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Visiting hot springs in Utah is an excellent way to relax and enjoy therapeutic vibes. Utah is home to numerous hot springs that are open to the public. Hot springs in Utah are accessible all year round. However, the best time to visit is during late fall and winter. The temperature during this time is cold, so the hot waters feel magical on the body.

What Is a Hot Spring?

Hot springs, or thermal springs, are present in different places worldwide. In the U.S., Utah is home to some of the best hot springs, and you can take a relaxing dip in some of them on a cold winter day.

But what is a hot spring? When underground water gets released to the surface, this often happens in the form of a spring. If this water is heated due to heat in the area, there’s hot spring water.

In the process of heating the underground water, there are also lots of minerals that get released. This is why hot springs contain loads of minerals good for the skin.

How Are Hot Springs Formed?

The presence of underground water that comes to the surface as a spring makes it easy to form hot springs. These occur when the cold water meets magma underneath the earth’s surface. Immediately, the water gets warmer and warmer depending on how much magma is in the area.

Another is when spring water passes through fault lines underneath the earth. These fault lines contain lots of heated rock that also heat the water before it reaches the surface.

There are many uses for hot springs depending on the temperature. In Utah, locals and visitors use them for relaxation, bathing, and medical therapy. However, it’s important only to immerse yourself in waters of the right temperature to avoid scalding.

How Many Hot Springs Are There in Utah?

Winters in Utah tend to be brutal as the temperatures plummet to freezing point. Thankfully, for the locals and visitors, there are numerous hot springs where folks can take a relaxing dip. Utah is home to many hot springs spread across the state.

In Utah, there are 106 hot springs with varying temperatures. The hot springs that spread from one end of the county to the next have waters of 77F and above. Geological activities that result in heat underneath the earth keep the springs hot all year.

Some of the spectacular Hot Springs in Utah include Crater Hot Springs, Baker Hot Springs, Crystal Hot Springs, Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Ogden Hot Springs, Monroe Hot Springs, Saratoga Hot Springs, Belmont Hot Springs, Veyo Pool Hot Springs, and Stinky Hot Springs.

The Best Hot Springs in Utah

Utah is home to more than 100 hot springs. Here is a list of the ten best hot springs in Utah you may visit and have an exciting experience.

1. Crater Hot Springs

The best thing about a hot spring is spending time in the relaxing waters. Not all hot springs are accessible since some have scalding hot water. But, the Crater Hot Springs is one of the best places to be when you want adventure.

Imagine spending time bathing underneath a limestone rock with hot springs. Visitors will have a blast experiencing Crater Hot Springs in the Homestead Resort. You need to access the resort. Then you can get directions to this unique hot spring in Utah.

There are many different activities to enjoy in this location. These include a relaxing soak, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Some classes are available next to the therapeutic waters if you like yoga.

The Crater Hot Springs have been around for centuries, and the diameter of the spring is 400 feet. A bee-hive-shaped limestone formation above the hot spring gives the area a fantastic look.

This is the only place you can earn a warm-water scuba diving certification in the U.S. It’s also a fantastic place for visitors to take a mineral bath that benefits the skin.

2. Baker Hot Springs

Are you planning a tour of the best hot springs in Utah? Add Baker Hot Springs to your list, and have an epic adventure.

Head to Delta in Utah, where you’ll discover Baker Hot Springs. These are smaller hot springs, but they still offer the same relaxing vibe as other spots in the state. And the best part is if you time it right, you might not find other people in this desolate location 40 minutes from Delta.

The hot water pools are at 180°F, and water bubbles from underneath to the earth’s surface. Once the water hits the surface, it travels down a trench to three concrete pools. The temperature of the 3 pools varies from lukewarm to hot depending on the water flow from the springs.

Pick one of the three concrete pools, step inside, and sit or float in the therapeutic waters. Be ready for a bit of a drive down some tough terrain to get to Baker Hot Springs. Getting there on a 4WD might be better to concur with the rugged road that leads directly to the spot.

3. Crystal Hot Springs

Another fantastic place to visit in Utah is Crystal Hot Springs. A fun fact about it is this is the largest natural hot spring in the world. The hot springs are located about 90 minutes from Salt Lake City and are open to the public.

Here, you can experience hot and cold springs for a therapeutic soak. This year-round complex has one huge soaker pool, cool fresh swimming water, three hot tubs, a lap pool, and two water slides. The hot pools have varying temperatures that range from 65°F to 134°F.

Crystal Hot Springs is a family-friendly spot perfect for a relaxing weekend escape. And the best part is you don’t have to leave the area when the evening comes. This location offers varying accommodations in the form of a campground, RV parking spaces, and accommodations.

