There are few things in life as relaxing as soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by nature. One of the best places to do just that is in Utah as it is home to at least 10 accessible hot springs. While I am on a mission to visit all of the hot springs in Utah at some point, here are 4 of the best hot springs in Utah that we have visited and loved!
6 of the Best Hot Springs in Utah
Table of Contents
- 1. Fifth Water/Diamond Fork Hot Springs
- 2. Saratoga/Inlet Park Hot Springs
- 3. Mystic Hot Springs
- 4. Red Hill Hot Springs
- 5. Homestead Crater
- 6. Meadow Hot Springs
1. Fifth Water/Diamond Fork Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs, also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, is located up Diamond Fork Canyon just east of Spanish Fork.
The trail is 2.5 miles to the base of the springs, so 5 miles roundtrip. It is a fairly easy trail, with mostly a gradual incline and an elevation gain of only 636 feet.
The trail was easy enough for my 6 and 9 year old, although there were a lot of snack breaks along the way. The promise of playing in water kept them motivated to keep going!
Portions of the trail are shaded, but it does get hot in the summer so bring plenty of water.
If you do go in the summer, I would recommend doing a sunset hike and soak. There are also rattlesnake sightings along the trail in the summer, so use caution.
After about the one-mile point you’ll cross a footbridge and will soon begin to smell the sulfur in the air.
While Fifth Water Hot Springs is a great spot to visit any time of year, it is especially beautiful in the winter as the pools turn a milky cobalt blue.
However, the road leading to the trailhead is sometimes closed in the winter due to snow so be sure to check for road closures.
For the most vibrant colors, visit in mid-October when the surrounding trees are changing colors and the water begins to turn a beautiful shade of blue.
We went in the summer, and even though the water wasn’t as vibrant, the trees were full of leaves which made for a beautiful backdrop.
There are multiple pools, each varying in temperature. The springs do get crowded, but just head up or downstream until you find a more secluded area.
The springs tend to be less crowded in the summer than in the winter, though.
At the top you’ll find a waterfall, this marks the end of the trail.
I highly recommend bringing sturdy water shoes. The pools are quite rocky and the ground surrounding the springs is made of loose rocks that are easy to slip on.
While there are other hot springs that are easier to access, the hike is beautiful and the reward at the end is worth it!
*For more fun things to do in the area, be sure to check out our guide 11 Things to Do in Utah County with Kids!
2. Saratoga/Inlet Park Hot Springs
Saratoga Hot Springs, also known as Inlet Park Hot Springs, is located in Saratoga Springs on the northwest shore of Utah Lake.
To get to the Saratoga Hot Springs, head south on 2300 W/Saratoga Rd. It will contour along the north shore of Utah Lake until you reach Inlet Park.
There are two parking lots at Inlet Park. The first lot is by the sports fields, drive past this lot and park at the second parking lot by the restrooms.
From here, you’ll see a paved walking trail leading south. Follow the trail for about 1/4 mile until you reach the hot springs. Here you’ll find a larger pool with a few surrounding smaller pools.
Before we visited, I read a lot of mixed reviews about Saratoga Hot Springs. However, they must have cleaned the area up and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
We found the area to be well maintained, the sulfur smell wasn’t too strong, the atmosphere was family-friendly, and the water was nice and hot.
The views across the lake to the mountains were also beautiful, especially at sunset.
The hot springs are regularly patrolled by law enforcement to ensure that there is no nudity or alcohol, which has helped create a family-friendly environment.
If you have visited many hot springs, you know that this is not always the case!
The only downside to the Saratoga Hot Springs is that the bottom of the pool consists of black silt that is squishy to walk on and makes the water quite muddy.
If you prefer to soak in clear water, these are not the springs for you. But if you’re ok becoming one with nature, then you’ll love the experience!
The Saratoga Hot Springs are free to visit, but keep in mind that the park closes at 10:00 p.m.
*Related post: for another one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, check out our guide to visiting Utah’s Pink Lake!
