7 Best Natural Hot Springs in Salt Lake City
Ever since ancient times, hot springs have always been known to have healing properties because of all the minerals they possess. Utah has some of the best hot springs that also offer on-site bonuses such as paddleboard yoga, waterslides, music festivals, and camping. Below are some of the best hot springs that Utah has to offer, but first, let us go over what a hot spring is.
What is a hot spring?
A hot spring is water that emerges from the earth's crust after been heated. Some water from hot springs is safe for individuals to bathe in while others are too hot for the human skin.
A hot spring can be thought of as a hot tub on a grand scale. It is a natural body of water that maintains a hot temperature from underground sources of heat. The most interesting thing about these springs is that they are fed by magma deep below the earth's surface. The super-heated water seeps up through cracks in the overlying rocks, and as it heats up, the pressure builds until it forces itself out to the surface in what we know as a geothermal spring.
Hot Spring Minerals
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Chloride
- Silica
- Potassium
- Nitrogen
- Phosphate
- Lithium
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Arsenic
- Boron
- Calcium
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Crystal Hot Springs
Location: 8215 UT-38, Honeyville, UT 84314
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FIFTH WATER HOT SPRINGS
Location: Diamond Fork Rd, Spanish Fork, UT
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MEADOW HOT SPRINGS
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Homestead Crater
Location: 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway, UT
- A walk through thousands of years of history
- A beautiful museum at the top of the crater which is also self guided
- The hot springs in there natural habitat
- Scenic hiking trails
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Inlet Hot Springs
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Baker Hot Springs
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Mystic Hot Springs
LOcation: 475 E 100 N, Monroe, UT 84754
The Crystal Hot Springs is known to have the highest mineral content spring in the world. Dr. Steve Simms; Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology at Utah State University, believes that the Crystal Hot Springs was once home to over 450 generations of Native American families. The last native people to reside here were the North Shoshone-Bannock and once per year, they return to the spring to tell stories of their ancestors.
The Crystal Hot Springs was formerly known as the Madsen Hot Springs which was established as a business in 1901. The spring gravity fed a pool that was housed in a large building. This indoor pool was canceled in 1937 because of a lightning strike that started a fire and burned the facilities down.
The hot spring pool is 4 feet deep and has slides for the kids. There are 3 restaurants within a 5-mile drive. These restaurants are JC's Country Diner, Arby's, and Arctic Circle Restaurant.
Swimming Prices
| Adult | Senior Citizens | Children (Ages 3-12) | Ages 2 and under |
|---|---|---|---|
| $12 | $10 | $10 | Free |
Swim and Slide Pass
| All Ages (Must be at least 42″ tall) |
|---|
| $14 |
Family Night
Wednesday nights from 4PM – 10PM
| Family up to 6(Swim only) | Family of 6 (Swim and slide) |
|---|---|
| $36 | $42 |
Hours
Winter Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-9:30pm, Friday 4pm-10:30pm, Saturday 10am-10:30pm, Sunday 10am-7:30pm
Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-9:30pm Friday and Saturday 10am-10:30pm, Sunday 10am-7:30pm
No one is allowed to enter the pool area before or after business hours.
The fifth water hot springs are very popular and have Several soaking pools for everyone to enjoy. There are many different activities to take part in when you visit this hot spring such as camping, zipline, ATV, Events, Boating, Golf, hiking, rafting, fishing, and Horseback Riding.
This hot spring is located in Salt Lake City. This hot spring is a clear, bubbling pool that has a temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The rock formations surrounding this hot spring are very diverse and unique; they are made up of very old granite rocks, limestone rocks, quartzite rocks, and schistose rocks. Due to these different types of rocks that make up the famous "Magic Mineral" or known as "Dragonstone," it contains numerous amounts of minerals such as: Copper, Calcium Sulfate, Aluminum Oxide, \Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Bromide (Salt), Hydrated Silica (sand), Iron Ore and Borax. These minerals are acquired from the ground water table which filters down through sedimentary rock layers into the hot spring.
These hot springs are located on private land so please be sure to read all the signs and be respectful to the surroundings. The temperature at the MEADOW HOT SPRINGS typically ranges from about 85°F to 95°F degrees, and the water is very clear. The green vegetation surrounding the spring makes it easy to spot so you won't miss it . It is however on private property and all signs should be followed that are posted.
The MEADOW HOT SPRINGS in Utah is one of the most popular springs in Utah, and they are ranked number 9 out of the 10 best natural hot spring in Salt Lake City. The MEADOW HOT SPRINGS were made as a result from volcanic activity which created The Uinta Mountains. This majestic place is made up of 3 large ponds that flow into each other; MIDDLE MEADOW SPRING, WEST CREEK POND, and EAST CREEK POND.
