When you explore the best natural hot springs in the USA, you’ll encounter spa destinations that provide relaxation and rejuvenation in tranquil surroundings. You’ll find these geothermal wonders scattered across the country’s diverse landscapes. Some are hidden away in remote mountain regions and others are accessible within national parks or luxurious resorts.
Each setting will introduce you to the therapeutic benefits of natural thermal baths. The mineral-rich warm waters can help to soothe stresses, improve circulation, and nourish your senses. Discover the USA’s hot springs and unwind in serene natural beauty.
Picturesque spot filled with mineral-rich natural pools
Good for: Couples, Families
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado, offers a wide selection of pools to relax and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. Situated on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, the resort has the feel of a private club. Its pools are arranged on a shaded hillside terrace with beautiful river and mountain views.
You’ll find various soaking options, including geothermal pools, a freshwater family pool, and a jetted spa. At WorldSprings, an area designated for adults over 21, you can experience pebble-bottomed pools infused with mineral formulas that recreate the properties of renowned hot springs across the globe. If you’d like some refreshments, try out the healthy seasonal food and drink specials at the onsite cafes.
Location: 281 Centennial St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 970-945-4766
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado
Remote luxury resort with stunning scenery
Good for: Luxury, Photo, Adventure
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona, is an oasis of calm and relaxation deep in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. This secluded retreat feels truly exclusive and luxurious, and you’ll be welcomed and pampered from the moment you arrive. You could enjoy a soak surrounded by beautiful views in the outdoor tubs and natural hot springs before you unwind in a creek-side hammock.
A stay at this resort includes fine dining with fresh farm-to-table ingredients and poolside snacks. There are a variety of adventurous activities on offer, from guided hikes and landscape tours to archery, axe-throwing, and e-bike rides. Take a guided yoga or meditation class for extra relaxation.
Location: 5050 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342, USA
Phone: +1 844-348-1601
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Hourglass-shaped pool with warm, deep waters
Good for: Photo, Couples, Adventure
Utah Crater, Midway, Utah, is a geothermal hot spring based at the Homestead Resort. This striking and unique pool is a great destination for scuba enthusiasts, who come from far and wide to experience the warm waters that reach a depth of 65 ft (20 meters).
If you’d like to try diving but you’re not yet certified, you can book an accompanied dive with trained staff. You might prefer to swim or snorkel on the surface of the pool or don one of the lifejackets supplied and just relax and soak in the refreshing mineral waters. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your spectacular surroundings and consider an evening visit for extra atmosphere under the darkening sky.
Location: 700 North Homestead Dr, Midway, UT 84049, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from noon to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 435-657-3840
Utah Crater, Midway, Utah
For soaks accompanied by the Northern Lights
Good for: Luxury, Couples, Adventure
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the most beautiful places to stay when you’re exploring the USA’s best hot springs. The resort offers fascinating history in a glorious Alaskan setting. Not only can you enjoy a fabulous hot spring lake, but you’ll also find cooling fountains, an ice museum, and a chance to experience the breathtaking sight of the Northern Lights.
There’s a wake-up call service available for guests if you’d like to be summoned when the lights are most visible. Seize the opportunity to sit in the soothing natural springs as the light show unfolds in the skies above you or take an Aurora Snow Coach tour to the mountaintop for outstanding unobstructed views.
Location: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Phone: +1 907-451-8104
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska
Springs fed by a rift on the Rio Grande
Good for: Couples, Adventure, Photo
Riverbend, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is a popular hot springs spa and resort situated in the historic downtown of Truth or Consequences, close to Spaceport America. On your visit, you’ll have a chance to unwind in a serene and relaxed setting, with immaculate riverside pools and amazing views of the Rio Grande River and Turtleback Mountain.
There are several springs to choose from at Riverbend. You could relax in a hammock in the warm waters as soft music plays in the background or try a therapeutic cold dip in the river. If you’re staying overnight, consider booking one of the suites that come complete with a private jetted pool, fireplace, and kitchenette.
Location: 100 Austin St, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901, USA
Phone: +1 575-894-7625
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Wild, warm waters with panoramic views
Good for: Adventure, Budget
Spencer Hot Springs, Nevada, provides a rugged and authentic hot springs experience while offering you magnificent views of the Toiyabe National Forest. The vast desert valley hosts a cluster of geothermal springs on public land. You’re free to help yourself to a soak in the natural tubs and ponds on a first-come, first-served basis, with no restrictions or admission fees.
You’ll need to embark on some off-road travel to reach these remote springs. Keep in mind that it’s always best to test the temperature of the water before taking the plunge. Also be aware that wild mules occasionally visit to drink from the springs, and you’ll need to give them some space.
Spencer Hot Springs, Nevada
Waterfall-fed pool in woodlands
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Granite Hot Springs Pool, Wyoming, is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, and it’s reachable with a drive along a mountain road during the summer months. In winter, when the forest trail through the Gros Ventre range is closed to cars, you can journey to the springs by snowmobile, dogsled, or skis. However you decide to travel, you’ll find enchanting wildlife and breathtaking views on your way.
Once you arrive at the Granite Hot Springs Pool, relax and soak in the clean and comfortable pool that’s fed daily by spring water from the nearby peaks. Basic facilities are provided, but do bring your own snacks if you’d like to enjoy a picnic by the water.
Granite Hot Springs Pool, Wyoming
Historic charm and hiking trails
Good for: Couples, Unusual, Photo
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, is an urban park with a rich cultural heritage. As well as admiring old bathhouses and mountain views, you’ll have a chance to wander through history at the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center. Here, you can explore wellness culture and try your own taste of the hot springs water from the fountain.
The park also offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers and adventurers, and pets are welcome in much of the parkland. There are 26 miles of hiking trails as well as opportunities for fishing, birding, and photography. Watch out for special events like moonlit bike rides and art walks in the city of Hot Springs.
Phone: +1 501-620-6715
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Natural pools in glorious countryside
Good for: Couples, Photo
Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California, is easy to reach by road, with a small parking area nearby and all the amenities of the town of Bridgeport just minutes away. After a short hike along a gravel path, you’ll encounter bubbling pools and springs of different temperatures, many of them warm rather than hot.
As you soak under the limestone, you can admire the geological features and views across the valley. If you arrive at a busy time, you’re likely to share the pools with other visitors, but the atmosphere should be friendly and welcoming. Arrive early for a chance of getting a pool to yourself.
Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California
Wooden bathhouses and soaking tubs
Good for: Couples, Adventure, Photo
At Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon, a rustic experience awaits you among towering trees close to the Clackamas River, 40 miles (64 km) from the city of Estacada, Oregon. Hike along a scenic 1.4-mile (2.3-km) trail to access the site. When the winter snow begins to fall, the area is no longer accessible.
Once you reach the site, you can enjoy the use of 2 renovated bathhouses. One of the bathhouses contains 3 log tubs filled with hot spring water, and the other features 1 tub on an open deck. If you’d like to soak up the beauty of the springs for longer, consider pitching a tent in the official campground.
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon
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