack out ALL OF YOUR TRASH, and help take any trash you find.
If you are interested in finding more natural hot springs in Utah or other incredible outdoor spots, grab my Google Map of Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you soak in any and every hot spring?
The quick answer, no.
The first step is to do your research!! Some hot springs are either off-limits because they are too dangerous to soak in or protected.
For instance, the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park are not soakable, so it’s don’t try or you probably boil to death. Not a great way to go.
Always double-check the water temperature before taking a dip and avoid springs that appear to be boiling or steaming excessively. You can find most of the soakable ones online. However, if you CAN’T find the information, that could be a sign of inadequate maintenance. I would proceed with caution.
What's with the smell?
The answer to your question is sulfur!
Sulfur binds with oxygen to form sulfate, which occurs naturally in hot springs and is responsible for the eggy odor. The strength of the smell is determined by the depth of the hot springs and the speed at which it sends water to the surface.
So in short, the smell is normal and actually indicates that everything is working fine!!
Can hot springs cause diseases?
YES! Naegleria infection is a rare but serious disease caused by an amoeba found in warm freshwater.
It’s important to be cautious and avoid submerging your head when in lakes, rivers, or hot springs to prevent exposure to the amoeba.
So, dumbing this down, just don’t dip your head into the hot water and you should be fine!
Should you shower after going in a hot spring?
Some people don’t recommend showering after soaking in a hot spring because it reduces the effects of the nutrients and minerals in the water.
If you have sensitive skin or visit an acidic spring, you should shower to help prevent skin irritations.
Normally, we have a little rinse kit or some wipes with us.
Is everyone nude?
No, not everyone! HOWEVER, nudity is totally legal at most hot springs, and you probably will come across people enjoying their more natural state. This is why I don’t advise bringing children to hot springs. If nudity makes you uncomfortable, like it does me, you can try to find another spring if one is available or just be polite, respectful, and look away.
Can I take my kids there with me?
You can, but I really wouldn’t suggest it. Hot springs are a place adults go to relax and have fun, and as mentioned before, people do like to soak in the nude.
Meadows Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs is located about 2.5 hours northwest of Zion National Park and is undoubtedly one of the best hot springs in Utah.
Meadows is a popular spot for locals and visitors, but you have to know how to get there because there are no signs. The road leading in is well-maintained, suitable for most vehicles, and the walk to the hot spring takes only a few minutes. It’s about a quarter-mile at most from the main parking area. You can drive to most of the hot springs when the roads are passable. However, definitely take caution when visiting the springs in the winter. The road gets messy, and if you’re not careful, you can get stuck moving between springs.
There are 3 main pools to soak in!! That said, the temperatures of the pools do vary. When we were there, we found that the first pool we stopped at was actually pretty cold. And there were a ton of fish swimming in there. Which is cool, and also a little weird. The second spring had crystal clear, deep water that hovers around 90°F. This pool also contained fish, lol. The last pool was the hottest and the most enjoyable. But it was also the most crowded. It felt like the three bears; you just have to find which one was right for you!!
Dispersed camping is allowed in the area, and both the hot springs and camping are free. There are donation boxes, as these hot springs sit on private land. Donations help support their upkeep so people like us can enjoy them!
Remember to leave no trace, clean up after yourself, and be considerate of others. Always remember to act responsibly and stay safe while swimming.
Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Spring’s unique charm sets it apart from other hot springs around Utah. Located only northeast, 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City or Zion National Park, trust me, visiting Mystic Hot Springs is worth the drive.
Let’s talk about the soaking experience. Mystic offers two concrete pools and six vintage cast-iron bathtubs providing a cute and unique bathing experience. This includes a mineral waterfall massage in shallow pools or peaceful meditation in deeper pools. The water temperature ranges from 99 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and is maintained at that temperature.
While it does cost $25 per adult and $12.50 for children 12 and under, I think the charm, cleanliness, access to showers, and exclusivity are worth the price. You can book your tickets here. When you book, you can choose when you want to soak. We went from 4-6 pm to soak while enjoying the stunning sunset.
Mystic Hot Springs has more than soaking; they also offer grassy campsites, unique hippie buses, pioneer cabins, full RV hook-ups, and concerts! Plus, the bathrooms are kept clean and well-maintained, which, in my opinion, is a huge win.
Red Hill Hot Springs
Just up the road from Mystic Hot Springs is Red Hill Hot Springs! Let’s talk about it. Red Hills Hot Springs is honestly one of the most impressive hot springs because they are set amidst rich red hills with turquoise water. Another perk is that they are FREE!
Maybe a perk or not, because this hot spring does fill up quickly, and once people acquire a pool spot, they tend to stay for a while.
Red Hill does have some facilities, such as seating areas, a grill, fire pit, and even a nearby pit toilet.
Red Hill Hot Springs is home to thermophiles, so please avoid damaging the mineral rocks and scrambling over them. If you want to get a better look at the source, head up the path behind the parking lot. There you can find a super-pool, naturally heated to about 154°F!
Although the pools are clean, keep in mind that the red dirt may stain your clothes, so choose attire wisely. Additionally, the wet rocks can be slippery, so wearing the right shoes is essential.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
The Fifth Water Hot Springs are my favorite hot springs in Utah. I’ll say it again, my favorite hot spring in Utah – if not the United States. Located near Provo, Utah, these springs range from the most electric glacier-blue waters to emerald-green, and even has a hot spring waterfall. Yep, you heard me right, a waterfall.