3. Mystic Hot Springs
Visiting Mystic Hot Springs is a unique experience, to say the least.
The commercialized springs are located in the small farming community of Monroe, Utah.
25 years ago, a local visionary, “Mystic Mike”, utilized the natural hot springs in the area to create a unique outdoor soaking experience.
When you visit, just don’t expect a luxury spa retreat. Mystic Hot Springs has more of an eclectic hippie vibe.
Among the roaming peacocks and oversized geese, you’ll find 2 soaker pools and six vintage bathtubs situated on the hillside.
While the amenities may not be five stars, soaking in a hot water bath while watching the sun sink below the mountains definitely is!
If you plan to visit, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. Thanks to social media, these hot springs have become quite popular on the gram.
The small property was seeing up to 150 guests dropping by each day, so the price doubled and advanced reservations are now required.
The upside is that with the increase in price and decrease in availability, you won’t be sharing the springs with dozens of other visitors. In fact, we only saw one other couple the entire time we were there.
Accommodations are also available with a variety of refurbished old busses and a rustic cabin on site. The rate is $100 per night and it is definitely a unique place to stay!
4. Red Hill Hot Springs
Red Hill Hot Springs is a bit of a hidden gem. While tourists flock to the neighboring Mystic Hot Springs, only a handful of locals will be found just down the road at Red Hill Hot Springs.
Red Hill Hot Springs are also located in Monroe just a few blocks north of Mystic.
To get to Red Hill Hot Springs, drive along Main St in Monroe, then turn east onto 300 N. Follow the road until the pavement ends, then continue on the well-graded dirt road for a short distance until you reach the parking lot.
The dirt road is passable with a sedan, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is not required.
Once you reach the hot springs, you’ll find a large hill created from what looks like calcium deposits, it reminded me of a rand sand version of the hot springs we visited in Tuscany!
The spring flows from the top of the hill and feeds into four different pools. The water at the top of the hill is scalding hot, DO NOT touch it, and be sure to keep your kids away.
The area where the water emerges out of the ground has been fenced off because it is dangerously hot.
A sidewalk has been built over the water at the top of the hill and you can feel the heat rising from up from the water as you walk on it.
But the view is pretty from the top if you want to take the short trail up the hill.
As the water runs down the hill, it is slightly cooled. The first pool is the hottest and was too hot for us to even get in. Each of the pools gets gradually cooler, the bottom two were the perfect temperature.
The area is well maintained with benches and even a fire pit. The only negative is that the red dirt will stain your clothes or swimsuit so avoid wearing light colors.
*And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out our guide Sanpete County: A Utah Hidden Gem!
5. Homestead Crater
The Homestead Crater is located at the Homestead Resort in Midway.
Here you’ll find a geothermal spring hidden in the bottom of a 55-foot limestone cave. It looks similar to the cenotes you find in Mexico, except that the water here is a warm 95 degrees year-round.
A tunnel leads into the crater where sunlight filters in from an opening at the top that makes you feel as if you’re swimming inside a volcanic crater.
However, the Homestead Crater isn’t actually a crater. It was formed over 10,000 years ago by melting snow that seeped 2 miles below the earth’s surface.
The heated water made its way to the surface and brought with it minerals that were deposited to create the cone-shaped limestone cave.
The water is crystal clear and about 65 feet deep, making this a perfect spot to scuba dive.
In fact, this is the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental US. If you are scuba diving, keep your eye out for an old wagon wheel towards the bottom that was dumped in here by the pioneers.
The cost is $18 per person for an hour-long swim session. Snorkel, scuba, and paddle board yoga sessions are also available for an additional charge.
Just be sure to book Reservations in advance as the limited spots fill up quickly.
After you’re done soaking, there is a staircase that leads up to the top of the dome where you can peer down through a mesh covering to see the hot springs 55 feet below.
And while you’re in the area, stop for a bite to eat at the Hub Cafe in Heber City. Order the honey butter scone and thank me later.
