Discovering the perfect hot spring can turn an ordinary getaway into a rejuvenating retreat. The United States boasts a diverse range of natural hot springs, each offering unique experiences, from scenic mountain soaks to luxurious resort amenities. Whether you’re seeking therapeutic mineral waters or simply a serene spot to unwind, our guide to the best hot springs in the U.S. will help you find your ideal oasis.
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs offers an extraordinary experience in the Alaskan wilderness. Known for its healing mineral waters, the springs are part of a larger resort that includes an ice museum, aurora viewing tours, and dog sledding. The natural hot springs lake, open year-round, provides a perfect spot to soak while enjoying the stunning northern lights during winter.
Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado
Nestled at an elevation of 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Conundrum Hot Springs offers breathtaking views and a truly unique experience. Accessible only by a challenging 8.5-mile hike, the springs reward visitors with pristine, natural pools surrounded by alpine meadows. The journey and the destination are both unforgettable, making it a favorite among adventurers.
Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming
Home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis offers a variety of ways to enjoy its waters. Visitors can soak in the free Bath House, where the water is maintained at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or explore the park’s colorful terraces and trails. The park also features bison herds, making it a unique blend of relaxation and nature observation.
Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Hot Springs boasts the world’s largest hot springs pool, attracting visitors since 1888. The pool is kept at a soothing 93 degrees Fahrenheit, while a smaller therapy pool reaches 104 degrees. The resort includes a luxury spa, waterslides, and a historic lodge, making it a perfect family-friendly destination with a mix of relaxation and fun.
Travertine Hot Springs, California
Located near Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra, Travertine Hot Springs offers several pools with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The naturally heated mineral water flows through beautiful travertine formations, creating a series of pools with varying temperatures. Easily accessible and surrounded by scenic landscapes, it’s a perfect spot for a tranquil soak.
Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon
Perched on a cliff overlooking the North Umpqua River, these hot springs consist of several terraced pools that offer stunning views of the river and surrounding forest. The pools vary in temperature and provide a rustic, natural soaking experience. Accessible via a short hike, Umpqua Hot Springs is a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon
Deep in the Mount Hood National Forest, Bagby Hot Springs features wooden bathhouses with private soaking tubs made from hollowed-out logs. The hot mineral water is piped into these tubs, creating a rustic yet charming experience. The springs are accessible via a 1.5-mile hike through old-growth forest, adding to the serene and secluded atmosphere.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
This restored 19th-century ghost town turned luxury resort offers an exclusive hot springs experience. Dunton Hot Springs features several indoor and outdoor pools, all filled with naturally heated mineral water. The resort combines rustic charm with modern amenities, providing a unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah
Also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, this picturesque spot is located in Utah’s Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. A moderate 2.5-mile hike leads to a series of cascading pools with vibrant blue water, thanks to the mineral content. Surrounded by rugged terrain and stunning waterfalls, Fifth Water Hot Springs offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, New Mexico
One of the oldest natural health resorts in the U.S., Ojo Caliente features a variety of geothermal mineral waters, each with unique healing properties. The resort offers several pools, private soaking tubs, and a mud pool, all set against the backdrop of the New Mexico desert. The tranquil atmosphere and luxurious amenities make it a perfect destination for a rejuvenating retreat.
The Springs Resort & Spa, Colorado
Located in Pagosa Springs, The Springs Resort & Spa boasts 23 hot mineral pools terraced along the banks of the San Juan River. With varying temperatures and stunning river views, the pools offer a relaxing experience for every preference. The resort also features a full-service spa, luxury accommodations, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
Gold Strike Hot Springs, Nevada
Accessible via a challenging hike through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Gold Strike Hot Springs offers a rewarding soak in natural hot pools surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. The hike includes several boulder scrambles and rope-assisted climbs, adding an adventurous element to the experience. The pools are fed by hot springs emerging from the canyon walls, creating a unique and scenic setting.
Jordan Hot Springs, California
Located in the Golden Trout Wilderness, Jordan Hot Springs is accessible via an 11-mile hike through beautiful forested terrain. The remote location ensures a peaceful and uncrowded experience, with a large, natural pool fed by hot springs emerging from the hillside. The pristine setting and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for backcountry relaxation.
Boquillas Hot Springs, Texas
Situated on the banks of the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, Boquillas Hot Springs offers a historic and scenic soaking experience. The springs were once part of a thriving resort in the early 1900s, and visitors can still see remnants of the original bathhouse. The hot spring pool is surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and offers stunning views of the river and nearby cliffs.
Mystic Hot Springs, Utah
Known for its quirky, artistic vibe, Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe features a collection of vintage bathtubs and stone pools filled with hot mineral water. The unique setting, combined with the mineral-rich water, provides a one-of-a-kind soaking experience. The site also hosts music festivals and offers rustic cabins and camping, making it a favorite among free-spirited travelers.
Bliss Hot Springs, Idaho
Located on the banks of the Snake River, Bliss Hot Springs offers a tranquil soaking experience with stunning river views. The springs feed into a series of natural rock pools, each with varying temperatures. The serene setting and soothing waters make it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Famous for its historic bathhouses and therapeutic waters, Berkeley Springs State Park offers a variety of soaking options, including Roman baths, whirlpool tubs, and outdoor pools. The town of Berkeley Springs is known for its charming atmosphere, art galleries, and wellness-focused community, making it an ideal destination for a holistic getaway.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Known as “The American Spa,” Hot Springs National Park offers a historic and luxurious soaking experience. The park features several bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, where visitors can enjoy the healing waters in a variety of settings, from traditional thermal baths to modern spa treatments. The park also offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful gardens.
Esalen Hot Springs, California
Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, Esalen Hot Springs offers a breathtaking and serene soaking experience. The hot springs are part of the Esalen Institute, known for its holistic workshops and retreats. The outdoor baths provide stunning ocean views, especially at sunrise and sunset, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, California
Located near Mammoth Lakes, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs offers a series of natural hot pools with stunning views of the Eastern Sierra. The pools are easily accessible via a short boardwalk, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The wide-open landscapes and peaceful setting provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Allegheny Springs, Virginia
Part of the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Allegheny Springs offers a luxurious and historic soaking experience. The resort features a variety of pools and baths fed by natural hot springs, including a European-style spa garden and a family-friendly water park. The elegant setting and high-end amenities make it a perfect destination for a pampering getaway.
Lolo Hot Springs, Montana
Located in the Lolo National Forest, Lolo Hot Springs offers a rustic and scenic soaking experience. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, as well as a campground and lodge. The surrounding forest provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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