Although the trail is long, especially in winter. To be safe, always check trail conditions before you go & please download offline maps on both Google Maps and AllTrails.
When’s the best time to go?
We only visited in the winter, and personally, I loved it. Winter is a unique time to visit the springs when the snow covers, and if you visit during a crazy snowstorm, it literally feels like you are taking a bath in a snowglobe. Still to this day, that memory is one of the most magical of my life.
The downfall is that the road closes partway, so you will have to walk a few extra miles, and the camping is closed.
In the Fall, you will get the most epic fall foliage, and even though in the summer it gets hot, you’ll find a lot of people still go during this time.
Be prepared for these springs to be crowded. Get to the springs as early as possible to avoid the crowds, especially in the warmer months.
Homestead Crater Hot Springs
I’m going to be upfront, this was not my favorite “hot springs”. And I use quotes because it was honestly pretty cold.
Located under a magnificent limestone dome in Northern Utah near Salt Lake City, you’ll find Homestead Crater hot spring. This mineral spring pool is over 10,000 years in the making, formed when snow from the Wasatch Mountains flowed deep within the earth, gathering minerals and emerging as a stunning, warm pool. It’s open year-round for travelers looking to soak in the warm waters.
The temperature of the waters ranges from 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is a variety of activities one can indulge in, including scuba diving lessons, snorkeling, and paddleboard yoga. Homestead Crater is the only warm scuba diving destination in Utah.
Tickets for activities start from $15 per person, and reservations are mandatory.
In full transparency, unless this is on your bucket list, I do not think visiting this hot spring is worth the time or money. While it is neat to see and experience, it’s very regulated. This would be a skip for me unless you are getting PADI trained.
ItemsTo Bring With You To A Hot Springs
Here’s the tea: your hot spring experience could be made exponentially better with the right gear! Here’s a list of items that I love to take with me, whether it be backpacking in, visiting in different conditions, such as snow:
Water and Electrolytes: Hot springs can be dehydrating, so bring extra water to stay hydrated during your soak. I recommend popping some electrolyte tablets into your water bottle before hitting the springs so you feel great after your soak.
Sunscreen/Sun Protection: Even on overcast days, you’re being exposed to the sun. Protect yourself!
Sandals/Water Shoes: Opt for sandals with backs to avoid the mushy and unpleasant feeling on the hot spring floor. Flip-flops are not recommended unless you want to lose a shoe. I recommend either a strappy sandal from Teva or Chacos with a little bit of grip on the sole.
Towels/Blankets: Bring a towel for drying off and reserving your spot, especially in crowded hot springs. Quick-dry towels are excellent for travel because they are lightweight, pack down easily, and, as the name suggests, dry quickly.
If it’s cold outside, I also like to take a changing poncho so I can change back into dry clothes after my soak.
Trash Bags: While you’re responsible for your own waste, carrying a trash bag helps maintain cleanliness and allows you to dispose of any litter left by others. You can get something like this and attach it to your bag so you always have it with you.
Headlight: It’s happened to me too many times; the day just slips away from you. Throw a headlight in your bag and a few extra batteries in case your light is dim.
Dry Bag: Dry bags are great for storing wet clothes after your soak. You may want to carry a few lightweight dry bags with you as well, so you can keep your valuables inside and prevent them from getting wet while you are soaking.
Cooler: If you’re like me, then no hot spring trip is complete without a few refreshing cold drinks or beers. I’ve been loving having my backpack cooler with us on trips, just for this reason.
Microspikes: If you’re venturing to hot springs in winter, especially locations like Fifth Water Hot Springs, microspikes are essential. Trails may be slippery due to a mix of cold snow and steam from the springs. Don’t forget to pack your microspikes and hiking poles to help you get to the springs safely.
This should go without saying, but remember to be respectful of the springs.
Too many people are leaving behind trash, empty beer bottles, clothes, shoes, and whatever else. While there are not typically trash cans, you are responsible for your belongings.
Please carry out all of your trash and try to leave it better than you found it.
- Faith
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What You'll Find Inside
PrettylilUtah is my downloadable Google map of the most incredible places to visit around the beautiful state of Utah!
Let’s be honest; no one has the time to spend reading blog after blog and scrolling through Instagram to land in these locations. Skip the scrolling and start living. Once you download my PrettylilUtah map or any other Google Maps, you’ll add the freedom to get in your car and go.
There is so much to unpack from one of my favorite states in the U.S. Discover secret slot canyons, soak in some of the most amazing hot springs, explore my favorite photography spots, and escape to the places you never even knew existed – right at your fingertips. Travel through The Mighty Five, all 5 of Utah’s National Parks with pre-pinned campgrounds, trails, and more.
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- Hikes
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How does the natural surroundings contribute to the overall relaxation experience at Utah’s hot springs? Greeting : Telkom University
Hi there, and thanks for your question. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to tranquil desert scenery, visitors are immersed in nature’s beauty, fostering a sense of calm and tranquility. The soothing sounds of flowing water and the warmth of the springs combined with breathtaking views create a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with the natural world, making the hot springs experience truly rejuvenating and unforgettable.