You’ll also want to check out our guide 10 Best Things to Do in Park City and The Best Things to Do in Park City in the Fall for more fun things to do in the area.
6. Meadow Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs is located in Kanosh, about 20 minutes south of Fillmore.
To get to Meadow Hot Springs if you’re coming from Fillmore, head south on I-15.
Take exit 158 onto SR-133 toward Meadow, Kanosh. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto N Main Street toward Meadow, Kanosh.
Follow the road for 1.6 miles then turn right at the stop sign and go under the freeway. Drive along this dirt road for 5.2 miles until you reach the parking area. The dirt road is well-graded and fine for all vehicles.
Once you reach the parking area, you’ll need to walk about a quarter-mile to reach the main pool.
Some vehicles may attempt to drive right up to the pools, but the road is extremely rough with massive ruts and potholes. It is best to just walk the short distance.
The hot springs are located on private property, but the owners are kind enough to allow the public to visit.
There is a donation box to help assist with the upkeep, so please consider bringing cash. Always be respectful and clean up after yourselves so that they will continue to allow access to the public.
The remote hot springs are located in the middle of a wide open meadow with views of the mountains. It is such a peaceful spot for a soak.
These hot springs were once a bit of a hidden gem but have become a lot more popular over the years. I would recommend coming early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Meadow Hot Springs has 3 different pools.
The most popular pool is around 95 degrees and is 30 feet deep. There is a rope anchored to the bottom for those who are brave enough to follow it down to the bottom of the dark underwater cave.
The other pools are about 15 degrees cooler and one is even filled with fish that like to nibble on your feet.
If you’re heading south and looking for a bite to eat after visiting the hot springs, I highly recommend The Creamery located in Beaver.
This farm-to-table restaurant serves the best dairy products sourced from neighboring family farms.
The Mac & Cheese and grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup are our favorites!
In addition to the cafe, they also have an ice cream shop and a store that sells fresh dairy products, be sure to get some squeaky cheese!
The outdoor space has patio seating and lawn games. It’s a great place to enjoy good food and unwind.
A few more of the best hot springs in Utah:
- Crystal Hot Springs: Located in Honeyville, about 70 miles north of Salt Lake City. These developed hot springs offer cold and hot pools, 3 mineral hot tubs, a soaker pool, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. You’ll also find two 365-foot waterslides. Admission is $18 for all ages, the slide is an additional $2. As an interesting historical side note, after WWII Pres. Roosevelt started a rehabilitation program for wounded soldiers. Over a three-year period, busloads of veterans would be bussed to these hot springs to soak in the therapeutic pools.
- Baker Hot Springs: Also known as Abraham Hot Springs or Crater Springs. Located about 30 miles northwest of Delta. The hot spring water feeds into 3 small tubs that can accommodate around 4 adults. The spring water is scalding hot so cold water is also piped in to adjust the temperature.
- Old Indian Hot Springs: Located in Corinne, about 25 miles north of Ogden. Here you’ll find 3 cement tubs surrounded by boards of graffiti. They are dirty and not well maintained, so I wouldn’t go out of your way to plan a visit.
- Gandy Warm Springs: Gandy Warm Springs is located in Garrison, a remote area about 2 hours west of Delta near the Nevada border. While they are a little out of the way, they are worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. The water doesn’t get nearly as hot as other hot springs in Utah, it only averages about 81 degrees. However, the springs are a hidden desert oasis with crystal clear pools, small waterfalls, caves, and grottos.
*If you’re visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check out Rogers Spring outside of Valley of Fire State Park!
I hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best hot springs in Utah, happy soaking! For more awesome things to do in Utah, check out all of our Utah Travel Guides!
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Wow, these all seem so great! I keep meaning to get to Diamond Fork hot springs – so close to me! Maybe that’s better in fall when the temps are cooler. Red Hill Hot Springs also seems interesting – I would love to visit that eventually, too!
Hi Justin, thanks for the comment! Diamond Fork would be spectacular in the fall, and I hope you get a chance to visit the Red Hill hot springs as well!