Utah’s Ultimate Hot Springs Guide is here – everything you need to know in one spot! Winter is my favorite time to visit these locations listed, and you’ll feel so relaxed after!

Hot Springs Etiquette: What to Know Before You Soak

Before visiting a natural hot spring, be aware of these common courtesies and responsibilities. A little consideration goes a long way toward keeping these places clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

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1. Keep the hot springs clean!

Natural hot springs can’t handle soaps, shampoos, or other products—even biodegradable ones. Don’t add anything to the water or apply lotions or other products immediately before getting in.

If you need to apply sunscreen, get out of the water, apply it, and give it time to absorb and dry before getting back in.

2. Leave No Trace

Pack out everything you bring in. I always recommend bringing a trash bag so you can pick up your own trash—and any other litter you find around the springs.

Leave the area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it so everyone can continue to enjoy it.

3. Be respectful of other soakers

Everyone visits hot springs for different reasons. Some people are there to socialize, while others are looking for a quiet, relaxing soak.

Keep your music, conversations, and overall noise level respectful of the people around you.

4. Be considerate when bringing dogs

I typically bring Charlie to hot springs when dogs are allowed, but not every dog belongs in a hot spring—and not every visitor wants dogs around while they’re soaking.

Always check the water temperature yourself before allowing your dog near the water. Keep your dog under control and be mindful of other visitors, especially when your dog gets out and inevitably wants to shake water all over everyone’s clothes and gear!

Bring a long line so you can secure your dog away from the pools when needed, and always pack poop bags.

5. Know the hot spring’s capacity

Many natural hot springs are small and can comfortably fit only a handful of people. Before heading out, do a little research to get an idea of the size of the pools and how popular the location is.

If possible, visit during less-busy days or times. If the pools are already crowded when you arrive, be patient and give other soakers some space.

6. Come prepared

Many of Utah’s hot springs are in remote areas with little or no cell service. Don’t let the fact that you’re “just going for a soak” keep you from being prepared.

For more remote locations, I recommend packing as though you might unexpectedly have to spend the night. Bring plenty of food and water, a paper road map and trail map, extra batteries, blankets, extra towels, warm layers, and any winter or emergency gear appropriate for the season.

Always bring drinking water to the hot spring itself. Sitting in hot water can contribute to dehydration, even though you’re surrounded by water!

What counts as a “hot” spring?

While places such as Blue Lake near Wendover, Gandy Warm Springs, and The Crater in Midway are sometimes grouped with Utah’s hot springs, their water temperatures and experiences are different from the hotter natural springs featured in this guide.

For this list, I’m focusing on true hot springs with water temperatures generally around 100°F or higher.

Let’s start soaking!

Crystal Hot Springs is a natural hot springs in Northern Utah that ranges from 120-134 degrees F. The swimming pools are regulated so that you can soak in a range of temperatures from 98-105F. Crystal Hot Springs also contains the highest mineral content found in the world! It has roughly 46,000 mg/L – the average hot spring has closer to 1,000 mg/L. You’ll notice this mineral content, as you lick your lips or wipe your hands over your face – it’s very salty tasting. Get ready to soak in a 22,000 year old hot spring!

Meadow Hot Springs in Central Utah is a great family-friendly spot to hang out and soak in warm water. It’s conveniently located right of I-15 and there’s no hiking involved, so it makes for a great, quick soak when you are on a road trip. Meadow Hot Springs is located on private property in the middle of a cow pasture, but they do allow public access. There are a total of three pools to soak in, all around 100F degrees. The most popular pool is one of the smallest and closest to the parking area, and it is also the warmest. Each of the pools have algae in them, so its wise to wear water shoes to keep from slipping on the rocks under water.

Diamond Fork Hot Springs is one of Utah’s must-see places! Offering several pools ranging in hot temperatures, it’s a great place to soak away your worries, take in nature, and relax. Hiking to Diamond Fork requires a 2 mile hike in Summer, and in Winter it’s 6 miles one way. These hot springs are extremely popular so don’t count on getting any alone time. However, the hike in and soak is well worth it – you might even make some new friends depending which pool you sit in!

Mystic Hot Springs is located in Monroe, Utah, about a 2.5 hour drive south of SLC. Among all of the hot springs in Utah, this is by far the most unique, but also the most expensive. The natural hot springs flow into 6 large bathtubs, and two smaller, shallow pools. The closer you soak to where the water flows from, the hotter the water is

 

Red Hill Hot Springs 

Red Hill Hot Springs is a popular soaking destination in central Utah, in Monroe. It consists of four pools, all fed by one very hot water source on top of the mound above the pools. Because this hot springs is free (and also on private property), it gets very crowded especially on weekends. The owners allow people to visit as long as the place is cleaned up after and not destroyed. This is a great place for families looking for a really nice hot springs that you don’t have to hike to.

 

 

Baker Hot Springs is a small, natural hot springs located in Central Utah, not too far from Delta, Utah. The source of the hot springs is around 180F, but a trench helps the water flow down to three large tubs.  The further you are away from the source, the cooler. This natural hot springs is great for kids and families, dogs, and is free!

 

Saratoga Hot Springs