17 Best Hot Springs Locations to Visit in the United States
Looking for some hot springs locations to add to your vacation itinerary? There are plenty of hot springs located in the United States to choose from, depending on your budget and preferred location. In this article, travel enthusiast Sarah McDonagh shares some of her favorite hot springs locations to add as a stop during your next vacation.
Last updated: April 11, 2024
6 min read
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The United States is home to many beautiful ocean coasts, majestic lakes, and towering waterfalls. It’s also home to many beautiful natural hot springs locations that travelers come from across the world to visit each year.
Whether you are looking for the turquoise pools of travertine hot springs, or the luxurious resort hot springs in Pagosa, Colorado, there’s something for every traveler. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite hot springs located in the United States, with some tips on how to make the most of each experience!
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon
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Nestled in the Mount Hood National Forest, these springs are accessible by a 1.5-mile hike through the forest from the parking area at Bagby Trailhead.
My favorite part about these hot springs is that the water is funneled into various hollowed out logs and whiskey barrels set atop multiple deck with stunning sky views. It’s an enchanting spot, and the best part is that you can actually camp at a campground situated right at the base of the trail.
Deep Creek Hot Springs, California
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Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, access is via a challenging hike from Bowen Ranch Road, which requires a fee to park and then a 2-3.5 mile hike to the springs depending on which trail you take.
One of the coolest parts of this hike is that it is actually situated along the historic PCT trail. Just make sure you bring cash as you’ll have to pay the local property owner to park.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, California
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Situated near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra, this hot springs is very popular given it’s proximity to the ski resort and easy access via a short, flat boardwalk path from a parking area off Benton Crossing Road.
There are multiple pools to choose from, and you have incredible sky views on a clear night. It can get a bit crowded on weekends, but it’s a great stop after a day on the mountains.
Strawberry Hot Springs, Colorado
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Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this natural wonder is renowned for its therapeutic and mineral-rich waters. It is one of the most built up hot springs on this list, as the pools are funneled into various man made pools with slabs of rock separating them by temperature.
There are also various seating areas and a changing area with a coal fire stove. What makes this spot unique is that you can also stay on the property in one of the cabins. While it is more built up, you still feel like you are deep in nature, and it’s a great option for those looking to experience natural hot springs without having to hike in.
Just make sure you have 4WD in the winter as the road out can be a bit treacherous during snowy months!
Mono Lake Hot Springs, California
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Located in California’s Eastern Sierra, this unique and ancient saline lake is known for its otherworldly landscape, including limestone tufa towers and alkaline waters. While Mono Lake itself is not a hot springs destination, the Eastern Sierra region is renowned for its geothermal activity, and there are several natural hot springs in the vicinity of Mono Lake.
My favorite time to visit these is in the shoulder months of summer (May/September) when you can more easily grab a campsite and enjoy the springs at night when the temperatures drop.
Mystic Hot Springs, Utah
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Located in Monroe, Utah, this unique hot springs destination that combines natural mineral waters with a distinctly bohemian vibe. One of the most distinctive features of Mystic Hot Springs are the individual soaking tubs.
These are antique bathtubs that have been repurposed to provide private soaking experiences, each filled with hot mineral water. The tubs offer a personal and intimate way to enjoy the hot springs, with views of the stunning surrounding landscape.
If these are full there are also a couple of larger pools you can enjoy. I recommend visiting at sunset to enjoy the amazing view and then soak as the temperatures drop with the sun.
Arizona Hot Springs, Arizona
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Also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs, these springs are located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near the Arizona-Nevada border. The coolest thing about this hidden oasis is that they are nestled in a slot canyon.
The hike to access is approximately 6 miles round trip and involves walking through a wash, slot canyons, and some ladder climbing to reach the springs. It’s a cool hike in and of itself, and even better when you’re rewarded by the springs at the end. The springs are only about an hour from Vegas if you are looking for a retreat after a weekend on the strip!
