If you're searching for the best US hot springs you can actually soak in, you'll find everything from hidden mountain pools and peaceful forest springs to luxury mineral spas with world-class facilities.There are dozens of geothermal hot springs in the United States that naturally heated mineral water makes ideal year round spots to relax.
From remote hiking spots to comfortable resorts, these incredible destinations are sure to provide an experience that will be memorable, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It's the top guide to some of the most popular and scenic hot springs in America that should be included in every traveler's bucket list.
Top US Hot Springs You Can Actually Soak In
The United States is home to a wide variety of natural hot springs, from remote mountain pools to luxury mineral resorts. Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway or an outdoor adventure, these destinations offer unforgettable soaking experiences in naturally heated waters.
Feeling toasty
From a misty pond in a forest to a gurgling pool in a desert red-rock hideout, the U.S. is peppered with locations where the earth heats water for you the trick is finding the ones you can soak in.
Our team of well-traveled editors has scoured the nation to compile a list of our top hot spring experiences, some requiring a serious hike and others providing the complete package (hello, robes and room service), but each guarantee to deliver natural hot mineral waters for any adventurer eager enough to go looking.
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Homestead Crater, Utah
Emerging from the landscape like a stone-built beehive, the natural cave opening in Midway, an hour from Salt Lake City, is just large enough for its opening and reveals the water inside, which is around 95F year-round. This is an ideal depth for diving or swimming, and provides one of the world's few opportunities for subterranean bathing.
The light entering through an opening in the roof streams into the warmer than usual water below to create a space of awe. You’ll need to time your entry by making an appointment with Homestead Resort. Changing rooms and life jackets are available.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, New Mexico
As one of the oldest health spas in the nation, Ojo Caliente offers a fusion of desert scenery and spa amenities. Surrounded by sandstone bluffs and adobe buildings about 50 miles north of Santa Fe, this resort features one of the few sites in the world with four types of mineral waters, each attributed to different healing qualities.
The pools range from mild to 105F; you can opt for private hot tub soaking, book overnight stays in cozy adobe rooms or suites. No children under 13 are allowed, and in most of the spa areas, quiet is enforced.
Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho
Goldbug hides within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, 3.5 miles each direction of a climb into big sky country with views into sagebrush valleys. Steam rises from natural pools as water flows over rocky ledge into small cascades, with surrounding hills and mountains as far as the eye can see.
There are no amenities to this place so come prepared to carry all your water, food, and any clothing necessary. This is an amazing, completely free spot and can be a bit crowded and hot during mid-summer. If you wish to camp, it is available in designated areas below the springs.
Chico Hot Springs, Montana
The Yellowstone Hotel Chico Hot Springs is north of the national park and gives the best of the West and natural springs together. Created in 1900, the resort has two outside swimming pools; one warm swimming pool as well as another smaller pool that is warm. They offer cozy rooms at the old lodge, dining establishment, saloon as well as pony trips as well as yoga courses.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado
Perched high above the Colorado River, Iron Mountain is a manicured but tranquil soak. Thirty-one hot mineral pools in a spectrum of temperatures spill out from its buildings and spread along the property, with panoramic views into Glenwood Canyon and a chance for trains to whistle below.
Changing rooms, a cafe, and an adults-only area that includes its own, more ambitious cafe and cocktail bar are available. Children are welcome but best suit the freshwater family pool. If you’re looking for some pampering but want to retain a touch of the natural world this is the one.
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Some 60 miles outside of Fairbanks, Chena provides the sublime, dream-like feeling of sitting in piping hot water as snow piles around the pool’s rocky periphery. This natural outdoor pool-like body of water stays open all year, even when it’s colder than −22F.
A larger resort with a full complex of cabins, an ice museum, and viewing for the aurora borealis during the winter months surrounds it. Day passes offer an option, and the road remains navigable during the winter but conditions can be challenging. For a chance to see the Northern Lights while in the tub, visit after dark.
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Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon
Located in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, Terwilliger has a set of stacked, natural pools with mossy trees all around, birds serenading, and water cascading down each pool getting slightly cooler from one to the next. Clothing is optional at Terwilliger hot springs, and there are outhouses and a small shelter to boot. A short path connects the parking lot to the pools and there is a day-use fee to get in.
Quinn’s Hot Springs, Montana
Quinn’s, right on the Clark Fork River, pairs rugged mountain beauty with a mellow, cozy vibe. Five mineral pools between 100F and 106F (with river and canyon views) await your beck and call, as do cabins, a saloon, lodge and a restaurant. Overnight guests can dip anytime from early morning to evening.
If you only visit for the day, book a reservation in advance for your timed entry (numbers are kept under control). This is one of the sweetest spots to be in the winter when light snow settles onto the pine trees on the hills.
FAQs
1. What are the hottest hot springs in the USA that you can visit?
Examples of the best are Homestead Crater in Utah; Ojo Caliente in New Mexico; Goldbug Hot Springs in Idaho; Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Colorado; Chena Hot Springs in Alaska; Terwilliger Hot Springs in Oregon; Chico Hot Springs, and Quinn's Hot Springs in Montana.
2. Can you swim and soak in the hot springs, in the USA?
Yes. The majority of the developed hot springs are maintained and safe to use. The temperature and local safety directions of natural springs must always be checked before entering.
3. Is it necessary to make reservations for hot springs in the USA?
Popular hot springs, particularly resort operated springs such as Quinn's Hot Springs, Ojo Caliente, Iron Mountain and Homestead Crater, also have reservations available.
4. What are the US hot springs that are open to visitors?
The best known free natural hot springs (though with a moderate hike) are those at Goldbug Hot Springs in Idaho.
5. When would be the ideal time to visit US hot springs?
Hot springs are a popular year-round destination, but are particularly popular in the fall and winter months when the cooler outdoor temperatures make for a more relaxing hot spring experience. Many places also have gorgeous views in the spring and early summer without the crowds.
