5 Hot Spots To Warm Up As The Weather Cools Off
As the air starts to develop a crispness that hints at the oncoming autumnal season, most local swimming pools are preparing to close up shop for the season. While a dip in an outdoor pool may no longer be so appealing, a visit to one of Utah’s local hot springs might be just the relaxing adventure that you need!
Meadow Hot Springs
If you have a fondness for wide-open fields and star-filled skies, Meadow Hot Springs near Filmore is guaranteed to fit the bill. This rural hot spring is made up of three pools that are situated on private property and are open to the public year-round. The temperatures typically hover around a comfortable 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for an autumn afternoon. The owners of this property have continued to make the pools accessible to visitors free of charge, so please remember to thank them by abiding by the posted signs. Don’t forget to look up specific instructions on how to get to this location in advance, as it is not intuitive and can easily be missed.
Crystal Hot Springs
Crystal Hot Springs is said to be one of the world’s largest hot springs and recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation in 2018. With 46,093 natural minerals circulating through the 120-134 degrees Fahrenheit hot spring, guests are sure to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you find yourself needing to cool off during your time in the pool, there is also a cold spring that maintains a chilly 65-75 degrees. Both of these pools produce more than enough water to drain and fill the pools overnight, keeping this Honeyville treasure exceptionally clean.
This getaway was established as a business in 1901 and has since been enjoyed by local Native American tribes, Chinese railroad workers, and also countless WWII veterans during a rehabilitation effort set up by Roosevelt in the 1940s. Today, Crystal Hot Springs is run by former Disney employee, Adam Nelson. He has grown the company over the past 10 years and now leads a team of nearly 70 dedicated employees. Entry tickets can be purchased at the pool entrance, but RV and camping reservations should be made in advance.
Homestead Crater
Equipped with a full-service resort, the Homestead Crater in Midway is easily the most luxurious hot springs experience on our list. This noteworthy destination consists of a hollow 55-foot tall limestone rock that houses a calming geothermal spring. The unique shape of the rock allows for sunlight and fresh air to enter the crater while simultaneously trapping in the warmth. Homestead Crater is often used for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and even paddle-board yoga classes. You can enjoy a weekend here by booking a room at the resort, enjoying a locally-sourced meal at the on-site restaurant, or by scheduling golf lessons at the resort’s par 71 course.
Mystic Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah might be the answer to your prayers. This funky venue offers camping sites with RV hookups, cabins, and even fully-renovated school buses that have been outfitted for a comfortable night’s sleep. The school buses come in no-pets-allowed and pet-friendly options, as well as varying capacity limits, so you are sure to find something that will comfortably accommodate you and your comrades. Soaking passes must be purchased in advance for the soaking pools, so don’t forget to plan ahead. There are 2 concrete soaking pools as well as 6 cast iron bathtubs for you to enjoy and relax in. What makes this water different is that there is no sulfur, so you won’t need to tolerate the familiar rotten-egg smell that is so often associated with hot springs.
Baker Hot Springs
For anyone that is temperature sensitive, Baker Hot Springs in Delta provides an opportunity for you to find the perfect combination of hot and cold to ensure maximum relaxation. Baker Hot Springs has three concrete pools that are fed by a nearby water source that maintains a steamy temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This sizzling water flows down through a trench to cool off a bit before entering the pools and can be adjusted by blocking off the hot pipe with an extra towel. Locals warn of unmarked scalding hot pools nearby, so be sure to keep kids close to avoid any accidents. Baker Hot Springs is located on public land, so there is not an entry fee, nor is anyone employed to maintain the pools. It is not unusual to see a variety of dedicated residents scrubbing the pools with bleach to ensure that visitors can continue to experience the soothing waters. Be sure to return the favor by enjoying responsibly and cleaning up after your visit!