Created over 10,000 years ago, this crater has heated mineral water that stays at an almost constant 90°. There is a crater tour that is well-loved and offers information on the geology, history, and archaeology of the crater for everyone who wants to know about the area before or after taking a dip.
The most exciting way to access the spring is through the dome-shaped canopy, but there is also another access point through the rocks wall that gives access to
This hot spring is very close to home as it is located in Midway Utah. It's only about a 20 minute drive from Salt Lake City so don't forget to pack your swim suit and towel for the day. If you do not have time to relax at Homestead Crater, try one of their amazing restaurants that serve great food.
This hot spring/museum offers tours which are every hour on the hour (9am-5pm) . In which you will be able to enjoy an audio guide which explains some history behind this unique place. The tour is self guided thru a system of pathways with markers along the way explaining this great sites many features. Highlights include:
Hours of operation
| Monday-Thursday | Friday & Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm to 6:30pm | 10:30am to 6:30pm | 10:30am to 4:30pm |
The hot spring water here stays at or around 109° and comprises of three different pools. There is one large pool which is the most popular of the three, this larger pool overflows into a medium size pool and then that medium-size pool then flows into a back pool. For everyone who prefers the lower temperature hot springs, the back pool would be the best choice as it is the coolest of the three but also happens to be the muddiest of the three.
The springs close at 10 pm every day and it is advised to not bring any type of alcoholic beverages.
The Inlet Hot Springs are located in Utah close to the Nevada border. This spot is a true hot springs oasis set in the middle of the desert. The hot springs has a depth of approximately 3 ft and a temperature of 110 °F. The spring is a travertine spring, which means is it's made up of calcium carbonate and other minerals that come from the water depositing limestone on the ground around it as it evaporates.
Clothing is required and the spring is for day use only. You are not allowed to camp overnight. They are open from 6:30am-10pm.
This hot spring is located close to the Great Basin National Park and comprises of three tubs of water that gets its heat from a volcanic area known as Fumarole Butte. The first tub's water is lukewarm, the second is a bit warmer and then the third is very hot. You can bring the temperature of the third tub down by a few degrees with PVC pipes that channel cold water.
The Baker Hot Springs are located just north of Salt Lake City in the Uinta Mountains. This spot offers several hot springs ponds, along with camping and hiking opportunities. The surface temperature is about 100 °F and it's 10 feet deep. It is open from dawn to dusk and does require clothing. Permits must be obtained prior to visiting as this area is gated off from the public during spring runoff season (March 1 through May 15).
The Baker Hot Springs are an excellent place for a weekend family trip, especially if you have kids that like to swim. The Springs have a large parking area, parking for 30-35 vehicles, along with some picnic tables, trash cans.
The water here is very hot so you should take precautions. The springs are located on private property, so leave any valuables in the car.
The Baker Hot Spring can also be a great place to do some photography.
The spectacular rock formations at this hot spring were created from mineral buildup over a countless amount of years. Visitors have the option of camping at the available campsite on the grassy lawn area which is also tree-lined. This is the perfect place to build a campfire and to tell stories while eating a couple s'mores.
There are a total of 6 cast iron bathtubs and 2 concrete pools. To receive a perfect mineral water massage, sit by the shallow pool which is only 2 feet deep, and offers the best spot for a massage by the waterfall which enters the pool at the side.
These springs are nestled in the mountains high above Salt Lake City. There is a music festival held there each year, and swimming in the hot spring is a popular part of the weekend excursions. There are natural springs here with water that maintains temperatures around 100 degrees F (38 C) year round. The pool is large enough to accommodate several hundred people on busy days, but it still retains an intimate feeling for those who like cozy spaces.
The Mystic hot springs also have lodging and restaurants close by which makes it convenient to visit. The more shallow pool is about 2 feet deep, and it is easy to walk out a few feet into the cool water. Then as you sit back in the heated water of the pool, your body will heat up quickly. The hotter pool is between 4 and 5 feet deep, you can test the temperature carefully with your arm before jumping in.
The hot springs have been known to locals here for a long time but just recently became publicized because of the music festival that attracts people from all over Utah. Shallow areas make it safe enough for young children as well, so families are welcome too. Because of its remote location in Big Cottonwood Canyon , visitors may need to stop at least once along the way for fuel or food if they're traveling any distance from Salt Lake City.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a relaxing place to spend your vacation, consider visiting the hot springs in salt lake city! The volcanic rocks and mineral-rich waters promote relaxation and reduce stress. There are several different destinations with natural geothermal pools that can be found on Google Maps or Yelp. As stated earlier, this is an excellent way to relax during the winter months. So if you want to enjoy some time off while still getting out of town, visit one of these hotsprings today and find what works best for you!