There’s nothing quite like soaking in warm, natural springwater while surrounded by a beautiful alpine landscape. Fortunately, Utah is a state dotted with natural hot springs throughout its beautiful land, ranging from just outside Salt Lake City to the far corners of the state where you can completely escape the crowds. Our team at Freedom National has compiled this list of the 8 best hot springs in Utah so that you can soak up the warmth and natural beauty with your loved one, best friends, or family. We’ve also included information about where to find the hot springs, whether you’ll need to pay a fee, just how hot the springs really are, and more!
Here’s our list of the 8 best hot springs in Utah you have to visit— plus one bonus just over the border to Idaho.
(Looking for more? Here’s our list of 15 fun things to do in Utah in winter.)
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Arguably the most visually beautiful springs on our list, the Fifth Water Hot Springs more than earn their position as some of the best hot springs in Utah. Trust us, pictures don’t do them justice— the pale blue color of the water created by the minerals inside is even more stunning in person. That’s not to mention the nearby waterfall and the easy, lovely 2.5-mile hike to get to the springs. While those looking for pure relaxation may not be thrilled by the idea of 5 miles of hiking total for the opportunity to visit the pools, you’ll be grateful for the fact that it helps weed out some of the crowds in the summer months.
Located in a beautiful ravine deep in Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah, the Fifth Water Hot Springs feature multiple pools of turquoise water. One of the best parts of these pools is that thanks to the waterfall that pours water down through the various pools, each pool and section of the springs has a different temperature for you to dial in your perfect experience. Looking for something nice and warm? You’ve got it. Want to dip into steaming hot water to soothe your muscles after the hike up? You bet.
While soaking in the warm water during winter may sound appealing, it’s worth noting that the road leading to the trailhead is closed during winter months. However, you can park at the gate if you’re willing to walk an extra 1.5 miles each way to reach the springs. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with added privacy and the added beauty of the springs surrounded by snow.
Homestead Crater
While the Fifth Water Hot Springs offer off-the-beaten path, isolated beauty, Homestead Crater is a bit of a different experience— but every bit as rewarding. Located less than an hour from Salt Lake City in the beautiful Swiss-settled town of Midway, you’ll find the Homestead Crater located in the idyllic and quaint Homestead Resort. Don’t be thrown off— as you approach the destination, instead of a crater you’ll find a large mound rising up from the ground. But a door in the side of the tall hill will lead you down a tunnel into the Homestead Crater itself, an otherworldly domed cavern featuring turquoise water that’s nearly 70 feet deep beneath a 50-foot high beehive-style dome. It’s no wonder we featured it on our list of the 15 fun things to do in Utah in winter.
This geothermal crater and the dome above have been formed by natural chemical processes over millions of years, and are now maintained by local experts.
Because it’s located in the middle of a resort, Homestead Crater does require a fee to visit. But like many Utah destinations, it’s a reasonable price. For a 40 minute swim and soak in the warm water, you’ll pay $13 per person on weekdays and $16 on weekends. If you’d like to do some scuba diving or snorkeling, you’ll pay between $18 and $27. There are even scuba certification classes you can take at the crater. Be sure to reserve in advance of your trip, as spots can fill up quick during vacation season.
After your dip, be sure to experience some of what the city of Midway has to offer, from world-class restaurants to golfing, hiking, adventuring, and much more.
Crystal Hot Springs
Located near Salt Lake City, Crystal Hot Springs are a great place to visit if you’re not looking to take a long road trip to the far corners of the state to find one of the best hot springs in Utah. Somewhat like Homestead Crater, Crystal Hot Springs are developed and offer a spa-like experience for people of all ages, making this one of the best hot springs in Utah. The nearby area also features swimming pools, dozens of campsites, and a lodge, and the area around the springs is paved for safe and easy access. You’ll need to pay a small fee to access these springs, usually $9 for adults and $7 for children. Watch for the Wednesday night special though, when a family of up to six people can swim for just $20.
Want to avoid the crowds that can sometimes come to Crystal Hot Springs? Go in the offseason, on a weekday, or early in the morning. That’s your best bet at experiencing a bit of solitude and the chance to have your corner of the springs all to yourself.
Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Springs is located in the relatively rural town of Monroe, and features two main pools with mineral deposits that combine with the concrete bowls to create a fascinating blend between the natural and artificial. You’ll also love the waterfall and depth of these pools, one of which will allow you to submerge yourself up to your neck or higher.
Mystic hot springs also features a series of small, man made tubs warmed by the water, perfect for romantic getaways— particularly when the gorgeous stars of rural Utah light up the sky at night. Trust us— you do not want to miss out on Mystic Hot Springs if you’re touring the best hot springs in Utah.
Saratoga Hot Springs
These hot springs are known by many names— Saratoga Hot Springs, Inlet Hot Springs, Lehi Hot Springs. But whatever you call it, these hot springs are the perfect destination for anyone looking to make a short trip from Salt Lake City. Located northwest of Utah Lake and about forty minutes from downtown SLC, Saratoga Hot Springs are accessed via a short, laidback hike that won’t wear you out. Your reward? A set of soaking pools in a natural environment, with water that reaches as high as 109 degrees.
These are some of the best hot springs in Utah thanks to their easy access and very hot water— but they can get crowded with visitors in the summer months. Considering the very high temp of the water and opportunity to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in winter. There’s nothing quite like getting nice and cold in the chilly winter air, then dipping into the steaming water of the hot springs to warm up.
Tips: Bring good shoes, as the areas around the pools can get muddy from people entering and exiting the water. You’ll also want to bring something dry and clean to lay your clothes on while you’re taking a dip. The springs are accessed via nearby Inlet Park, which features plenty of parking and restrooms where you can change or use the toilets.
Meadow Hot Springs
Looking for something a bit more undeveloped than Homestead Crater or Crystal Hot Springs? It doesn’t get much less developed than Meadow Hot Springs, a trio of natural hot pools located off the highway in central Utah. While the springs are located on private property, the owners are more than happy to allow people to access the springs as long as they follow posted signs and are respectful. One thing to keep in mind is that the dirt roads surrounding the springs can become very muddy and rugged depending on the time of the year and their upkeep, so it may be difficult to park directly near the springs without an off road-equipped vehicle. Still, you should be able to park a bit further away and walk the distance to the springs.
Guessing how crowded the springs will be is tough, but you’re always most likely to avoid crowds early in the morning, on weekdays, and when avoiding the busy vacation months in late spring and summer. While the springs are free to visit, consider dropping a few dollars in the donation box to help maintain the springs and surrounding areas so the owners can keep offering this service to the public.
Baker Hot Springs
Also known as the Abraham Hot Springs, Baker Hot Springs are located just outside of Delta, UT south on I-15 from Salt Lake City.
Baker Hot Springs only offers three large tubs for soaking, and because the water that flows up from below is so hot, man made pipes under the water deliver cold water to balance out the heat for a pleasant hot soak.
Baker Hot Springs are free to visit, which is great on the wallet but can mean that the tubs become crowded during the busy season— especially considering there are only three, and each only has room for a few people to sit comfortably. Avoid the middle of the day and weekends if possible, and you might just be rewarded with a tub all to yourself.
You’ll find the source of the springwater near the three tubs, but the water here is unregulated and far too hot for families to soak in safely. Keep an eye on any children traveling with you when walking near this water source.
Gandy Warm Springs
Right along the border of Utah and Nevada, just an hour from Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, you’ll find Gandy Warm Springs. This warm swimming hole also features an underwater cave system for brave explorers to check out, and the two warm spring pools are each right around 80 degrees for a warm-but-not-too-hot experience.
Nearby, you’ll find a maintained campsite as well as the 100-foot swimming hole created by damming up the water, though the swimming hole isn’t warmed by the natural spring water. If you’re looking for an isolated spot that’s still one of the best hot springs in Utah, consider visiting Gandy Warm Springs on your way across the border to Nevada.
Bonus: Lava Hot Springs
Okay, sure, Lava Hot Springs are located just over the Utah border into Idaho. So we can’t really consider Lava Hot Springs one of the best hot springs in Utah, but they’re close enough to Logan, UT to be worth a bonus entry on our list. The adorable town of Lava is nestled into a mountainous landscape, and the hot springs can be accessed for just a few dollars per person. Plus, summertime brings tubing down the river that winds through the town of Lava, another can’t-miss experience. You’ll also find great local places to eat, making this a wonderful trip just over the state border for any Utah resident.
Conclusion
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