Boquillas Hot Springs, Texas
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Also known as Langford Hot Springs, these springs are located within Big Bend National Park in West Texas, near the Rio Grande. The hot springs are named after J.O. Langford, who established a health resort at the site in the early 20th century, drawn by the reputed healing properties of the spring water.
The pool is built on the ruins of Langford’s old bathhouse, allowing you to soak in a man made pool. It’s only about a half mile hike to access these springs, making them easily accessible but remote enough that you should be able to experience the springs without massive crowds.
San Antonio Hot Springs, New Mexico
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Located in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, these springs are set against the backdrop of the lush, forested landscape of the Santa Fe National Forest. It’s one of the more serene springs I’ve been to, mostly due to the difficulty of access.
During the summer months it’s only about a half mile hike from the parking area, but during poorer weather or forest service restrictions the access road often closes making the hike up to 5 miles round trip. If you’re up for the adventure, it’s worth making the trek to enjoy these stunning springs (often to yourself).
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
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Located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, this renowned hot springs resort offers a secluded getaway in the heart of Alaska’s scenic interior. Given it is set inside a resort, it’s more built up (and therefore more crowded) than others on this list, but nonetheless stunning and enjoyable.
Another great option for those looking to gain access without having to hike, and you can also stay on this property to make a weekend out of it. It’s magical here if you happen to visit during a time when the northern lights are visible.
Pagosa Hot Springs, Colorado
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Located in southwestern Colorado, these springs are among the deepest and most mineral-rich natural hot springs in the world. The town of Pagosa Springs has built a vibrant community and tourism industry around these geothermal wonders, offering visitors a unique blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and outdoor adventure against the backdrop of the stunning San Juan Mountains.
It’s a great place to make an entire weekend trip out of, with many other spa services offered in town from massages to facials and other treatments utilizing the water’s natural healing properties.
Homestead Crater, Utah
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Located in Midway, Utah, this geothermal crater is housed within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock formation.
This unique natural wonder is over 10,000 years old and while it’s not as hot as other springs at only 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit you can actually scuba dive in these waters and it is the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental United States. Even if you’re not into scuba diving it’s still open to the public for swimming and snorkeling.
Travertine Hot Springs, California
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One of the more natural springs on the list this series of pools i set just south of the town of Bridgeport, California offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can access them by driving to the end of a dirt road and then taking a short walk to find the various pools, or taking an 11 mile out and back hike.
My favorite part of these springs is that they are actually set on BLM land meaning you can camp anywhere without needing a permit or having to pay any fees.
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
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Just over an hour’s drive north of Phoenix, this secluded desert oasis has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century and has been visited by many celebrities and political figures.
The springs are the centerpiece of a luxury resort that was renovated and reopened in 2019, offering a tranquil retreat. Sadly these are not open for public day use, but if you are looking for a luxury vacation centered on natural hot springs then this is the spot.
Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Utah
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Also known as Fifth Water Hot Springs, these are located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, near Spanish Fork Canyon in central Utah. You can only access these via a hike along the Fifth Water Trail, a 4.5 mile round trip hike that takes you along a river and through lush forest.
It’s a gorgeous hike that makes the entire experience worthwhile. These springs are also sought after as they contain sulphur, which despite the slight odor, hold many benefits.
Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon
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Also known as the Toketee Hot Springs, these are perched on a cliffside overlooking the picturesque North Umpqua River. You can access them via a short but steep hike, approximately 0.3 miles from the parking area.
The trail can be muddy and slippery, so just make sure you wear good shoes. I love these springs because there are multiple pools that vary in temperature, allowing you to pick which one you feel most comfortable in or hop around throughout your visit.
Olympic Hot Springs, Washington
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These springs are located Olympic National Park in Washington State which is worth a visit in and of itself. The lush, verdant landscape is one of the most diverse in the united states making this experience unique.
To access these you have to take a 5 mile round trip hike from the Boulder Creek Trailhead. Just make sure to check conditions as the park occasionally closes access to this hike.
