12 Best Hot Springs in Utah: Resorts, Free Pools & Safety Tips

Utah’s best hot springs range from family-friendly mineral pools and a limestone swimming crater to free natural pools reached by trail or desert road. Crystal Hot Springs is the strongest all-around choice for families, Homestead Crater offers the most unusual swim, Mystic has the state’s best-known vintage soaking tubs, and Saratoga is the most practical free option near Salt Lake City.

The right spring depends on the experience you want. Developed facilities offer predictable temperatures, changing rooms, and staff. Natural springs may involve muddy pools, untreated water, private-land permission, weather-dependent roads, and no services. This guide identifies those differences rather than treating every geothermal feature as interchangeable.

Last verified: July 27, 2026. Prices, operating hours, road access, health advisories, and private-land permissions can change. Check the linked operator or land-management page immediately before departure.

Affiliate disclosure: ViaTravelers may earn a commission from qualifying hotel or car-rental bookings. Recommendations and access warnings are based on reader suitability and current research, not commission rates.

Key takeaways

• Best for families: Crystal Hot Springs or the family side of Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
• Most distinctive experience: Swim inside Homestead Crater or reserve a vintage tub at Mystic Hot Springs.
• Best free soak near Salt Lake City: Saratoga Hot Springs at Inlet Park.
• Best hot-spring hike: Fifth Water, but visitors must follow the current Forest Service harmful-bacteria advisory.
• Best remote desert options: Baker for hot concrete pools and Gandy for clear water that reaches only about 81°F.
• Do not attempt to enter: Ogden Hot Pots are on private property with active no-trespassing enforcement.

Contents

• Best Utah hot springs at a glance
• 12 best hot springs in Utah
• How to plan a route by region
• Hot-spring safety and etiquette
• Closed sites and springs that are not for soaking
• Utah hot springs FAQs

Best Utah hot springs at a glance

Not every destination commonly included in a Utah hot-springs list is genuinely hot. Gandy is a warm spring, while Veyo is a cool spring-fed pool. They are included because they serve adjacent trip-planning needs and are clearly labeled so readers know what to expect.

How these Utah hot springs were selected

The selections prioritize current public access, a distinct experience, practical logistics, water conditions, amenities, and enough reliable information to plan responsibly. Social-media popularity and unverified review scores were not selection criteria.

Developed facilities rank highly because their temperatures and rules are predictable. Free natural pools remain valuable, but their position reflects untreated water, remote roads, private-property permission, or limited facilities. Readers interested in the broader geology can compare these locations with other natural hot springs and geysers.

12 best hot springs in Utah

1. Crystal Hot Springs

Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and a predictable year-round soak
Location: 8215 North Highway 38, Honeyville
Current admission: $18 for all ages; children 3 and younger enter free; slides cost an additional $2
Reservations: Check the operator’s current admission policy before arriving

Crystal Hot Springs is the strongest all-around option for travelers who want natural mineral water without giving up lifeguards, changing facilities, multiple temperatures, and family activities. Its current pool lineup includes a soaker or cave pool around 95–101°F, three hot tubs around 99–105°F, cooler swimming pools, and a seasonal slide schedule.

The official Crystal Hot Springs website lists regular hours of noon–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon–8 p.m. Sunday. Pool and slide schedules can change independently.

• Access: Free parking is available, but overnight parking, RVs, semitrucks, and trailers are not permitted in the lot.
• Food and pets: The facility does not permit outside food, alcohol, or pets in the pool area.
• Where to stay: Crystal no longer offers camping. Look in Brigham City, Logan, or use Salt Lake City as part of a larger trip with these things to do in Salt Lake City.

2. Homestead Crater

Best for: Cave swimming, snorkeling, and warm-water scuba
Location: 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway
Current admission: $30 for a one-hour soak or swim session
Reservations: Strongly recommended

Homestead Crater contains a naturally heated pool inside a roughly 55-foot limestone dome. The water remains close to 96°F, making it warm enough for a comfortable swim but generally cooler than a small soaking tub.

Visitors can book a basic soak, swim, snorkel, or arrange scuba activities through the onsite operation. The crater is widely described as the only warm-water scuba destination in the continental United States. It is an activity pool rather than a quiet, secluded spa, so choose Mystic or an adult section at Zion Canyon if stillness is the priority.

• Hours: Current soak-and-swim hours are 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Booking: Sessions have limited capacity and frequently fill. Reserve before driving to Midway.
• Where to stay: Homestead Resort is onsite; Midway, Heber City, and Park City provide additional choices.

