Soak it up at the 14 best hot springs in the USA

02.12.2024 - 16:39 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 1, 2024 • 15 min read

It’s time to get your soak on. Although all 50 states have natural hot springs, the western half of the USA is home to some of the best natural hot springs in the country. From comfortable resorts that revolve around effervescing pools of hot water to remote thermal springs only accessible by snowmobile or dogsled, read on for a rundown of some of these hot spots for a safe, au naturel wellness experience catered by Mother Nature.

Average water temperature: Between 96 and 108°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 180 miles west from Denver along Interstate 70 through the Rocky Mountains to reach the town of Glenwood Springs. 

Overlooking the mighty Colorado River in the historic town of Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate and varied soaking experience than the nearby (and better known) Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. You can choose your own adventure at the 16 geothermal mineral soaking pools here (ages 5 and up only), all connected by heated walkways. Or take younger kids to the family pool and adjacent jetted spa, where the water hovers around the 100°F mark.

All of the property’s mineral pools are fed from on-site springs, with no chemicals added. Called Mother Lode, the hottest mineral pool maxes out at around 108°F (there are markers outside each pool to let you know the heat intensity to expect). You can tickle your toes in reflexology pools with smooth river rocks at the bottom. And for the best views, look for the Garnet and Diamond pools, which have infinity edges and hang over the river in a way that might make you feel like you’re actually soaking in it.

Planning tip: Visit on a weekday at 9am, just when the springs open, for the most peaceful and crowd-free experience.

Average water temperature: Between 90 and 96°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 51 miles (less than an hour) southeast of Salt Lake City to reach Homestead Crater Mineral Dome. 

As long as you’re okay with a hot-spring soak that’s not as hot as most of them (temperatures max out around “just” 96°F here), Utah’s Homestead Crater definitely delivers the biggest range of on-site experiences of any hot springs we know. Here, you not only can float in womb-like waters but also scuba dive in them (if you’re certified), snorkel and even try some SUP yoga within the beehive-shaped dome of the hot springs’ natural limestone setting.

It’s an otherworldly location for wellness, to be sure, bolstered by naturally present calcium and sodium bicarbonate in the geothermal waters that are said to soothe muscles and promote relaxation. The hole at the top of the crater lets in sunlight and fresh air, setting the scene for some