Still, there are day passes that enable access for a day for the family. Lay in the hot waters and feel your body unwind. Then, dip in the cold water for an even better effect.

4. Diamond Fork Hot Springs

Diamond Fork Hot Springs is located outside Provo, Utah. You must travel about 30 minutes to the location to access these magnificent hot springs. These are natural hot springs full of milky blue and green-hued waters.

Many locals enjoy heading to Diamond Fork Hot Springs when it’s cold outside in winter. The Diamond Fork Hot Springs is made up of multiple hot water pools. In addition, you can access the canyon that features cliffs with beautiful red rocks.

The springs are easily accessible down a 10-mile dirt road. The best part is this path is well-maintained so you can drive any car easily to the location. Also, a hiking path leads to the hot springs, so bring your hiking boots for the adventure.

Check out the different pools of water in the area and pick the best one with the right temperature. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. Also, when the crowds leave, arrive earlier or later in the evening. If you pick hiking in winter, ensure to dress appropriately for the cold weather.

5. Ogden Hot Springs

You may check out the Ogden Hot Springs during your visit to Utah. Ogden Hot Springs is located off Ogden Canyon Road. It’s important to know that these aren’t natural hot springs and are hose-fed.

There’s a concrete collection system in the area where hot spring water ends up. After that, the hot spring water flows to artificial pools. The good news is it keeps the water temperature high, which is perfect when you need a hot therapeutic bath.

The area is popular with families and friends who want to enjoy the effects of hot spring waters. So, if you prefer skinny dipping, finding a more isolated location might be best. Weekends and holidays are the most popular, especially during later fall and winter when the temperatures are low.

Parking is limited, so it’s best to get there early. Also, wear hiking shoes and clothes since it’s a drop from the parking lot to the spot with the Ogden Hot Springs. The Ogden River will lead the way to the springs and offer amazing views.

6. Monroe Hot Springs

One of the best experiences is enjoying hot springs in an area with accommodation. After a relaxing soak, you can return to your room for a nap.

If that sounds like a good plan, check out the Monroe Hot Springs located at the Monroe Hot Springs Resort. The Monroe Hot Springs, formerly known as Mystic Hot Springs, is quite mystical.

Folks have flocked to the location for decades to enjoy the hot waters and view the magnificent sights. The pools of hot water also offer amazing views of the valley and are surrounded by huge calcium deposits.

The location consists of two pools of hot water that have varying depths. The knee-deep pool is 103°F, and the deepest one is 106°F. If you need accommodation, check out the resort that offers guests various options. Or, you can camp outside when the weather is perfect and enjoy the majestic Utah night of stars.

7. Saratoga Hot Springs

One of the best places to explore is Utah Lake, home to the Saratoga Hot Springs. The springs are located on the northwest shore of Utah Lake.

Another name for the Saratoga Hot Springs is the Inlet Hot Springs. Head to Inlet Park, and you’ll see a path that leads to the hot springs. There are several sources where the spring water seeps from and feeds the main hot water pool in this location.

The best thing about the Saratoga Hot Springs is that it’s not scalding hot but a 100°F temperature. Kids and families will have a blast taking relaxing deeps. And the main pool has lots of room to accommodate numerous people.

Apart from soaking in the hot spring waters, you can enjoy an adventure in the park. Wear walking shoes and head around the lake to view birds and amazing sights. The mountains in the distance look magnificent, and there are different spots to take great pictures.

8. Belmont Hot Springs

RV lovers will enjoy spending time at the Belmont Hot Springs, where there’s an RV park. Drive to Garland, Utah. You won’t miss this amazing location.

You may enjoy the most beautiful crystal-clear hot spring in Utah here. Temperatures range from 97°F to 104°F, so picking the most comfortable pool is easy. The hot springs are open to the public 365 days a year, so you can plan a visit every season.

The RV park offers to park for visitors ranging from one night to a whole season. Once there, you can enjoy the hot springs with friends and family as much as you want.

9. Veyo Pool Hot Springs

Veyo Resort is home to Veyo Pool Hot Springs. This family-friendly resort has a large pool full of hot spring water with natural minerals.

If you plan to visit the hot springs, you can spend the night camping. There is a campground available and dining options. On top of enjoying the hot springs, you can participate in rock climbing and hiking in the area.

10. Stinky Hot Springs

Lastly, pass by Stinky Hot Springs, but be ready for an odor. The hot springs do live up to their name since there’s lots of sulfur in the water.

There are three tubs of hot water in this location. While these are on private property, the owner permits the public to access the pools. Get off the highway, and you can’t miss the area, given the stinky smell in the area.  

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