3. Mystic Hot Springs

Best for: Vintage soaking tubs, mineral terraces, and an unusual overnight stay
Location: 475 East 100 North, Monroe
Current admission: $28.41 adult; $22.73 for children 12 and younger
Reservations: Required for a two-hour time slot

Mystic Hot Springs is known for five cast-iron bathtubs set into orange mineral deposits and two larger 20-by-20-foot soaking pools. Water reaches the property at a much higher temperature and cools as it flows downhill, producing soaking areas of approximately 100–111°F.

The atmosphere is intentionally rustic and eclectic. Travelers expecting polished spa architecture may prefer Zion Canyon, while those who value character, open skies, and vintage structures may prefer Mystic.

• What the pass includes: Shared access to the two pools and five tubs during the reserved session.
• Where to stay: Mystic offers campsites, RV spaces, pioneer cabins, and converted buses. Soaking may not be included with every lodging reservation, so check the booking terms.
• Nearby pairing: Red Hill Hot Springs is also outside Monroe, although its access is informal rather than professionally managed.

4. Zion Canyon Hot Springs

Best for: A full-service resort after hiking near Zion
Location: 202 West 300 South, La Verkin
Current admission: Off-peak Select access starts at $46 for adults and teens and $25 for children ages 3–12
Reservations: Recommended, especially for peak dates

Zion Canyon Hot Springs is the most extensive developed hot-spring facility in Southern Utah. The property has 32 pools using natural mineral water, 16 globally inspired mineral pools in its adult section, freshwater pools, cold plunges, barrel saunas, food service, showers, and locker rooms.

The natural spring water comes from the La Verkin source also known as Pah Tempe, Dixie Hot Springs, or Sulphur Springs. The resort treats and circulates that water through mineral pools maintained at approximately 88–104°F.

• Family access: Select admission covers the all-ages side, including 14 mineral pools, a family pool, a cold plunge, and a sauna.
• Adult access: Premier admission is limited to guests 21 and older and starts at $57 off-peak. Government identification is required.
• Hours: The resort currently operates daily from 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Trip planning: Review these things to know before visiting Zion National Park and compare hotels near Zion National Park.

5. Saratoga Hot Springs at Inlet Park

Best for: A free natural soak near the Wasatch Front
Location: Access from Inlet Park in Saratoga Springs
Current admission: Free
Reservations: Not required

Saratoga Hot Springs, also called Inlet Park Hot Springs, consists of several natural pools near the northwestern shore of Utah Lake. The three commonly used pools have muddy bottoms and can reach approximately 109°F. Water shoes make the soft silt and uneven bottom easier to manage.

Inlet Park is the official trailhead for the springs. The park currently operates from 6 a.m.–10 p.m., and its restrooms are closed seasonally from October 15 through April 15. Swimwear is required, and alcohol is not allowed at the springs.

• Expect: Mud, a sulfur smell, changing natural temperatures, and heavy use during evenings and weekends.
• Best timing: Visit in daylight on a weekday and leave the park before its 10 p.m. closure.
• Where to stay: Lehi, American Fork, Provo, and Salt Lake City all work as bases.

6. Fifth Water Hot Springs

Best for: A hike combining waterfalls, canyon scenery, and natural pools
Location: Three Forks Trailhead on Diamond Fork Road
Current cost: No separate soaking fee; $10 per vehicle for a three-day day-use pass
Reservations: Not required

Fifth Water Hot Springs, also called Diamond Fork Hot Springs, is reached by a several-mile hike along Diamond Fork Canyon. The commonly used route is roughly 4.5 miles round trip when the road is open, but seasonal road closures can extend the hike substantially.

Current health advisory: The U.S. Forest Service warns that harmful bacteria may be present. Visitors are advised not to dunk their heads, drink the water, allow water into the mouth, let pets drink, or touch algae on pool surfaces. Dry completely, change out of wet clothing for the hike back, and shower immediately afterward.

• Parking: The trailhead lot is very small. Roadside parking is restricted to designated pullouts, and ticketing and towing are strongly enforced.
• Facilities: A vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water.
• What to carry: Water, dry clothes, hiking footwear, a headlamp for emergencies, and a suitable daypack. See these travel-backpack options for longer walking days.

7. Meadow Hot Springs

Best for: Clear water and a quiet rural setting
Location: West of the town of Meadow, near I-15
Current admission: Free while the landowner continues to permit responsible access
Reservations: Not required

Meadow Hot Springs has three clear pools on private agricultural land. The warmest pool is generally around 100°F, while the others are cooler. A short walk of approximately half a mile separates the parking area from the pools.

The clearest pool is also deep. Do not dive, enter underwater openings, climb fences, or treat the property as a developed recreation site. Public access depends on visitors obeying signs, remaining on the established route, and packing out all waste.

• Road conditions: The unpaved approach can become muddy or rutted after poor weather. Park where instructed rather than driving to the water.
• Facilities: There are no changing rooms, lifeguards, or dependable toilets at the pools.
• Where to stay: Fillmore is the closest practical base; Beaver offers additional lodging south on I-15.

8. Red Hill Hot Springs

Best for: A short-access soak near Monroe
Location: East of Monroe along 300 North
Current admission: No posted fee was found
Reservations: Not required

Red Hill Hot Springs has three small soaking pools below a red and orange mineral formation. The source water above the pools can be dangerously hot; enter only a pool after checking its temperature and keep children away from the source and channels.

The pools are visible near a small parking area, and a pit toilet has been reported onsite. The final section of road is graded dirt and is normally suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions.

• Access caveat: There is no active official operator page. Treat access as informal, obey every posted sign, and leave immediately if the property status has changed.
• Crowds: The pools hold only a few people. Early weekday mornings give visitors the best chance of avoiding a wait.
• Where to stay: Monroe and Richfield are practical bases. Mystic Hot Springs also has onsite lodging nearby.

9. Baker Hot Springs

Best for: Experienced travelers seeking a remote West Desert soak
Location: Baker Hot Springs Road, approximately 30 miles northwest of Delta
Current admission: Free
Reservations: Not required

Baker Hot Springs, also called Abraham or Crater Hot Springs, is in Utah’s West Desert—not Washington state. A geothermal source feeds three concrete soaking pools, while a separate cold-water flow allows visitors to reduce the pool temperature.

The geothermal source can reach approximately 190°F. Never touch the source, stand in a hot-water trench, or assume that the previous visitor left a pool at a safe temperature. Mix the water cautiously and test it before entering.

• Directions: Use the current Millard County visitor information and an offline map. Search results occasionally confuse this spring with locations outside Utah.
• Road: The final approach is unpaved. Conditions can change after storms, snow, or prolonged wet weather.
• Services: There are no dependable toilets, drinking-water taps, changing rooms, or staff. Carry more water than you expect to use.
• Camping: Verify current BLM boundaries, fire restrictions, and dispersed-camping rules before using nearby public land. A van-camping equipment checklist can help with preparation.

10. Gandy Warm Springs

Best for: Clear-water swimming, small waterfalls, and a remote summer stop
Location: Below Spring Mountain near the Nevada border
Current admission: No developed admission system
Reservations: Not required

Gandy Warm Springs is an oasis of clear streams, pools, caves, and small waterfalls. Water reaches approximately 81°F, so it feels pleasant in summer but is not a conventional hot soak during cold weather.

Use the open pools and streams rather than entering submerged passages or low-overhead caves. Remote-water rescues are difficult, and there is no onsite staff to monitor conditions.

• Services: There are no facilities at the spring. The Border Inn and Baker, Nevada, are approximately 30 miles away, while Delta is roughly 120 miles east.
• Road: Dry-weather access may be possible for ordinary vehicles, but rain and snow can change West Desert roads quickly.
• Camping: Public and state-trust lands exist nearby, but boundaries and rules differ. Confirm the current map before setting up camp.

11. Belmont Hot Springs

Best for: RV travelers, longer stays, and spring-lake swimming
Location: 5600 West 19200 North, Garland
Current admission: Call the office to ask about a day pass
Reservations: Required for RV sites; confirm day-use access separately

Belmont Hot Springs, also called Udy or Uddy Hot Springs, has two clear spring lakes maintained at approximately 97°F and 104°F. The springs sit beside an RV park rather than operating as a large walk-in aquatic center.

The property supports swimming and scuba activities arranged through outside course providers. Its current posted hot-spring hours are 9 a.m.–10 p.m., but the operator asks non-camping visitors to call about day-pass availability.

• Best use: An overnight RV stop rather than an assumed walk-in day trip.
• Water choice: The 97°F lake is better for extended swimming; the 104°F lake provides a hotter soak.
• Planning: Travelers without an RV can review what to expect when renting an RV before committing to a campground itinerary.

12. Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon

Best for: Families who want a cool spring-fed pool near St. George
Location: 287 East Veyo Resort Road, Veyo
Current admission: $18 for all ages; children younger than 2 enter free
Reservations: Check current access and lodging availability

Important distinction: Veyo Pool is an all-natural spring-fed swimming pool, not a geothermal hot soak. It earns a place here as a useful Southern Utah alternative for families who want to cool down rather than sit in 100°F water.

A daily canyon pass includes swimming, crawdad catching, hiking, picnicking, and rock-climbing access. Camping, RV sites, and a vacation home are available separately. Every visitor must complete a liability waiver, and pets are not permitted except qualifying service animals.

• 2026 season: The facility is scheduled from April 1 through October 31, generally from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with Friday and Saturday hours extending to 8 p.m. during the main summer season.
• Best conditions: Choose a warm Southern Utah day. This is not the right stop for travelers seeking a winter mineral soak.
• Where to stay: Use onsite camping or stay in Veyo, Santa Clara, or St. George.

How to plan a Utah hot-springs route by region

Utah is too large to combine every spring into one efficient road trip. Build a route around one or two regions, then use these Utah weekend-getaway ideas to fill the remaining days.

Families using the Wasatch Front as a base can compare family-friendly hotels in Salt Lake City. In Southern Utah, combine the springs with selected day trips from Zion National Park rather than attempting a rushed statewide circuit.

Hot-spring safety and etiquette

Natural hot springs are untreated bodies of water, not outdoor versions of a regulated spa. Temperatures, bacteria, algae, sediment, and access conditions can change without warning.

• Keep your head above naturally hot water. The CDC advises keeping the head above hot-spring water because Naegleria fowleri can occur in warm freshwater and enter through the nose. The risk is very low, but the resulting infection is severe.
• Test the temperature before entering. Move slowly and never touch a geothermal source or feeder trench. The CDC recommends that developed hot tubs remain at or below 104°F.
• Follow local advisories. Fifth Water currently has a specific harmful-bacteria warning. A site being open does not mean every pool is free from risk.
• Do not soak alone at a remote spring. Baker and Gandy have no staff, limited services, and unreliable mobile coverage.
• Bring drinking water and dry clothing. Dehydration, cold air after a soak, and a wet hike back can become more serious than the soak itself.
• Keep soap and glass out of the water. Do not alter pools, build new dams, dig into spring sources, or leave food and waste.
• Respect private property. Meadow and several informal pools remain available only because landowners tolerate responsible visitation.
• Use daylight for undeveloped sites. It is easier to inspect water, follow the legal route, and identify road hazards before dark.

Famous Utah springs that are closed or not for soaking

Ogden Hot Pots: private property and no trespassing

The old Ogden Hot Pots are not a legal public soaking destination. The property owner authorized the Weber County Sheriff’s Office to enforce no-trespassing restrictions, and authorities have warned that violators may receive citations. Parking along State Route 39 also creates a traffic hazard.

Do not park nearby, cross the property boundary, or treat the pools as temporarily closed pending a reopening. There is no announced public-access date.

Pah Tempe: historic spring source, not a public bathing site

The historic Pah Tempe resort and river-level pools are not open for direct public soaking. The geothermal water is now transported to Zion Canyon Hot Springs, where it is filtered, treated, and used in regulated pools.

Horseshoe Springs: wildlife and historic site, not a hot soak

Horseshoe Springs Wildlife Management Area protects riparian habitat in Skull Valley and includes a boardwalk, fishing access, wildlife viewing, and California National Historic Trail interpretation. BLM does not present it as a soaking destination.

Visit for the wetland, history, fishing, hiking, or photography. There are no restrooms or overnight camping at the site.

Plan your Utah hot-springs trip

Choose one developed spring and one natural site rather than trying to collect as many stops as possible. That approach leaves room for weather delays, road checks, reservations, and a responsible visit that does not damage informal pools or private land.

Reserve Mystic, Homestead Crater, and Zion Canyon before building the rest of the itinerary. For Fifth Water, Baker, Gandy, Meadow, or Red Hill, recheck the official advisory, forecast, road conditions, and posted property rules on the day of travel.

Utah hot springs FAQs

The best Utah hot spring is the one that matches your route, comfort level, and willingness to manage natural-site uncertainty. Reserve developed facilities early, verify undeveloped access on the day of travel, and leave every natural pool cleaner than you found it.